-IBIS-1.5.0-
rx
Chinese physiology
Spleen (Pi)
diagnoses

definition

The Chinese organ Pi is translated as the Spleen (Spleen/Pancreas)
It is classified as a Zang organ, which is to say Yin in nature
Its channel is named Foot Tai Yin or Greater Yin

» The Major Functions of the Spleen include:
• Governs Digestion and Assimilation, i.e., the Transformation of nutrients and fluids; Earth derived Qi becomes the foundation of Post-Natal Qi.
• Distributes nutrients throughout the body (Transportation of Qi).
• Produces Xue (Blood) through the transformation of food.
• Regulates the Xue (Blood) (literally "wraps" the blood and keeps it circulating within the vessels).
• Rules the Flesh (nourishes the muscles and limbs).
• Distributes each flavor to the proper organ.
• Keeps the internal organs in their place.
• Function includes that of the pancreas.

» Relationships of the Spleen:
• The channel is coupled with the Hand Tai Yin Lung channel
• High tide in the channel occurs between the hours 9 to 11 am
• Its "clock" partner is the Triple Warmer (12 hours away)
• Its elemental pair is the Stomach - in the Earth phase
• Their color is yellow
• Its season is the transition period between seasons, specifically Late Summer
• The direction from which its influence comes is the Center
• Its climate is humid
• Its power is that of maturation and ripening
• Its flavor is sweet
• Its odor is fragrant or aromatic

» Expressions of the Spleen:
• The Spleen controls the sense of taste through its sense organ, the mouth
• The body part or tissue it controls is the Flesh (the overall fleshiness of the body, representing the state of nourishment)
• The body fluid it secretes is saliva
• The Spleen's condition is observable in the lips (the limbs)
• When the Spleen is out of balance, pain, discomfort or abnormal sensations are commonly experienced and reported in the abdomen; sensitivity and/or tension may be elicited upon palpation in the abdominal area (esp. the periumbilical region and inferior to the 11th rib, ca. Lv-13)

» Roles of the Spleen:
• This organ produces feelings of belonging, i.e., worry, pensiveness, obsessing
• The characteristic sound of the voice is singing, melodious
• Its "Official" role is that of the Arbiter (who reflects morality), the Quartermaster (who allocates supplies), the Mother (who tends and cares for)
• It houses the spirit known as the "Yi", i.e., thoughts, ideas, memory
• It directs Qi upward

» Influences upon the Spleen:
• This organ is injured by the climatic factor Dampness
• is "strained" by too much sitting
• is "drained" by too much of the sweet and/or bitter flavor
• and is "overwhelmed" by excessive thinking, over-concentrating, reminiscing, worrying

» Foods that are said to benefit the Spleen:
• grain: millet
• meat: beef
• fruit: apricot
• vegetable: scallions

» Major symptoms of Spleen disharmony include:
• Digestive problems - esp. loose stools
• Abdominal discomfort (abdominal distention and bloating)
• Appetite disturbances (loss of appetite, compulsive eating disorders)
• Mouth and tongue problems - changes in the sense of taste
• Energy problems (fatigue, lassitude, lethary, tiredness)
• Abnormal bleeding and bruising (esp. chronic slight bleeding)
• Prolapses (esp. digestive organs - uterus and ano-rectal prolapses)
• Vaginal discharges (esp. chronic)
• Fluid retention: accumulation and edema (esp. in the abdomen and limbs)

» Shi (Excess) patterns:
• Spleen Obstructed by External Damp
• Spleen Invaded by Cold-Damp
• Spleen Overcome by Damp-Heat

» general symptoms of Shi (Excess): abdominal pain; irregular appetite; stickiness in the mouth and on lips; red lips; chest congestion; fatigue; constipation.

» Xu (Deficiency) patterns:
• Spleen Qi Xu (Deficiency)
• Spleen Qi Sinking
• Spleen Unable to Govern the Xue (Blood)
• Spleen Yang Xu (Deficiency)

» general symptoms of Xu (Deficiency): abdomen taut and distended like a drum; craving for sweets; flatulence; nausea; mild edema; memory failure; heavy feeling in legs; pale lips; chronic diarrhea; muscular weakness; obesity.

» combined patterns:
• Spleen and Liver Xue Xu (Blood Deficiency)
• Spleen Distressed by Dampness and Liver Qi Stagnation
• Liver Invading Spleen


footnotes