Modern life is fast-paced, and people often ignore subtle warning signals from their bodies until spleen and stomach issues emerge, such as indigestion and loss of appetite, making them realize the value of health. Many people choose to maintain their spleen and stomach through dietary adjustments or traditional Chinese medicine treatments, only to find the results unsatisfactory. Traditional Chinese medicine theory reminds us that the “spleen and stomach” are the foundation of health, and the “liver” governs the body’s clearance. Neglecting the role of the liver, the sole effect of simply nourishing the spleen and stomach is limited. Why is supporting the liver crucial for nourishing the spleen and stomach? The insights of traditional Chinese medicine experts reveal the answer.
The human body is considered by traditional Chinese medicine as an interconnected whole, with a particularly close relationship between the liver and spleen and stomach. The liver belongs to wood, while the spleen and stomach belong to earth. Wood has the ability to restrict earth, meaning that the state of the liver directly influences the functioning of the spleen and stomach. The liver is responsible for harmonizing emotions, blood, and bodily fluids, supporting digestion and absorption by the spleen and stomach. When the liver qi is blocked, the function of the spleen and stomach is hindered, and relying solely on nourishing the spleen and stomach proves ineffective.
The importance of supporting the liver is manifested in many ways: first, ensuring the smooth flow of qi and maintaining the orderly operation of the spleen and stomach; second, emotional management, as smooth liver qi stabilizes emotions, positively impacting the spleen and stomach; and third, preventing disharmony between the liver and spleen, reducing related illnesses.
So, how can one effectively support the liver and nourish the spleen and stomach? Experts suggest starting from the following aspects:
– Diet: Choose light foods, reduce greasy and spicy items, and consume items like rose petals and tangerine peel to help facilitate smooth liver qi flow. – Emotional management: Maintain optimism, practice meditation, yoga, and other relaxation techniques to balance emotions and liver qi. – Traditional Chinese medicine treatment: Depending on individual circumstances, use medications like Bupleurum Liver Cleansing Pills or undergo professional treatments such as acupuncture or cupping. – Adequate sleep: Ensure high-quality sleep, as nighttime is the liver’s working time, beneficial for liver qi recovery and drainage. – Moderate exercise: Gentle exercises like Tai Chi, Baduanjin, promote blood and qi circulation, strengthening organ functions. – Chinese herbal teas: Such as Cassia Seed Chrysanthemum Tea, Rose Tea, simple and effective for easing liver heat and harmonizing the spleen and stomach.
In conclusion, incorporating the practices of supporting the liver and nourishing the spleen and stomach is not only the application of traditional Chinese medicine wisdom but also an important path for modern individuals to pursue holistic health. Integrating these concepts into daily life enhances physical and mental health simultaneously.
