In the fast-paced life of today, many people will neglect their gastrointestinal health due to busy work and irregular diet. You may have experienced bloating, indigestion, weight gain and loss, and other problems without realizing that this is a sign of a dysfunction of the spleen and stomach. In TCM theory, the spleen and stomach are regarded as the "acquired foundation", and their health is directly related to our overall health. Today, we will share how to fundamentally reconcile the spleen and stomach through the perspective of Chinese medicine, so that your stomach and intestines can return to normal function.
Common symptoms and causes of spleen and stomach disharmony
1. Typical symptoms – alarm signals from the body
Dyspepsia: Stomach fullness, belching, loss of appetite, which are typical manifestations of spleen and stomach dysfunction. These symptoms occur due to the weakened ability of the spleen and stomach to transport food, which makes it difficult to digest food.
Bloating: A feeling of gas caused by a buildup of gas in the gastrointestinal tract. It usually gets worse after eating, especially if you eat greasy or hard-to-digest foods.
Constipation or diarrhea: Spleen and stomach disharmony may cause abnormal peristalsis in the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in difficulty in defecation or frequent diarrhea.
Weight fluctuations: Sudden weight gain or loss is often associated with impaired spleen and stomach function. Abnormal spleen and stomach function can affect nutrient absorption, which in turn affects body weight.
Fatigue and weakness: Since the spleen and stomach are responsible for digesting and absorbing nutrients from food, a weak spleen and stomach can lead to malnutrition and fatigue.
2. Deep Causes – The Truth Behind the Discord of the Spleen and Stomach
Improper eating habits: Irregular diet, overeating, and excessive consumption of raw, cold or greasy foods can all impair the function of the spleen and stomach. The spleen and stomach like warmth rather than cold, and excessive consumption of cold drinks and frozen foods will lead to spleen and stomach deficiency and cold, causing a series of digestive problems.
Mood swings: Long-term anxiety, depression, stress and other negative emotions can affect the function of the spleen and stomach. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that excessive thinking can easily lead to spleen and stomach disorders.
Irregular work and rest: Staying up late, not getting enough sleep, and reversing the lifestyle of day and night can all lead to a decline in spleen and stomach function. The functioning of the spleen and stomach requires regular work and rest times.
Lack of exercise: Moderate exercise can help promote gastrointestinal motility and enhance the function of the spleen and stomach. Being sedentary or inactive for a long time can lead to weakened peristalsis in the gastrointestinal tract and affect digestion.
Spleen and stomach disharmony is often the result of a combination of an unhealthy lifestyle and emotional stress. In order to improve these symptoms, we must first understand the causes and treat the symptoms fundamentally. The concept of "curing diseases before they occur" emphasized by traditional Chinese medicine is to regulate from the source and help the spleen and stomach to restore normal functioning.
Three strategies of TCM to reconcile the spleen and stomach
1. Dietary adjustment: make the spleen and stomach more "harmonious"
The spleen and stomach are one of the "five organs" of the human body, responsible for digestion, absorption and transport. In the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, the spleen and stomach are like the foundation of nurture and the transformation of energy. Therefore, harmonizing the spleen and stomach is a basic and effective way to start with diet.
First of all, choosing foods that are easy to digest can greatly reduce the burden on the spleen and stomach. For example, porridge, cooked vegetables, and grilled fish are preferred because they are not only easy to digest but also provide essential nutrients. At the same time, raw and cold hard foods such as ice cream and raw vegetable salad should be avoided, as these foods require more energy from the spleen and stomach to process.
In the choice of recipe, you can consider barley water or yam porridge. Barley has the effect of reducing water and swelling, and is suitable for people with spleen deficiency and constitution; Yam can nourish the spleen and stomach and enhance digestive function. These ingredients not only meet the needs of spleen and stomach care, but also are easy to make at home.
2. Application of Chinese herbal medicine: natural conditioning, remarkable effect
Chinese herbal medicine is another important means of regulating the spleen and stomach. For the problem of spleen and stomach disharmony, commonly used Chinese herbal medicines include Poria cocos, Atractylodes macrocephalus and tangerine peel. These herbs can help digestion, regulate the internal environment, and restore the function of the spleen and stomach.
For example, Poria cocos can strengthen the spleen and stomach, improve water and dampness, and is suitable for weight gain or edema caused by spleen deficiency. Atractylodes atractylodes can strengthen the spleen and stop diarrhea, and enhance the function of the spleen and stomach. Tangerine peel can regulate the spleen and stomach, dissolve phlegm and stop nausea, especially for those with chronic indigestion symptoms.
When using traditional Chinese medicine, you can choose an appropriate combination of herbs according to your individual's constitution and specific symptoms. It is recommended to take it under the guidance of a professional TCM practitioner to achieve the best conditioning effect.
3. Lifestyle adjustments: Regularity and balance are key
In addition to diet and Chinese medicine, lifestyle changes are also crucial. Regular daily routine and moderate physical activity can significantly improve the function of the spleen and stomach.
It is recommended to go to bed early and get up early to ensure adequate sleep, because irregular work and rest will directly affect the function of the spleen and stomach. At the same time, proper exercise, such as walking, tai chi or yoga, can increase physical strength and improve blood circulation in the digestive system.
In addition, excessive mood swings, especially stress and anxiety, should be avoided, as these negative emotions can affect the normal functioning of the spleen and stomach. You can regulate your mood and maintain your mental health by meditating, listening to soft music, etc.