For those of you who work with me this blog probably has you nodding your head because we have gone in depth on this topic because it is such a challenge for so many women.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with this concept, Spleen Qi deficiency is caused by overextension, poor dietary habits, and/or emotional imbalances.

Irregular eating, consuming cold or raw foods and drinks, skipping meals and overeating all weaken the Spleen.

This kind of deficiency is more than just eating habits. Spleen Qi can be harmed by overthinking, worrying or feeling anxious and having mental strain.

This sounds like the world we live in, right? Our lives are so busy we “grab and go” with many of our meals or snacks. There is so much stress collectively in the world right now let alone in our daily lives.

We all could benefit from some mindfulness around caring for the Spleen Qi in our bodies.

Why Is Spleen Qi Important?

The TCM Spleen has physiological and energetic functions. The biggest function of the Spleen is food digestion and nutrient absorption. 

This is important for the formation of blood and energy and keeping the blood in the vessels. For women, keeping blood in the vessels is an essential part of menses starting between cycle day 28-30 and not starting prematurely.

The Spleen is connected to the muscles, the mouth and the lips. It plays a critical role in thinking, studying and memory.

As a central part of the digestive process, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Spleen pulls Qi from all the foods we eat and delivers it to the rest of the body.

If this organ isn’t working properly – can you imagine the havoc we start to see in the system?

When people have Spleen Qi Deficiency, they are often:

• Fatigued

• Have muscle atrophy

• Loss of appetite

• Nausea 

• Diarrhea

• Gas

• Bloating

• Varicose veins

• Hemorrhoids

• Trouble waking in the morning

• Brain fog during the day

While this is not an exhaustive list of symptoms, do you see how these are areas where the Spleen’s normal functions are starting to falter? For example, varicose veins and hemorrhoids are due to the blood not being governed as it should through the veins.

This is an important organ to support for your overall health and well being but plays an even more critical role in menstruation and fertility. It regulates the menstrual flow as well as the condition of the uterus and endometrium.

Are you someone who struggles with cycles shorter than 28 days? Do you spot in the middle of the month? Do you sometimes have two “periods” a month or once the blood starts it doesn’t seem to ever “turn off?” Your Spleen Qi is a factor.

How to support your Spleen Qi

While rest and improving sleep quality and not over extending during your bleeding days are important parts of supporting your Spleen Qi, there are some foods you can also incorporate into your diet to aid your efforts.

Foods to support your Spleen Qi include but are not limited to:

• Lentils

• Quinoa

• Oats

• Malted grain beverages

• Root vegetables including sweet potatoes and taro

• Pumpkin

• Squashes

• Miso soup

Foods to avoid to protect your Spleen Qi include:

• Refined sugar

• Refined grains

• Fried foods

• Salty foods

• Iced/cold beverages and foods

• Dairy products

• Yeasty foods like beer or dough

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