Spleen and stomach syndromes
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| The spleen meridian |
TCM regards the spleen and stomach as the "acquired foundation of life." The spleen is located in abdominal cavity. Its main physiological functions are governing transportation and transformation of nutrient essence and body fluid, controlling blood flow and supporting the muscles and four limbs. The mouth and lips are important to check externally to know how the spleen is functioning. The spleen meridian communicates with the stomach creating an exterior and interior relationship. Thus, these two organs influence each other closely.
The important signs in spleen and stomach diseases are poor appetite, gastric pain, vomiting, belching, hiccups, abdominal distention and pain, diarrhea, loose stools, general swelling and bleeding disorders.
| Spleen and Stomach Syndrome |
| Syndrome |
Presentations |
Reference with Western medicine |
| Deficiency in spleen qi |
Anorexia, indigestion, abdominal distension after meals, abnormal bowel movements, fatigue, sallow complexion, skinny appearance, limb weakness and loose stools. On examination, the tongue is pale with a white thin coating, and tthe pulse is slow, thready and deficienct (xu). |
Chronic enteritis, chronic hepatitis |
| Sinking of spleen qi |
Dizziness, heavy bearing down sensations in gastric and abdominal regions, abdominal distension after meals, fatigue, general weakness, chronic diarrhea, feeble breathing, and a yellow complexion. There aslo may be prolapse (sinking down) of the anus or other organs (e.g. uterus, stomach or kidney) which is worse after exertion. On examination, the tongue is pale, and the pulse is weak. |
Prolapse of anus, uterus or stomach, malnutrition |
| Spleen fail to control blood |
White face without luster, pale white lips and nails, fatigue, general weakness, feeble breathing, poor appetite, abdominal distension, excessive menstruation, uterine bleeding, bloody urine and purpura (purple bruised spots on the skin). On examination, the tongue is pale, and a thready and weak pulse is present. |
Hemorrhoids, bleeding disorders, tumor |
| Deficient spleen causing edema |
General swelling more obvious in the lower parts of the body, distension in gastric and abdominal regions that feels better when pressed, bland taste in the mouth, poor appetite, loose stools, pain on urination, aversion to cold, heavy and cold limbs and possibly clear and thin vaginal discharge. On examination, the tongue is pale with a white and slimy coating, and the pulse is deep and slow. |
Chronic nephritis, chronic gastroenteritis |
| Insufficiency of stomach yin |
Dry mouth and throat, thirst, hunger without a desire to eat, dry retching and hiccups, stomach-ache or fullness in the gastric area and dry stools. On examination, the tongue is red and dry with little or no coating, and the pulse is thready and rapid. |
Chronic gastritis, ulcer diseases |
| Cold-dampness accumulating spleen |
A heavy head, bland taste amd sticky feeling in the mouth, nausea, epigastric fullness, poor appetite, abdominal distension and pain, diarrhea, sallow complexion, limb weakness, heavy feeling body, scanty urine and loose stools. On examination, the tongue is bulky and tender with a white and greasy coating, and the pulse is hesitant and slow. |
Gastroenteritis, nephritis |
| Damp-heat in spleen and stomach |
General weakness, heavy limbs, slimy and sweet taste in the mouth, nausea, poor appetite, aversion to greasy foods, distension and fullness in epigastric and abdominal areas, diarrhea, yellow and scanty urine, possibly bright yellow skin and eyes, itching or fever that cannot be relieved after sweating. On examination, the tongue is red with a yellow and greasy coating, and the pulse is hesitant and rapid. |
Hepatitis, jaundice |
| Hyperactivity of stomach fire |
Burning pain in epigastric region, thirst, preference for cold drinks, good appetite and feel hungry easily, acid regurgitation , vomiting, swollen and painful gums, possibly there are ulcers and bleeding on the gums, foul breath, yellow urine and constipation. On examination, the tongue is red and dry with a yellow coating, and the pulse is rolling and rapid. |
Ulcer diseases, diabetes, gum infection |
| Retention of food in the stomach |
Distension and pain in the epigastric region, foul belching and acid regurgitation, vomiting undigested food, anorexia, acidic and foul breath, diarrhea or stools containing undigested food. On examination, the tongue coating is thick and greasy, and the pusle is rolling. |
Acute gastritis |
| Cold coagulating stomach |
Cold and dull pain in the epigastric region which is aggravated by cold foods or temperatures and alleviated by warm foods or teperatures, bland taste in the mouth, vomiting after meals, excessive saliva, hiccups and abnormal bowel movements. On examination, the tongue is pale with a white slimy coating, and the pulse is taut or slow. |
Chronic gastritis, ulcer diseases |
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