Earth

The Spleen supplies nourishment and sustains the organism.  SUSTENANCE.

Food (and experiences) is ingested, digested, and assimilated into FUEL—called the Nutritive Essence— which is extracted and converted into Qi and Blood.

The Earth gathers and holds together. The Spleen is the constant provider, maintaining proper integrity of the body, space and relationships. The Spleen distributes Moisture by adjusting the circulation of blood and fluids “through the vascular and lymphatic systems, the density of flesh and the total mass of the body” (114, BH&E). The entire form, shape, weight, and tone of tissue results in how the Spleen disseminates Moisture and assimilates nutrients.

The “faculties of concentration, ideation, recollection, and reflection emanate from the Spleen.” (114, BH&E). Memory and the power to focus the mind come from a healthy Earth. “Intention is a means of gathering the momentum necessary to transform will, the impulse of the Kidney, into action, the drive of the Liver. Maintaining the necessary motivation necessary to sustain effort over time arises from the Spleen.” (113, BH&E).  So the Spleen is a major provider of homeostasis: it distributes nutrients, maintains balance, sustains healthy mental functioning, and creates the impetus to adapt smoothly to changes, while maintaining equilibrium.

The Spleen provides continuity of

·       Of body size

·       Mental orientation

·       Psychological perspective

·       Sense of identity in relationship to place, people and values

·       “Such constancy supports adaptability, the capacity to endure stress without harm” (115, BH&E).

·        “When the Spleen circulates fluids from tissues the flesh becomes less dense and the body becomes lighter and more mobile. “ (115, BH&E).

Breakdowns occurs when:

·       Feelings of overwhelm

·       Overburdened by excessive input

o   Either food or information

o   Creates congestion

·       When the Spleen is exhausted the mind becomes easily distracted by “scattered, superficial and elusive thoughts” (115).

·       The body feels fatigue

·       “The Spleen attempts to balance disequilibrium by slowing down or speeding up the conversion of nourishment to Blood and Qi”

·       If the Spleen thickens fluids and tissues: congestion, stagnation, movement retards the body.

o   Feeling weighed down

·       Dampness occurs

o   When tissues become saturated, the excess is experiences as

§  “Spongy tender flesh, swelling of the belly, joints, and lymph nodes, edema under the skin, painful swelling of the breast or reproductive organs, and copious or sticky discharges from the nose, throat, mouth and other mucous membranes” (115, BH&E).

·       Secretions are determined by the way Dampness interacts with Heat and Cold

o   Cold affecting the Spleen: clear and fluent discharge

o   Heat entangled with Moisture: sticky discharge

o   Accumulated Dampness: congealed phlegm, stagnant sputum/mucus.

Deficiency of Qi: Spleen forms the Blood and Qi (with nutritive essence)

Symptoms are anemia, dry skin and hair, blurry vision, pale lips and nails, dizziness, fatigue. (116)

·       If Spleen Qi descends, diarrhea, prolapse of the organs and veins occurs; hernias and hemorrhoids.

·       If Stomach Qi ascends, belching, burping hiccups, nausea, and puke.

The SPLEEN ASSISTS THE LIVER AND HEART (yin)

                  “By maintaining the integrity of the blood vessels, nourishing the Blood, and maintaining proper viscosity so that if flows fluidly” (117). Spleen Qi moves UP, bringing pure Essence to the Lung (116)

·       Relationship with Small Intestine/Heart?  (Child)

·       Relationship with Gallbladder/Liver?  (

THE STOMACH (yang)

                  Active one; rots and ripens food. Moistens and decomposes food. Stomach Qi, DESCENDS, bringing impure matter and liquid to the Intestines.