In the fast-paced urban environment, many people face the issue of declining physical health, often attributed to irregular diets and high-pressure situations, manifesting as fatigue, weakened immunity, and frequent minor illnesses. Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes the spleen and stomach as the foundation of health, and a weakened constitution is often directly related to poor spleen and stomach function. Therefore, the primary task of strengthening the body is to nourish the spleen and stomach, following rational steps to gradually restore bodily vitality.
Adjusting the diet is the first step in caring for the spleen and stomach. It is essential to avoid greasy, cold, and irritating foods to prevent additional burden on the spleen and stomach. It is recommended to consume easily digestible, warm, and nutritionally rich foods, such as millet, yam, pumpkin, red dates, and lotus seeds. These not only provide comprehensive nutrition but also gently nourish the spleen and stomach and promote digestion. Meanwhile, maintaining regular meal times, chewing slowly, and avoiding overeating can create stable recovery conditions for the spleen and stomach.
A regular daily routine is equally important for the spleen and stomach. Traditional Chinese medicine theory states that the functioning of the spleen and stomach is closely related to the yin-yang changes in nature, and adhering to natural rhythms helps promote their health. Ensuring adequate sleep and avoiding staying up late is crucial since night is the best time for the spleen and stomach to rest and repair. A short afternoon nap can also help nourish the spleen and stomach and enhance the body’s self-repair capability.
Appropriate exercise promotes the smooth circulation of qi and blood and strengthens the function of the spleen and stomach. Those with poor constitution can choose gentle exercises like walking, tai chi, or yoga, avoiding intense activities that may impose additional stress. Exercise should aim for slight sweating and a sense of comfort, which helps stabilize emotions and reduce their adverse effects on the spleen and stomach, achieving a harmonious body and mind.
In certain cases, changes in diet and lifestyle alone may not be sufficient to improve spleen and stomach weakness; at this point, it may be advisable to complement with medicinal treatment based on a Chinese medicine practitioner’s suggestions. Common medications, such as ginseng spleen-strengthening pills and ginseng, lotus seed, and white atractylodes powder, adhere to the concept of food and medicine being of the same origin, gently enhancing spleen and stomach function and improving digestion. The use of medication should follow the principle of syndrome differentiation to avoid self-medicating recklessly.
Additionally, traditional Chinese medicine offers unique treatment methods, including acupuncture, moxibustion, gua sha, cupping, and tui na, which can specifically adjust certain acupoints, such as Zusanli, Zhongwan, and Tianshu, promoting qi and blood circulation and strengthening spleen and stomach function. For example, regular moxibustion at Zusanli can enhance spleen and stomach health and boost immunity; abdominal massage promotes intestinal peristalsis and alleviates constipation.
It is important to note that mental health also affects the spleen and stomach. Ongoing emotional stress or tension can disrupt their normal function. Relaxing through meditation, listening to music, reading, or social interactions is also essential for maintaining the health of the spleen and stomach.
Health of the spleen and stomach is the cornerstone of improving physical condition. Consistently paying attention to and caring for the spleen and stomach will lead to a healthier and more vibrant life. Starting now, let us carefully nurture our spleen and stomach and embrace a healthier self.
