TCM: Understanding The Role Of The Spleen

While the anatomical spleen is part of the immune system and plays a role in producing white blood cells, the spleen in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) refers to a broader functional concept. In TCM, the Spleen is often paired with the Stomach, and together they are central to digestion and assimilation. While the Kidneys are considered the root of “congenital constitution,” the Spleen is regarded as the foundation of “acquired constitution” because it is responsible for producing qi, blood, and fluids—vital substances for life.

Spleen – Source of Qi and Blood

The Spleen governs the intake, processing, and distribution of nutrients from food. After the Stomach digests food, the Spleen transforms it into nutrients and transports them upward to the Lungs. There, the Heart and Lungs work together to generate qi and convert nutrients into blood. Excess water produced during digestion is transported to the Lungs and Kidneys, where it is vaporized and expelled through perspiration and urine.

The transformative and transportive role of the Spleen relies heavily on Spleen qi. A defining characteristic of Spleen qi is its upward movement—this rising action enables nutrients to reach the Heart and Lungs, where they are distributed throughout the body. This ascending motion also helps keep organs in their proper positions. In contrast, Stomach qi descends, guiding the downward movement of food for digestion and waste elimination. These two movements—ascending and descending—work together to maintain digestive harmony.

If the Spleen’s ascending function is impaired, qi may descend abnormally, leading to symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, bloating, poor appetite, and diarrhea. Similarly, when Stomach qi fails to descend, vomiting may occur.

Another key function of the Spleen is to regulate blood circulation and keep blood within the vessels. This "holding" function prevents excessive or abnormal bleeding. When Spleen qi is weak, individuals may experience easy bruising, blood in the stools or urine, and purplish spots under the skin.

How Fatigue Is Linked to the Spleen

In TCM, fatigue is commonly associated with a deficiency of Spleen qi. This is often accompanied by symptoms such as poor appetite, abdominal bloating after meals, loose stools, breathlessness, and a pale yellow complexion. Since the Spleen is responsible for transforming and transporting nutrients, a deficiency leads to insufficient nourishment for organs—causing sluggishness and tiredness. Over time, this can also manifest as distinct “tooth marks” on the edges of the tongue.

Dampness and the Spleen

Dampness in TCM refers to the accumulation of excessive moisture in the body, often caused by the Spleen’s inability to properly transform and transport fluids. Dampness is heavy, turbid, and stubborn. It usually begins in the legs and moves upward. Depending on where it accumulates, it manifests differently—for example, vaginal discharge with odor in women, or loose stools when in the intestines. Other symptoms include bloating, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, heaviness in the body or limbs, and a thick, greasy tongue coating.

Frequent consumption of raw, cold, or spicy foods may weaken the Spleen and contribute to dampness. If dampness is already present, foods such as dairy, processed snacks, alcohol, and sugary items can worsen the condition.

Snap Your Spleen Back into Shape

Strengthening spleen function is a vital step in TCM treatment, as it supports better absorption of nutrients, herbs, and overall well-being.

• Relax during meals: Mealtimes should be free of distractions like work, reading, or watching TV. This allows the digestive system to function optimally.
• Eat moderately: Overeating burdens the Spleen and can cause food stagnation, leading to bloating and fatigue.
• Chew thoroughly: Proper chewing makes digestion easier and allows time to register fullness, reducing the tendency to overeat.
• Avoid cold beverages: Cold drinks weaken the Spleen, as the body needs extra energy to warm them up before digestion can begin.

Herbs that help nourish the Spleen include Astragalus (黄芪), Ginseng (人参), Codonopsis (丹参), Chinese Yam (淮山), White Atractylodes (白术), and Licorice Root (甘草). To help resolve dampness, common herbs include Poria (茯苓), Coix Seeds (薏苡仁), and Hyacinth Beans (白扁豆).

As the saying goes, “You are what you eat.” In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook good eating habits. But nourishing and supporting your Spleen doesn’t have to be difficult. Through mindful eating and the right herbal support, you can improve your digestion, enhance vitality, and maintain good health over the long term.