The Spleen in TCM

The Spleen governs transformation and transportation of food essence, generating Qi and Blood while maintaining Blood circulation within vessels. As the Earth element organ paired with the Stomach, it opens to the mouth, manifests in the lips, and controls the muscles and four limbs. The Spleen houses Yi (thought/intention) and maintains upward-bearing function, preventing organ prolapse and other descending pathologies.

Common Patterns

Spleen Qi Deficiency

Fatigue, poor appetite, loose stools, abdominal distention after eating

Spleen Yang Deficiency

Cold limbs, undigested food in stools, chronic diarrhea, edema

Spleen Not Controlling Blood

Chronic bleeding disorders, easy bruising, heavy menstruation, fatigue

Middle Qi Sinking

Organ prolapse, chronic diarrhea, bearing-down sensation, mental fatigue

Dampness Obstructing Spleen

Heavy sensation, sticky stools, poor appetite, nausea, thick tongue coating

Spleen-Stomach Disharmony

Alternating loose stools and constipation, irregular appetite, abdominal distention

Cold-Damp困脾 (Trapped Spleen)

Persistent loose stools, cold limbs, heavy body sensation, white greasy tongue coating

Spleen Deficiency with Phlegm-Damp

Obesity, fatigue, excessive phlegm production, poor concentration, greasy tongue coating

Key Points

  • Spleen patterns often present with 4pm energy crashes and worsen with mental overwork or irregular eating
  • Sweet taste in small amounts strengthens Spleen; excessive sweet flavor damages it
  • Morning tongue coating reflects overnight Spleen transformation function better than evening assessment
  • Spleen-related bleeding tends to be chronic and pale rather than acute and bright red
  • Post-meal symptoms within 2 hours typically indicate Spleen dysfunction rather than Stomach issues

Formulas Targeting the Spleen

637 formulas in our catalog

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Other Systems

LiverKidneyLungHeartStomachIntestinesBladderGallbladderUterus

Frequently Asked Questions

Spleen Qi Deficiency diarrhea occurs after eating with undigested food particles, while Kidney Yang Deficiency presents as early morning diarrhea (cock-crow diarrhea) with more liquid consistency. Kidney involvement shows lower back weakness and cold limbs below the knees.
Weak, slow pulse in the right middle position with teeth marks on tongue sides indicates Spleen Qi Deficiency. Slippery pulse with thick greasy coating suggests Dampness obstructing Spleen. Deep, weak pulse with pale, swollen tongue points to Spleen Yang Deficiency.
Tonify Spleen first when constitutional weakness dominates (chronic fatigue, pale complexion, weak pulse). Drain Dampness first when excess pathology is prominent (thick tongue coating, greasy skin, feeling of heaviness). In balanced presentations, use simultaneous approach with formulas like Liu Jun Zi Tang.

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