Spleen-stomach disharmony and other digestive disorders, if left untreated over time, not only impair overall health but also lead to the development of gastric symptoms. The causes of such conditions often stem from individual dietary patterns and the overuse of antibiotics. So, how should we maintain spleen-stomach health? How can we nurture the stomach?
First Strategy: Understanding the Spleen-Stomach Relationship—Prioritizing Prevention and Treatment
The spleen and stomach are the primary digestive organs in the human body, sharing an internal-external relationship.The stomach governs reception and storage, while the spleen governs transportation and transformation. Through coordinated division of labor, they jointly accomplish digestive functions. Thus, Traditional Chinese Medicine refers to the spleen and stomach as the "foundation of acquired constitution."
The stomach governs "reception and storage" and the "corruption and maturation" of food and drink. "Reception and storage" means the stomach receives and holds food, while "corruption and maturation" refers to its capacity for preliminary digestion. Food processed by the stomach is divided into "clear" and "turbid" components.The clear portion, representing bodily fluids, is absorbed and transported by the spleen to all parts of the body. Hence the saying, "The spleen circulates the fluids for the stomach." The turbid portion descends from the stomach to the small intestine for further digestion.Food and drink enter the stomach. After preliminary digestion in the stomach, they are sent to the spleen for further digestion and absorption. Second Strategy: Treating Spleen and Stomach Together—Grasping the Method to Solve Problems The spleen governs transformation and transportation. When the spleen malfunctions, nutrients digested by the stomach cannot be transported to the body's organs, nor can they be returned to nourish the stomach. Primary symptoms caused by spleen disorders include stomach distension and pain, decreased appetite, and indigestion.The stomach governs reception and holding. When the stomach malfunctions, symptoms like epigastric pain, vomiting, belching, and hiccups commonly arise.
Thus, spleen-stomach disorders typically manifest concurrently—explaining why treating only the stomach ("treating stomach pain with stomach medicine") often proves ineffective. Traditional Chinese Medicine views stomach disorders as part of broader spleen-stomach dysfunction, emphasizing that treating stomach issues must simultaneously address spleen dysfunction—true "simultaneous treatment of spleen and stomach."
Third Strategy: Chronic Gastritis Often Involves Spleen Deficiency, Emphasizing Regulation
Symptoms include upper abdominal discomfort, fullness, dull pain, and burning sensations, often worsening after meals. Other digestive issues like decreased appetite, belching, acid reflux, and nausea may follow.When these symptoms persist for over three months, and other conditions are ruled out via gastroscopy and pathology, a diagnosis of "chronic gastritis" is typically made.
Preventing chronic gastritis hinges on "prevention," as it primarily stems from irregular eating habits, overeating, excessive consumption of raw or cold foods, and high stress levels. These factors all contribute to "spleen deficiency," directly or indirectly triggering gastric symptoms.
A defining characteristic of chronic gastritis is its "recurrent nature." Treatment emphasizes systemic regulation, often employing medications that combine therapeutic and nourishing functions to prevent relapse. Consistently completing prescribed treatment courses is crucial to reduce recurrence.
Tip 4: Distinguishing Symptoms for Appropriate Treatment of Stomach Pain and Bloating
(1) Liver-Stomach Disharmony
Symptoms:Abdominal distension and pain, frequent belching, acid reflux, red tongue with white coating
Treatment Principle: Soothe liver qi and harmonize stomach, regulate qi to relieve pain
(2) Damp-heat in Spleen and Stomach
Symptoms: Abdominal pain, dry mouth with bitter taste, poor appetite, loose stools, red tongue with thick yellow coating
Treatment Principle: Clear heat and transform dampness, harmonize middle burner and invigorate spleen
(3) Spleen-Stomach Deficiency
Symptoms: Abdominal distension worsening after meals, dull or intermittent pain, poor appetite, loose stools, fatigue, pale tongue with tooth marks, white coating
Treatment Principle: Fortify spleen, tonify qi, regulate qi to relieve pain
Tip 5: Exercise Methods to Nourish and Protect Your Stomach
Leg and foot exercises are gaining popularity for health maintenance.Research indicates that regularly moving the toes can aid digestion and promote stomach health. Specific steps are as follows:
Stand relaxed with all ten toes gripping the ground.After two minutes, slowly release and repeat several times. This creates alternating tension and relaxation stimulation on the soles and toe-between acupoints. You can also practice pinching objects between the second and third toes, or consciously move your toes while sitting or lying down. With consistent practice, gastrointestinal function will gradually improve.
Beyond simple toe movements, self-massage of the toes after washing your feet is also beneficial. Simultaneously massaging your calves from top to bottom enhances the effect.
Note: For seniors, toe exercises need not follow strict protocols. Apply only manageable pressure—stop when it feels comfortable. Avoid massage when overly full or hungry.