This blog includes a variety of tips that support the health and vitality of the Spleen & Stomach meridian system. Use these tips in-between appointments in order to maximize your well being and healing process.
Functions according to Western Medicine
Spleen
• Maintains health by producing antibodies (T-lymphocytes) to fight external invaders
• Breaks down and recycles worn-out red blood cells
• Filters and removes bacteria and other foreign substances from the blood
• Supports and enhances the immune system
• Stores blood
Stomach
• Receives food and begins the digestive process, both mechanically and chemically
• Begins to break down food into chyme
• Absorbs water, salts and alcohol
• Protects against the invasion of bacteria that enters through the digestive tract
• Temporarily stores food before it is secreted to the Small Intestine
Functions according to Eastern Medicine
Spleen
• Controls digestion
• Keeps blood inside vessels
• Transports and distributes energy for the body
• Governs and controls the strength and function of our muscles, flesh and limbs
• Transforms food into “Food Energy” (Gu Qi), turning it into usable energy and blood
• Aids mental focus, intention, determination and drive
• “Lifts and holds” internal organs, keeping them in place ( prevent prolapse )
• Houses the “Yi,” which relates to thinking, studying, memorization and concentration
Stomach
• Controls the downward movement of Qi ( circulating life force)
• Receives food & drink and transforms it into cells that aid in the development of tissues and organs
• Separates the clean from the impure parts of ingested food; sends the clean “upwards” to the Spleen, and the impure “downwards” to the Small Intestine
Physical/Emotional Symptoms
Each meridian system is unique and presents with various distinct signs and symptoms when it is out of balance.
Physical Symptoms:
• Abdominal distension, Belching, Bloating, Nausea and/or Vomiting
• Appetite imbalance, Improper nourishment
• Colic, Loose stools or diarrhea
• Fullness below diaphragm, Hiccoughs
• Aversion to dampness
• Chronic gastritis, Duodenal or gastric ulcers
• Cold feet and/or knees
• Heaviness around head
• Swollen knees and thighs
• Heavy and/or aching limbs
• Poor coordination, Poor memory
• Yellowish face and body
• Urinary problems, Water retention
• Vaginal discharge
• Organ prolapse
Emotional Symptoms:
• Confusion
• Craving sympathy
• Feeling ungrounded
• Insecurity/neediness
• Obsessive thoughts
• Over-protective
• Restless sleep
• Selfish behavior
• Worry
• Poor concentration
• Poor memory
• Scattered feeling
Dietary advise to support the health of the spleen & stomach.
Food to Add
• Adzuki beans, Bean curd
• Apples (Sweet), Apricots, Dates, Figs, Grapes, Grapefruit peel, Mandarin oranges, Pineapple, Raspberries,
• Cooked veggies, Bitter gourd, beets, leafy greens, carrots, Squash, Sweet potatoes,
• Congees (a type of rice porridge), Stews, Oats
• Garlic, Honey, Cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, fennel, fenugreek , ginger powder, nutmeg, orange peel, pepper, sweet basil
• Ginseng, Kumquats, Loquat, Miso,
• Licorice
• Warm water or tea with each meal (Cinnamon, black or ginger tea)
Food to Avoid
• Ice cream, Sugar, Candy
• Ice water and cold liquids
• Dairy
• Raw salads and vegetables, Celery
• Frozen foods
• Fruit juice
• Melon, Radishes
• Spicy foods
• Tofu
DIY Acupressure Points
Spleen 6
Location: Located approximately 3 inches, above the inside ankle.
Functions: Used to address poor appetite, abdominal pain and distention, loose stools, and fatigue.
Also helps with vaginal discharge, delayed labor, genital pain, PMS symptoms, impotency, vertigo, dizziness, and insomnia.
DO NOT USE DURING PREGNANCY.
Stomach 8
Location: Approximately 4.5 inches from the middle of your head, at the corner of the forehead, a few inches in from the hairline.
Functions: Used for dizziness, eye disorders and spasms, visual disturbances facial paralysis, headache and migraine, mental disorders .
Stomach 41
Location: On the midpoint of the ankle crease, in the depression formed bytwo tendons.
Functions: Used for frontal headaches, swelling and pain of the face and eyes, dizziness, hypertension, mouth pain, abdominal distention, constipation.
Also used for swelling and pain of the ankle and knee, muscular atrophy, motor impairment and paralysis of the lower extremities.
Spleen 9
Location: On the inside of the leg, in the depression just below the knee.
Functions: Used for abdominal pain and
bloating, diarrhea, urinary tract
infections, genital pain, incontinence, dysmenorrhea, swelling and pain of the lower limbs and lower back.
Stomach 36
Location: Approximately four finger widths below the kneecap, and one finger width to the outside of the shinbone.
Functions: Strengthens the entire body, and helps fight fatigue. Wakes up the body and mind. Strengthens the digestive system and supports Wei Qi (immune system).
Used for nausea, vomiting, hiccups, fullness and distention of
the abdomen, belching, diarrhea, pain in the knee and lower leg,
mania, depression, anemia, and headaches, dizziness.
Neurolymphatic point: Balance Your Digestive Energies, Tap and rub the neurolymphatic point that relates to the Spleen. It is located directly below the nipples, at the bottom edge of the rib cage.
This point balances digestive energies, supports the immune system, raises energy
levels, induces clarity, and balances the blood chemistry of your body.
Spleen & Stomach Meridian Exercises
Kneeling Recline Pose
1) Sit erect, with your knees bent and tucked under you. (Use a rolled up towel or blanket under your buttocks to alleviate knee or thigh discomfort.)
2) Place your elbows on the floor behind you, with your fingers touching your toes. (See figure 1.)
Slowly lean back and gently spread your feet apart allowing your buttocks to get closer to the floor.
3) Lean back as far as you can go. The idea is to get your back and shoulders to the floor. Once you do this, raise your arms up overhead, grasp your fingers together and push them away from you. Do not force your knees to the ground. It is alright to have your knees raise up as you lower.
4) Hold this position for a few breaths. When done, lower arms to the thighs. Use your elbows to raise up, then your hands to push into sitting position.
5) Do not strain yourself, only go as low as feels comfortable.
DO NOT ATTEMPT IF YOU HAVE KNEE PROBLEMS.
Knee Raise Pose
1) Sit erect, with your knees bent and tucked under you, and your hands placed just above your knees or your thighs. (Use a rolled up towel or blanket under your buttocks to alleviate knee or thigh
discomfort.)
2) Raise up onto your knees.
3) Keeping your hands glued in position, raise your right knee upwards. Lower it back down, then raise your left knee upwards. Lower it back down.
4) Alternate sides as though you are going to climb stairs with your knees.
Emphasis is upon building balance and stretching the Spleen and Stomach meridian.
Knee Tuck Twist Pose
1) Lie on your back. Bring both knees up toward your chest, grab them with your hands and gently pull them closer to your torso.
2) Tuck your chin and bring your forehead as close to your kees as possible. Curl your spine up closer to your knees and gently rock forward and backward.
3) After rocking a few times, lower your knees to the right side. Release your hands and extend both arms out to shoulder height. Allow them to rest on the ground, palms up. Turn your head to the left side.
4) After a few deep breaths, bring your knees and head back to center and repeat step 3 for the opposite side.
5) When you are done, bring your knees and head back to center, straighten and lower your legs, rest and relax.
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Esther Hornstein and her Team at 2nd nature Healing Center,
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