The Importance of Spleen and Stomach Health
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the spleen and stomach are regarded as the “foundation of postnatal health,” serving as the core system for digestion and nutrient absorption. Modern medical research confirms that 70% of immune cells reside in the intestines, meaning spleen-stomach function directly impacts overall health. Weak spleen-stomach function can lead to:
Digestive disorders, bloating, diarrhea
Impaired nutrient absorption
Weakened immunity
Skin problems
Chronic fatigue
Typical Symptoms of Spleen-Stomach Deficiency
1. Digestive Manifestations
Loss of appetite or abnormal increase in appetite
Post-meal bloating, belching
Loose stools or constipation
Thick, greasy tongue coating with teeth marks
2. Systemic Manifestations
Sallow or pale complexion
Weak limbs, easy fatigue
Abnormal weight fluctuations
Poor sleep quality
7 Scientific Methods to Nourish Spleen and Stomach
1. Dietary Therapy
Recommended Foods:
Yellow foods: millet, pumpkin, sweet potato
Warming and nourishing ingredients: Chinese yam, red dates, ginger
Easily digestible proteins: fish, chicken
Foods to Avoid:
Cold and raw foods: iced drinks, sashimi
Greasy and spicy foods: hot pot, barbecue
Highly processed foods
Recommended Recipes:
Chinese yam and millet porridge (strengthens spleen and stomach)
Four-Shen Soup (poria, lotus seeds, foxnut, Chinese yam)
Ginger and red date tea (warms and nourishes spleen-stomach)
2. Lifestyle Adjustments
Maintain regular meal times, especially breakfast
Chew thoroughly (20-30 times per bite)
Gentle movement after meals, avoid lying down immediately
Keep abdomen warm
3. Acupressure Therapy
Zusanli (ST36): 3 cun below the knee, press for 3 minutes daily
Zhongwan (CV12): 4 cun above the navel, massage clockwise
Pishu (BL20): 1.5 cun lateral to the 11th thoracic vertebra
30-Day Spleen-Stomach Recovery Plan
Week 1: Basic Regulation
Eliminate cold drinks and foods
Drink millet porridge daily
Sleep before 11pm
Week 2: Nutritional Enhancement
Add fermented foods (yogurt, miso)
Supplement with probiotics
Begin Ba Duan Jin practice
Week 3: Deep Regulation
Reduce dinner portion by 30%
Increase spleen-nourishing foods (Chinese yam, foxnut)
Daily acupressure massage
Week 4: Consolidation
Establish regular routine
Maintain moderate exercise
Observe bodily changes
Through systematic spleen-stomach regulation, you can not only improve digestive function but also enhance overall health. Remember that spleen-stomach nourishment requires persistence, and developing healthy lifestyle habits is fundamental.