What does the spleen mean in Chinese medicine?

In TCM, the spleen is central to digestion and is considered a vital organ. The spleen is said to pull qi from all the foods we eat and deliver it to the rest of the body. When a TCM practitioner suspects a qi deficiency, they often look to treat the spleen first.

What emotion is the spleen in Chinese medicine?

Worry. According to TCM theory, worry is related to the Spleen and the earth element. The Spleen is responsible for transforming food into vital nutrients and transporting those nutrients to the rest of the body.

What is the main function of the spleen in the digestive system?

Your spleen is an organ above your stomach and under your ribs on your left side. It is about as big as your fist. The spleen is part of your lymphatic system, which fights infection and keeps your body fluids in balance. It contains white blood cells that fight germs.

How does the Spleen make blood?

The types of tissue in the spleen are: White pulp: As part of the immune system, the white pulp produces white blood cells. These blood cells make antibodies. Antibodies fight infection.

What emotion dissolves Qi?

There are a variety of physical and emotional conditions that are thought to diminish your qi. Among the most common causes are chronic stress and sleep deprivation. Both of these can elevate the stress hormone cortisol, which can interfere with immune function and increase the risk of depression and burnout.

What is Qi deficiency tongue?

In Qi deficiency conditions, the tongue is pale or slightly pale, the body of the tongue is flabby, with teeth marks in a severe case, and the coating is white, or white and sticky. From: Chinese Herbal Medicines (Second Edition), 2010.

What does cold mean in Chinese medicine?

Expel the pathogens. Decide whether symptoms are “hot” or “cold.” In Chinese Medicine “cold” symptoms include sneezing, runny nose with clear or white phlegm, itchy throat, coughing up clear or white mucus, and an achy body.

Can you survive without a spleen?

The spleen is a fist-sized organ in the upper left side of your abdomen, next to your stomach and behind your left ribs. It’s an important part of your immune system, but you can survive without it. This is because the liver can take over many of the spleen’s functions.