Pathology of the Spleen


Spleen Qi Deficiency

Spleen Qi Deficiency leads to impairment of the Spleen functions. Spleen Qi Deficiency is the initial stage of Spleen Yang Deficiency.


Cardinal symptoms
Lack of appetite, sensation of fullness after meals, fatigue after meals, soft, odorless stool, diarrhea, edema, over-thinking, teethmarks on the tongue

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 meals
Sensation of fullness after meals originates because the Spleen function of food transformation is impaired.

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.

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".