In traditional Chinese medicine, the spleen and stomach are considered the foundation of acquired vitality, influencing food digestion, nutrient absorption, and the production of qi and blood. In daily life, many people experience situations where the stomach function is strong but the spleen function is weak, manifested as strong appetite, stomach heat, along with difficult digestion due to spleen deficiency, leading to feelings of bloating, indigestion, and discomfort during bowel movements. To address this strong stomach and weak spleen condition, following the advice of traditional Chinese medicine, adjustments should be made in diet and lifestyle:
In terms of diet, it is important to maintain a light diet, reduce intake of spicy and greasy foods such as chili peppers, fried foods, etc., to prevent stimulating stomach heat and further harming the spleen. It is recommended to consume easily digestible foods such as vegetables, fruits, lean meats, and fish to promote harmony in the spleen and stomach.
Maintain regular eating habits, control food intake to about 70-80% fullness to prevent excessive stomach acid due to hunger and reduce the heavy burden on the spleen during overeating, decreasing issues like bloating.
Chewing food thoroughly is especially important for individuals with a strong stomach and weak spleen, as it aids in preliminary digestion in the oral cavity, reduces pressure on the stomach, and promotes the spleen’s digestive functions.
Additionally, incorporating foods such as Chinese yam, coix seed, which nourish the spleen and stomach into daily meals can assist in improving physical constitution through dietary therapy.
In daily life, maintaining regular routines and adequate sleep is crucial for spleen and stomach health. Avoid staying up late as much as possible, ensure 7-8 hours of high-quality sleep each night, creating an environment conducive for the spleen and stomach to rest at night.
Moderate exercise like jogging, tai chi, can activate spleen and stomach function, promote circulation of qi and blood in the body, and alleviate symptoms of a strong stomach and weak spleen. Practicing diaphragmatic breathing is also a good method to stimulate gastrointestinal motility.
Traditional Chinese medicine treatments, whether through medication or non-pharmacological methods like acupuncture, massage, are tailored to individual cases with the aim of directly improving spleen and stomach function.
Furthermore, maintaining a positive psychological state is equally important, reducing stress and anxiety, maintaining a calm mindset through relaxation techniques like meditation are beneficial for spleen and stomach health.
In conclusion, maintaining spleen and stomach health requires continual efforts in daily life – balanced diet, regular lifestyle, moderate exercise, and a positive mindset, each contributing to our overall health.
