5 ways to keep your spleen happy
5 Ways to Keep Your Spleen Happy
Your spleen may be small, but it plays a critical part in your overall energy and sense of well-being, so it makes good sense to understand and nurture it!
A little bit of background about Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM); when we talk about the organs in TCM we are referring to their usual functions within the body but equally important are their energetic functions and the emotions that are associated with the organ.
In this blogpost when we talk about the Spleen in TCM, we are really referring to whole digestive system, plus the above mentioned considerations
Signs of a Weak Spleen: One of the Spleen’s energetic functions is to hold things in place. This includes muscles, organs and even holding the blood within the blood vessels. When your spleen is weakened the chances are you will notice that your muscles are soft and that you bruise easily. You may be more susceptible to organ prolapse.
A weak spleen also dulls and distorts your sense of taste so you may crave stronger flavours or find that your favourite foods taste strange. Even worse, a weak spleen affects your ability to concentrate, remember clearly, and process thoughts so you may find yourself creating problems in your own head.
Conditions That Stress Your Spleen
Too much study or work – long hours without a break.
Anxiety – this can be a circular problem: a weak spleen leads to worry, and worry in turn weakens your spleen. It’s important to break this cycle as soon as you notice it!
Too much exercise – the spleen likes gentle exercise and massage so after a hard workout, get a gentle massage to restore it.
Wrong foods – the spleen struggles to process foods that are too cold, greasy or sweet, as well as alcohol. It also processes any food much more effectively if you concentrate on your eating, rather than eating while studying, working, or absorbed in something else (even watching TV).
5 Ways to Keep Your Spleen Happy
Now we’ve looked at what to avoid, here are 5 things you can do to keep your spleen happy, so that you raise your energy levels and sense of well-being.
Eat small, frequent meals. Chew every mouthful thoroughly, slow down your eating and don’t skip meals;
Choose foods that are warm in nature (eg. Ginger) and sweet, but not sugary (eg. Sweet potato, carrots etc)
Avoid raw vegetables and icy drinks which make your spleen work harder. If you feel tired after eating, it is usually because you have stressed your spleen.
Avoid foods that are too hot in nature (eg. alcohol, drugs, and refined sugars)
Stick to regular mealtimes and don’t go to bed right after eating as your body typically doesn’t digest well while you sleep.
Take care of your spleen with nutritious food, and regular meals and it will keep you energised and happy.
Using natural therapies to balance your spleen function will improve your health and help to prevent future health problems.