Our lives are getting better, but our stomachs are getting worse. Statistics show that there are 500 million people suffering from stomach problems worldwide, with 120 million of them in China, making it a veritable "stomach disease superpower." In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the spleen is indispensable when discussing the stomach; the spleen and stomach are the "root" of health. If their functions are weak, many diseases can arise. I believe that maintaining health must begin with nourishing the spleen and stomach. A strong stomach leads to a strong body, while a weak stomach leads to a weak body. If we compare longevity to building a house, protecting the spleen and stomach is like laying the foundation. Without a solid foundation, no amount of nutritional supplements or health products will have a significant effect.
Check if your spleen and stomach are healthy.
People with poor spleen and stomach function can often be identified by their appearance. In my clinic, I frequently encounter patients like these: some have pale complexions and dull lips; some are excessively thin, looking as if a gust of wind could knock them over; some are very fat, seemingly large in stature, but not at all robust; others speak weakly, lack energy, and appear prematurely aged... These are mostly due to impaired spleen and stomach function. Therefore, to determine the health of one's spleen and stomach, I often examine the following areas:
Lips. Generally speaking, people with healthy spleen and stomach have rosy lips that are neither too dry nor too moist, and are smooth and glossy; while those with poor spleen and stomach function have pale, bloodless lips that appear very dry and are prone to peeling and cracking. Symptoms such as bad breath and swollen gums are mostly related to insufficient digestive capacity of the spleen and stomach. Additionally, drooling while sleeping is also a manifestation of spleen deficiency.
The nose. The meridians of the spleen and stomach are connected to the nose. Dry nasal passages, loss of smell, runny nose, and nosebleeds are mostly caused by spleen and stomach weakness. People with red nostrils often have stomach heat; a bluish nose accompanied by abdominal pain also indicates poor spleen and stomach function.
Eyes. Poor spleen and stomach function can easily lead to insufficient qi and blood, which in turn affects the liver. The liver's function manifests in the eyes, so eye fatigue and blurred vision are common. Furthermore, the spleen plays a significant role in the absorption of bodily fluids; frequent red and swollen eyes, facial swelling, etc., may also indicate a spleen problem.
Four ways to strengthen the spleen and stomach
1. Spinal pinching. Spinal pinching therapy is usually used for children, but it is equally effective for adults. It is suitable for patients with indigestion, bad breath, bloating, stomach pain, diarrhea, lethargy, and fatigue. Pinch 1-2 times a day, and you should see results after one week.
Instructions: First, gently massage the back several times to relax the muscles. Then, use your thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers to simultaneously pinch and lift the skin in the middle of the back, moving it along the spine from bottom to top, alternating hands in a forward kneading motion. Lift the skin once for every three pinches; this is called the "three-pinch-one-lift method." The amount of skin pinched and the force applied should be appropriate; do not twist the skin; and move in a straight line, not at an angle.
2. Rubbing the navel. Place the palm or heel of one hand on the navel, and the back of the other hand on the navel. Rub in a clockwise direction for about 5 minutes each time, 1-2 times a day. This method can warm the yang and dispel cold, replenish qi and blood, strengthen the spleen and stomach, and promote digestion. It is often used for patients with indigestion, cold stomach, abdominal distension, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation.
3. Rub the lower abdomen. Place both hands firmly on either side of the navel and rub up and down until the abdomen feels warm. This method is suitable for patients with bloating and abdominal pain, and can be used 2-5 times daily. The Tianshu acupoint is located 2 inches to the side of the navel. This method can stimulate this acupoint and treat acute and chronic gastroenteritis and digestive disorders such as food stagnation, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation.
