Balancing and Strengthening Healthy Digestion

The more a person learns about traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the more one understands why digestion is so important to all aspects of health! It is a confusing concept to those of us steeped in Western medical theory, but even more progressive approaches and functional medicine has identified this connection! (Gut microbiome vs spleen qi deficiency) TCM is an energy based medicine—meaning complete body functioning is based on energy! There are 2 main “types” of energy—the kind we are born with and the kind we create on a regular basis. We have little control over the energy that we are born with—we can only work to maintain and protect that energy. However, the energy we create regularly is very much connected to our dietary choices, as related to the energy of the spleen.
The spleen’s energy is one of the main “digestive” energies in TCM. It’s classic description is to promote the “transformation and transportation” of food and drink into qi. In order for the spleen to function optimally, it works best when it is warm and dry. Therefore, foods should mostly be warm and cooked. An excess amount of raw and cold foods overtaxes the spleen’s function. If this continues over a long period of time, the spleen eventually becomes unable to work effectively. A person would experience low energy, coldness and lack of appetite. The spleen is also the main culprit of dampness in the body. Dampness in the body is similar to a damp day outside—symptoms may include foggy headedness, mucus and loose stools. When the spleen isn’t functioning properly or become overused, dampness is always the result. In this manner, dairy products should be avoided. Dairy is the equivalent to pure damp and causes the spleen to expend more energy to digest properly.
Finally, the emotion corresponding with the spleen is worry. It is natural for everyone to experience times of worry but when we find ourselves “stuck” in patterns of rumination and overthinking, this naturally weakens the spleen’s function. People often find themselves craving more sweets during this time, as sweet flavored foods usually support the spleen’s energy.  Tune into your digestion for good clues on your own balance of energy!