Pathology of the Spleen


Spleen Yang Deficiency

Spleen Yang Deficiency can be regarded as a further development and complication of Spleen Qi Deficiency. Qi is part of the Yang. Spleen Yang Deficiency includes the signs of the Spleen Qi Deficiency. The essential difference is the additional Cold signs that are present in Spleen Yang Deficiency.


Cardinal symptoms
Symptoms of Spleen Qi Deficiency. Additional symptoms: undigested food particles in the stool, feeling cold, feeling chilly, cold extremities

TCM Information
Symptoms, causes, treatment tips, root and branch, point-combination


Pathogenesis of selected symptoms

Lack of appetite
Lack of appetite originates because the Spleen function of food transformation is impaired.

Sensation of fullness after the meal
Sensation of fullness after the meal originates because the Spleen-function of the transformation of the food is weakened.

Fatigue after meals
Fatigue after meals originates because the Qi-production of the Spleen is impaired.

Pale facial complexion
Pale facial complexion originates because Qi is deficient and the transportation of Qi and Blood to the face is impaired.

Weakness of the extremities
Weakness of the extremities originates because the extremities are governed by the Spleen. Spleen Qi Deficiency leads to impaired transportation of Qi and Blood to the extremities.

Soft stools or chronic diarrhea (with undigested food particles in the stool)
Soft stools and chronic diarrhea in more severe cases originates because the Spleen function of food transformation is impaired and Dampness accumulates.

Undigested food particles in the stool
Undigested food particles in the stool originates because the Spleen function of food transformation is impaired and Dampness accumulates.

Stomachache, improved with warmth
Stomachache that improves with application of warmth originates because the Spleen Yang functions of transformation and warming are impaired.

Feeling chilly
Feeling chilly originates because the warming function of the Spleen Yang is impaired.

Cold extremities
Cold extremities originate because the warming function of the Spleen Yang is impaired.

Over-thinking
Over-thinking originates because the mental "digestion" is impaired.

Edema
Edema originates because the Spleen function of food transformation is impaired and Dampness accumulates. The Spleen is particularly susceptible to Dampness, which affects transportation and transformation, impairment of the Spleen's function affects transportation and transformation due to other causes and may easily give rise to Dampness. The Spleen is said to be the source of Dampness. Even if Dampness manifests in other organs, the Spleen must be treated so that Dampness won't be produced again.

Being excessively focused on oneself
Being excessively focused on oneself may be caused by the impaired mental "digestion".