What is spleen deficiency?

Spleen-deficiency syndrome (SDS) is a typical syndrome of TCM, which is characterized by poor appetite, fullness and sleepiness after eating, fatigue, pale face and tongue, weight loss, and loose stools5. Spleen-yang-deficiency syndrome (SYDS) is one of the most common types of SDS.

What causes spleen deficiency?

Spleen Qi Deficiency is caused by overexertion, poor dietary habits, and/or emotional imbalances. Irregular eating,155 consuming cold or raw foods and drinks, skipping meals, not eating enough, or overeating all weaken Spleen Qi. Overthinking, worrying, or feeling anxious can lead to mental strain and harm Spleen Qi.

What are the symptoms of a weak spleen?

The characteristic features of Spleen-Qi deficiency are fatigue, asthenia, atrophied muscle, pale tongue with thin white coating and moderate, weak pulse. Spleen-Yang deficiency is characterized by cold limbs, fear of cold, puffy pale tongue with slippery coating and slow fine pulse.

How do you fix spleen deficiency?

Practitioners believe that a qi deficiency is linked to the spleen and that rest and eating certain foods can treat the imbalance. The concepts of TCM are not based in modern science but have their roots in ancient Chinese practices. TCM includes herbal remedies, acupuncture, and exercises such as tai chi or qigong.

How can I strengthen my spleen?

So what can I eat to strengthen the Spleen?
  1. Meat: poultry, lamb, beef, venison.
  2. Fish: trout, salmon, tuna, shellfish.
  3. Fruit: apples, apricots, dates, figs, sweet cherries, peach, plums, red grapes, dried fruit such as raisins.
  4. Veggies: cabbage, pumpkin, carrot, sweet potato.
  5. Grains: amaranth, oats, millet, polenta, rice.


5 Signs You Might Have Spleen Qi Deficiency



What vitamins help the spleen?

Vitamins to Help the Spleen
  • The correct balance of vitamins is necessary for keeping the spleen working optimally. ...
  • Vitamin B-12 can be found in fortified cereals. ...
  • Iron is found in red meat, cereals and dark leafy vegetables. ...
  • Vitamin C will help your body absorb iron.


How can I clean my spleen naturally?

For Spleen:
  1. The foremost factor for spleen health is mindful eating. ...
  2. Introduce a small amount of protein in your diet. ...
  3. Have natural warm food stuff like ginger, black pepper, cardamom, and cinnamon that help clean the spleen and provide antioxidants.


What foods help with spleen deficiency?

P., eating foods called yang tonics are helpful for a spleen qi deficiency because they warm the spleen and improve energy flow. A few examples are basil, cloves, dill and fennel seeds, garlic, dried ginger, nutmeg, pistachios, raspberries and shrimp.

How do you check your spleen at home?

Palpation for splenic enlargement should begin with the patient supine and with knees flexed. Using the right hand, the examiner should begin well below the left costal margin and feel gently but firmly for the splenic edge by pushing down, then cephalad, then releasing (Figure 150.1).

What foods irritate the spleen?

Enlarged Spleen Foods to Avoid
  • Sugary Foods. If you consume food items that are high in sugar, then these can influence your general immune system negatively and they are also harmful to your spleen. ...
  • Alcohol. ...
  • Caffeine. ...
  • Diet Sodas. ...
  • Processed Oils. ...
  • Fast Foods. ...
  • Cold Foods. ...
  • Cooked Vegetables.


Which food is good for spleen?

Foods to eat and avoid
  • Fruits: berries, citrus fruits, cherries, bananas, apples.
  • Vegetables: spinach, broccoli, asparagus, peppers.
  • Starchy vegetables: sweet potatoes, butternut squash.
  • Whole grains: oats, quinoa, brown rice, barley.
  • Healthy fats: olive oil, avocados, full fat yogurt, unsweetened coconut.


Is there a test for spleen function?

Doctors can often tell if you have an enlarged spleen by feeling your abdomen. A blood test, CT scan or MRI scan can confirm the diagnosis. The spleen is not usually removed if it's just enlarged. Instead, you'll receive treatment for any underlying condition and your spleen will be monitored.

What emotions affect the spleen?

WORRY/PENSIVENESS + OVERTHINKING. Worry is the emotion of the spleen/stomach/pancreas network, organs associated with the earth element. Too much pensiveness, worrying and insecurity can weaken our ability to digest – simply knot the energy.

What are 3 diseases that affect the spleen?

Disorders of the spleen include splenomegaly, hypersplenism and splenic rupture.

What causes spleen infection?

Bacterial infections, such as syphilis or an infection of your heart's inner lining (endocarditis) Parasitic infections, such as malaria. Cirrhosis and other diseases affecting the liver. Various types of hemolytic anemia — a condition characterized by early destruction of red blood cells.

Where do you feel spleen pain?

You may not have any symptoms from an enlarged spleen. However, you may: Feel a kind of dull pain on the left side of the abdomen or in your back.

What blood tests show spleen problems?

Blood tests, such as a complete blood count to check the number of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets in your system and liver function. Ultrasound or CT scan to help determine the size of your spleen and whether it's crowding other organs. MRI to trace blood flow through the spleen.

How do you know if your spleen is inflamed?

A common symptom of an enlarged spleen is a feeling of pain or discomfort in the upper left side of abdomen, where the spleen is located. You might also experience a feeling of fullness after only eating a small amount. This usually happens when the spleen becomes enlarged to the point that it presses on the stomach.

Is water good for spleen?

To keep your spleen, lymphatic system and immune system working properly, you should drink plenty of water, exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight.

Can a spleen heal on its own?

Treatment for a ruptured spleen will depend on the severity of your condition. Some people require immediate surgery. Others heal with rest and time. Many small or moderate-sized injuries to the spleen can heal without surgery.

What herbs heal the spleen?

Herbs that help to nourish the spleen include Astragalus (黄芪), Ginseng (人参), Codonopsis (丹参), Chinese Yam (Huai Shan), White Atractylodes ( 白术), Licorice (甘草). To resolve dampness in the spleen, the most effective herbs are Poria (茯苓), Barley Seeds (薏苡仁), Hyacinth Beans (白扁豆).

Is Ginger good for spleen?

Chinese medicine considers ginger as being a mild sweet spice, and having warm characteristics which help to improve the Spleen and digestive systems to raise Spleen Qi and Yang.

Does sugar affect your spleen?

From a Chinese Medicine perspective, the spleen is affected by any food that is sweet, cold, raw, or fat. Sugar is one of the biggest influence on creating symptoms in the spleen, i.e. the gut.

Is turmeric good for spleen?

Turmeric: This yellow-coloured spice is the highest known source of beta carotene. It tones the spleen, pancreas, liver, and stomach, and strengthens the immune system and enhances digestion and helps to dissolve cysts and gallstones.

What does pain from the spleen feel like?

Spleen pain is usually felt as a pain behind your left ribs. It may be tender when you touch the area. This can be a sign of a damaged, ruptured or enlarged spleen.