Taiyin Spleen - Functions
The main function
of the Spleen is to help the Stomach in digestion by transforming
and transporting Gu (food) Qi or essence from the food, and
separating the waste. This extraction of Gu Qi is the basis for the
production of Qi and blood. This combines with Qi from the Lungs to
form Zong Qi. The formation of blood also takes place with the
Heart. Because the Spleen gives the material basis for the
production of Qi and blood, it is referred to as the root of
post-heaven Qi.
The functions of
the Spleen (pancreas) are:
Governs
transformation and transportation
Once the food Qi is
extracted and formed the Spleen transports this to various organs
and other parts of the body.
“Food enters the Stomach, the
refined part goes to the Liver, the excess goes to the sinews. Food
enters the Stomach, the unrefined part goes to the Heart, the excess
goes to the blood vessels…fluids enter the Stomach…the upper part
goes to the Spleen, the Spleen transports the refined essence
upwards to the Lungs.” Neijing Suwen
This shows the
Spleens importance in the digestive process and the formation of Qi
and blood. If this functioning is diseased, there will be poor
appetite, loose bowel movements, bad digestion, bloating, and other
digestive discomforts.
The Spleen
separates clean and unclean fluids also, the pure part goes up to
the Lungs, and the unclean part goes down to the intestines and
Kidneys for further refinement. If this function is diseased, the
formation of Dampness will occur (this is why it is said that the
Spleen hates Dampness and likes dryness). The Spleen is always
treated when there is Dampness, Phlegm, or edema. It is also easily
effected by external Dampness. Cold icy drinks damage the Spleens
functioning, therefore impairing digestion. The Stomach likes
moisture.
Controls the blood
It is Spleen Qi
that keeps the blood in the vessels. If the Spleen is deficient the
blood may escape from the vessels resulting in various types of
hemorrhaging.
With the help of
the Heart the Spleen is a major organ involved in the production of
blood. The Spleen extracts essential essence and Qi from the food
and with the help of the Kidneys Yuan Qi, the Heart finishes the
making of blood. The Spleen is always treated when blood is
deficient.
Controls the muscles
and four limbs
The Spleen
transports its refined essences taken from food to nourish all
tissues in the body. When the Spleen is healthy the muscles on the
limbs are well nourished. The Spleen is paramount in determining
the amount of energy one has, therefore when there is fatigue or
tiredness the Spleen must be treated.
Opens into
the mouth and shows its health on the lips
Mastication
releases certain elements which help prepare the Spleen to perform
its functions. This is why the mouth is directly related to the
Spleen. If the Spleen is healthy the mouth will be slightly moist,
the lips will be lustrous and not dry, and the taste will be normal.
If the Spleen has heat the patient may complain of dry lips and a
sweet taste in the mouth. If Spleen Qi is deficient the patient
will have pale lips.
Controls the raising of Qi
The Spleen ensures
that all internal Zang Fu organs stay in their place and do not fall
or prolapse. If the Spleen Qi is weak the Kidneys, Uterus, Stomach,
Bladder, or anus may prolapse. This raising action also refers to
the raising of the food essences to the Heart and Lungs.
With its paired
organ the Stomach which has a downward movement of Qi, these two
must be in balance for proper digestion, Spleen Qi goes up, and
Stomach Qi goes down. This ensures the clear Yang to ascend and the
turbid Qi to descend.
Houses thought
The Spleen houses
thought (thinking, worry, studying, concentration, focus, and
memorization). If the Spleen is weak, thought will be clouded and
unclear. Also excess thought can injure the Spleen. The Heart and
Kidneys also aid in thought: The Spleen is more involved in
thinking processes like work or school, the Heart is more involved
with problem solving and long term memory, and the Kidneys nourish
the brain and short term memory. This shows why people can be
genius in a particular field but absent minded in everyday life
activities.
Effects dreams
“If the Spleen is deficient, one
dreams of being hungry. If the dream takes place in late summer,
one dreams of building a house. ” Neijing Suwen
“If the Spleen is in excess, one
dreams of singing and being very heavy…if the Spleen is deficient,
one dreams of abysses in mountains and of marshes.” Neijing
Lingshu
Links -
Spleen: Earth Energy Yin Organ
(Bioenergetics)
