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In
TCM, the definitions of Spleen functions include the digestive
processes and function and therefore it is seen to work
closely with the stomach system.
TCM Spleen functions, among other things, are:
1) It
rules the transformation and transportation of food and fluids
in the body. Therefore it plays a central role in nourishing
the body and promoting physical development.
2) It
governs the blood because it provides the extracted energy
from the food and sends it to the heart where nutrients are
distributed throughout the body through the blood.
3) Therefore
it rules the muscles, flesh and our limbs.
The transformation of food into food essence depends upon the
function of the Spleen. Once transformed, food essence is then
transported and dispersed to the zangfu, four extremities,
bones and other parts of the body. If the Spleen’s
transportation function is deficient, the food remains in the
Stomach and cannot be digested causing abdominal distention
and indigestion. If the Spleen is deficient and unable to
transport and disperse food essence, yuan qi will be
insufficient and the whole body will be lethargic.
If
the main complaint is food retention with indigestion,
abdominal distension and an aversion to excessive eating, but
have normal appetite with no nausea after eating, then the
Stomach function is normal and the Spleen is abnormal. Herbs
can be used to strengthen the Spleen and assist the
transformation and transportation function of food.
When children suffer from indigestion, lack of hearty
appetite, sometimes suffer from fullness and abdominal
distention then herbs must be to stimulate the spleen and
harmonize the stomach so that young children can be strengthened and their
body properly nourished and do not fall sick often.
In TCM, stomach disorder
can affect the spleen and any spleen disorder would
affect the stomach. The
physician Wang Jie Zhai during the Ming dynasty stated
that “the Stomach receives and digests food whilst the
Spleen governs transportation and transformation,
transforming the food into jing qi”. If digested
food is unable to transform, there is a Spleen disorder
and treatment should tonify the Spleen. However, if a
patient is reluctant to eat but feels comfortable after
eating, it is a Stomach disorder”.
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