Spleen-stomach deficiency weakens constitution and predisposes to frequent illness. But what constitutes spleen-stomach deficiency, and what are its symptoms? Spleen-stomach deficiency is a term in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), categorized into three types: spleen-stomach qi deficiency, spleen yang deficiency, and stomach yin deficiency. Each type presents distinct symptoms. Let's explore them below.
TCM classifies spleen-stomach deficiency into three main types: spleen-stomach qi deficiency, spleen yang deficiency, and stomach yin deficiency.
1. Spleen-Stomach Qi Deficiency
Symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, abdominal distension, stomach pain, hiccups, poor appetite, postprandial bloating, loose stools, and a sallow complexion. Recommended remedies: Shenling Baizhu San (Ginseng-Poria-Atractylodes Powder) and Xiangshayangwei Wan (Fragrant Cardamom Stomach-Nourishing Pills).
2. Spleen Yang Deficiency
Spleen Yang Deficiency manifests as cold pain in the stomach and abdomen, abdominal pain and diarrhea after consuming raw, cold, or greasy foods, and loose stools. Fuzi Lizhong Pills are recommended for this condition.
3. Stomach Yin Deficiency
Symptoms include ascending false heat, dry mouth, frequent hunger, acid reflux, dull abdominal discomfort, and mouth/tongue ulcers. For stomach yin deficiency, take Ginseng-Plum Stomach-Nourishing Granules.
Common Acupoints for Regulating Spleen-Stomach Deficiency
Moxibustion at Zusanli (ST36)
Located 3 cun below the lateral knee, approximately one finger-width lateral to the tibia. Apply moxa stick for 10-15 minutes or moxa cone for 20-30 minutes. Regular moxibustion at this point fortifies the spleen-stomach, strengthens vital energy, harmonizes qi and blood, expels pathogens, and prevents disease.
Pressing Zhongwan Point
Located on the Ren Meridian along the body's midline, 4 cun above the navel, Zhongwan is the Mu point of the Stomach Meridian. As the convergence point for stomach qi, pressing this point promotes meridian flow and regulates gastric function. Use fingers to press or knead Zhongwan for 2-3 minutes per session until local warmth develops.
Pushing and Pressing the Flanks
Use both palms to push and press downwards from the lower edge of the breasts to the sides of the waist. This generates local warmth, clears the Liver and Gallbladder meridians, and regulates qi flow.
Regular practice of these techniques effectively regulates stomach function, nourishes and warms the stomach, harmonizes middle jiao qi flow, and prevents gastric disorders.
Moxibustion on Zhongwan Point
Apply moxa stick moxibustion to Zhongwan point for 10-15 minutes, or use moxa cupping for 20-30 minutes. Zhongwan point is located on the midline of the abdomen, 4 cun (approximately 10 cm) above the navel, equivalent to the width of five fingers. This point regulates stomach qi, dispels dampness, harmonizes the middle burner, and alleviates vomiting. Moxibustion therapy can improve gastric disorders.