First, the importance of the spleen and stomach: the human body's "official of the granary"

In Chinese medicine theory, the spleen and stomach are known as "the official of the granary, the five flavors out of it", which means that the spleen and stomach are like the warehouse and logistics transit station in the human body, responsible for receiving, digesting and distributing nutrients in food, which plays a vital role in human health.

1. The relationship between spleen and stomach and disease:

• For both adults and children, the function of the spleen and stomach must be taken into account in the process of Chinese medicine treatment. For example, in pediatric massage, most cases focus on regulating the spleen and stomach because the function of the spleen and stomach directly affects a child's growth and development and immunity. Problems such as cough, wanting to grow taller, adenoid hypertrophy, rhinitis, and low immunity can all be improved by regulating the spleen and stomach.

2. How to determine the health of the spleen and stomach:

• By observing your child's eating, drinking, and pooping, you can learn about the absorption and transportation capacity of the spleen and stomach:
  • Diet: Whether the appetite is normal and whether there is any picky or partial eating.
  • Digestion: Any symptoms of bloating, food accumulation, vomiting, etc.
  • Defecation: Whether the stools are regular and whether there are any problems such as constipation or diarrhea.
  • Mental status: Any signs of lethargy, drowsiness, lack of concentration, etc.

Second, the common wrong way to regulate: recognize the type of spleen deficiency

Many people do not distinguish between the concepts of Spleen-Qi deficiency, Spleen-Yang deficiency and Spleen-Yin deficiency, leading to improper regulation and aggravation of the condition instead.

1. Spleen deficiency:

• Symptoms: easy bloating after eating; ☆ weakness and inactivity; ☆ loss of appetite.
• Directions: Strengthening the spleen and promoting vital energy

2. Spleen-Yang deficiency:

• Symptoms: ☆ Abdomen, hands and feet get cold easily; ☆ Frequent diarrhea
• Direction: Warming Spleen-Yang (e.g. moxibustion: suitable for people with Spleen-Yang deficiency, as moxibustion warms Yang-Qi and promotes the flow of Yang-Qi).

3. Deficiency of spleen yin:

• Symptoms (mostly in children): ☆ Dry lips and nose; ☆ Dry and sore throat, wanting to drink water but not willing to drink voluntarily;
• Directions: Nourish Yin and clear heat

Third, a good way to regulate the spleen and stomach on a daily basis

1. Moxibustion: warming the spleen yang

Applicable Population: People with spleen yang deficiency

Common Acupuncture Points:

• Shenque point (navel):
  • It is the channel through which the body communicates with the innate Qi and is easily absorbed. It is suitable for symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea caused by cold. Method of operation: ☆ Can use salt moxibustion or ginger moxibustion. Adults: Three pillars per moxibustion, about ten minutes. Children: 5 minutes per session, avoid excessive time.
• Qihai point (1.5 inches directly below the navel):
  • It is the "ocean of qi", and stimulating this point can promote the transportation and absorption of the spleen and stomach. Methods of operation: moxibustion, or clockwise massage.

• Foot Sanli point (located on the front side of the calf):
  • It is a key point for health care and can enhance the function of the spleen and stomach. Methods of operation: moxibustion or massage.

Note: ☆ Use coarse salt for better results. ☆ To prevent burns, use a portable moxibustion or a special moxibustion jar. ☆ It is safer for children to use moxibustion. ☆Master the fire to avoid fire.

2. Dietary management: nourishing Yin and clearing heat

Individuals: Children with spleen yin deficiency

Recommended food: ☆ Lotus root: It can be eaten raw or cooked, and has the effect of clearing heat and generating fluids. ☆ Yam: strengthens the spleen and vital energy, nourishes yin and moistens dryness. Lily: Moistening the lungs, relieving coughs, and calming the mind. Pueraria Mirifica: Promotes the production of body fluid to quench thirst, and rises the yang to stop diarrhea. Aloe vera: Clearing heat and removing toxins, moistening the intestines and relaxing the bowels.

Dietary advice: ☆ Avoid spicy and oily foods, which may aggravate internal heat. ☆ Control the intake of cold drinks and chilly foods.

3. Massage and acupressure: strengthening the spleen and promoting transportation

Suitable for: All people

Commonly used techniques:

• Clockwise massage of the abdomen: can promote intestinal peristalsis, relieve bloating. Method of operation: take the navel as the center and massage in a clockwise direction. Each massage 20-30 minutes, can be carried out in sections.
• Pounding on the spleen meridian: It can dredge the spleen meridian and promote the flow of qi and blood. How to do it: Use the wormwood hammer to gently pound the Spleen meridian on the calves and inner thighs.
• Massage Panmen point: Panmen point is located in the palm of the hand at the big fish margin, it has a good regulating effect on the spleen and stomach. Method of operation: Press and knead with the thumb for 3-5 minutes each time.

Caveats:

• ☆Massage time: The effect is better during the day, but can also be done at night. ☆Massage strength: moderate can, avoid excessive force.

4. Other recommendations:

• ☆ Avoid over-eating: Encourage small, frequent meals to reduce the burden on the spleen and stomach. ☆ Eat less processed foods: Choose natural, unprocessed foods. ☆ Increase Exercise:: Proper exercise can promote digestion and strengthen the body. ☆ Ensure adequate sleep: Sleep is an important part of the body's repair and recovery.

IV. Case study: regulation of children with spleen-yin deficiency

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 5-year-old boy often feels dry mouth, dry throat, constipation, likes to drink cold drinks, and has a red tongue with yellow fur.

TCM ANALYSIS: Symptoms indicate Spleen-Yin deficiency with internal heat.

Conditioning program: ☆ Dietary adjustments: ① Eat more nourishing and moisturizing foods, such as pears, apples, honey and so on. ② Avoid spicy and greasy food. ☆Chinese medicine adjustment: Take Chinese medicine prescriptions containing ingredients such as American ginseng to nourish yin and clear heat. ☆Massage: Massage Neiguan and Sanyinjiao points daily to improve digestion and relieve symptoms. ☆☆☆After two weeks of conditioning, the boy's symptoms improved significantly, with dry mouth and throat relieved and constipation disappearing.

V、Summarize

By understanding the importance of the spleen and stomach, distinguishing between different types of spleen deficiency, and adopting the appropriate regulatory methods, we can effectively improve the functioning of the spleen and stomach and promote good health. Both adults and children can nourish their spleens and stomachs and enjoy a healthy life through their daily diets, living habits and Chinese medicine regimens.