A Surprising Key to Good Digestion

Everyone knows the stomach is involved in digestion. But did you know your spleen is, too? 

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the stomach plays its part by governing the intake of food, but it’s the spleen that transforms food and water into nutrients, then moves and distributes them throughout the body. 

Since we’re heading into a season of holiday indulgence, here’s a great example: When you’re craving sweets (Maybe Halloween candy or pumpkin pie or sugar cookies?), it’s because of your spleen! The spleen loves sugar. In small, naturally occurring amounts, that sweet flavor can actually help your spleen. But too much sweetness damages the spleen by creating dampness, which then causes weight gain and poor digestion. 

Digestion is just the tip of the spleen iceberg, though. If you’re a regular acupuncture patient, you might have noticed the spleen is a common focus for a variety of treatments. That’s because it’s one of your body’s primary sources of Qi, affecting everything from blood formation to diet to your emotions. 

Let’s start with that last one. The spleen is associated with the emotion of thought, which is associated with worry and analytical thinking. So if you’re experiencing anxiety, we might treat your spleen to help calm your thoughts. 

It’s also responsible for your body: Strong spleen, strong muscles. Weak spleen, weak muscles. When someone experiences a hernia or prolapse, it’s because their spleen needs help. 

Finally, your spleen has one big job: managing your blood, meaning it keeps your blood vessels healthy and functioning. Someone experiencing spontaneous bleeds likely has a weak spleen. And of course, we know healthy blood flow is associated with healthy digestion. 

With that, we’ve come full circle on the wonders of the often-forgotten spleen. If you have digestive problems, acupuncture and Eastern Dietary Therapy can help! Click here to schedule your appointment and get started today.