Here are some tips that you can use to help balance and support your health. Please feel free to call me at (218) 724-3400 if you have further questions or concerns.
Traditional Chinese Medical (TCM) doctor and a western medical doctor perceive the body somewhat differently. Each organ according to TCM has its own set of functions. Some overlap with the western functions, and some are entirely different.
One thing that is important to think about, is that when an acupuncturist talks about your organs, they are talking about them in terms of the way they were trained to make a diagnosis.
So, it doesn’t necessarily mean that there is something biologically wrong. It means that according to the ways an acupuncturist was trained, that particular organ could be part of the overall pattern that is leading to specific symptoms and signs. According to TCM, one of the main functions of the spleen is to transform and transport energy and fluids from food. When your spleen is healthy it sends excess fluid up to the lungs, where it will be vaporized and expelled.
The energy of the stomach is descending in nature so excess fluid and food waste will be sent downwards to the excretion organs. If stomach energies rebel, the energy moves upwards instead of downwards, causing nausea, vomiting and excess gas.
When the energy of the spleen is weak instead of ascending the Qi (or vital life source according to TCM) sinks downwards resulting in lethargy, excess dampness and phlegm – and in extreme cases, prolapse of organs. Stress, overactive liver, illness and pregnancy are all potential causes for stomach Qi ascending.
Things like overthinking, excessive work habits, and even eating while working, are potential causes of spleen Qi sinking.
Stomach 36 – Zusanli
This point is just below your knee. It’s known to treat digestive issues, it can support your immune health and even expel “pathogens” from the body. Moxa herb on ST 36 can help fight off pathogens all through the cold and flu season. ST-36 is also great for fatigue.
Zusanli is the chinese name for this point, the translation means ‘leg three miles’. If you’re running and you’ve run out of muscle power you can massage point ST-36 and get another three miles. This point is all around an amazing point for overall well being. When you’re feeling tired and fatigued – even if you have brain fog, another acupuncture point Spleen 3 (SP-3), that can be used in conjunction with ST-36.
An acupuncturists super-simple guide to keeping your spleen strong
Avoid damp, sugary, greasy, cold foods. Eat warm, dry foods, herbs, warm drinks. You do not need to worry about this too much in the summertime, but always be mindful about warming the digestion and stoking the digestive fire. You don’t want to dilute the digestive fire by adding too much yin, water, and too much dampness. Your digestion is the first point of generation of your physical chi, for your body, for your mind, for your life and for your dreams.
You may also have an imbalance of these acupuncture organ systems if you answer yes to any of the questions below:
- Do you get sweet cravings?
- Have you got any food insensitivities?
- Do you get bloated after meals?
- Do you find it difficult to get up in the morning?
- Do you have physical or mental fatigue?
- Do you get loose stools?
If you have at least two or three of the above I would highly recommend the suggestions above – and come and see us in Duluth MN.
