WHY AM I ALWAYS TALKING TO PATIENTS ABOUT THEIR SPLEEN?

When the Spleen is weak, it’s like a city where the garbage collectors are on strike. Waste piles up—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too.

One of my favorite analogies from acupuncture school was this:

A deficient Spleen is like a city where everyone takes out their garbage—but the garbage men are on strike.

Just as trash would pile up on the streets, undigested food and fluids accumulate in the body when the Spleen isn’t doing its job.

In Chinese medicine, the Spleen is central to digestion, energy, and mental clarity—and our modern lifestyle makes its job a lot harder. Since this pattern is so common, here are some foundational insights and everyday guidelines.

🧠 What the Spleen Does in Chinese Medicine

• Transforms food into usable energy (Qi) and Blood

• Governs digestion, appetite, and nutrient absorption

• Holds things in place (organs, blood, etc.)

• Keeps the mind grounded and focused

💡 Signs Your Spleen is Strong:

• Clear-headed

• Even-keeled emotionally

• Steady energy between meals

• Comfortable digestion and healthy appetite

🚩 Signs Your Spleen is Weak or Stressed:

• Fatigue, especially after eating

• Bloating, loose stools, or digestive discomfort

• Brain fog or constant overthinking

• Sugar cravings or poor appetite

• Feeling “heavy” or unmotivated

🌿 Everyday Guidelines to Support Your Spleen

• Eat warm, cooked foods – your Spleen prefers warmth and ease

• Focus on regular meals – consistent timing supports rhythm

• Chew thoroughly + eat mindfully – multitasking makes digestion harder

• Avoid damp-producing foods – greasy, sugary, and heavily processed items

• Limit raw salads, smoothies, and iced drinks – they seem “healthy,” but often aren’t

• Use gentle, warming spices – like ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and garlic (in moderation)

❓ But What About Emotions?

In Chinese medicine, worry, overthinking, and rumination directly weaken the Spleen.

When your mind is constantly racing, your digestive fire burns out.

Supporting your Spleen isn’t just about what you eat—it’s also about how you mentally digest your life.

Try this: Take a few mindful moments each day to rest your mind while you eat.

It’s a simple practice that supports both digestion and emotional clarity.

This guide is a starting point. It’s not about perfection—it’s about small shifts that help your body feel supported and your energy stay steady.

Ask your practitioner what foods, herbs, or habits best support your unique pattern.