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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