Symptoms and Treatment of Spleen Deficiency
Aug 24, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. He Haochen
Introduction
Spleen deficiency symptoms are primarily categorized into spleen-yang deficiency and spleen-qi deficiency.
Spleen-yang deficiency is mainly characterized by pallor, aversion to cold, cold limbs, abdominal distension, a sensation of coldness, poor digestion—especially after meals—preference for warm beverages, loose stools, and clear, copious urine. Treatment focuses on warming the middle burner and strengthening the spleen, commonly using Lizhong Wan (Regulating the Middle Pill) or Fuzi Lizhong Wan (Aconite-Enhanced Regulating the Middle Pill).
Spleen-qi deficiency is primarily manifested as sallow or withered complexion, fatigue, reduced appetite, and foul-smelling, loose stools.
Due to impaired Spleen function—its key roles in digestion, absorption, and transformation—the body’s ability to generate Qi and Blood is compromised. This leads to internal accumulation of Phlegm-Dampness and disharmony in Blood circulation. You would like to know the symptoms and treatment approaches for Spleen deficiency. So, what are the symptoms and treatments for Spleen deficiency?
Symptoms and Treatment of Spleen Deficiency
Spleen deficiency is primarily categorized into two types: Spleen Yang deficiency and Spleen Qi deficiency.
Spleen Yang deficiency manifests mainly as pallor, aversion to cold, cold limbs, abdominal distension, a sensation of coldness in the abdomen, poor appetite, postprandial indigestion, preference for warm drinks, loose stools, and clear, copious urine. Treatment focuses on warming the middle burner and strengthening the Spleen, commonly using formulas such as Lizhong Wan (Regulating the Middle Pill) or Fuzi Lizhong Wan (Aconite-Containing Regulating the Middle Pill).
Spleen Qi deficiency is characterized by sallow or withered complexion, fatigue, reduced food intake, foul-smelling or loose stools, diarrhea, prolapse of the rectum, generalized weakness, and muscle atrophy. In women, it may present with menorrhagia, profuse thin vaginal discharge, and frequent urination. Treatment aims to tonify the middle burner and augment Qi, using formulas such as Buzhong Yiqi Wan (Tonify the Middle and Augment Qi Pill), Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction), or Xiangsha Liujun Wan (Costus and Sand仁 Six Gentlemen Pill).
Preventing Spleen deficiency requires attention to daily lifestyle habits. Maintain regular sleep patterns and avoid staying up late; ensure adequate rest. Refrain from smoking and minimize consumption of spicy, greasy, raw, or cold-natured foods. Instead, increase intake of foods rich in vitamins and high-quality protein.
Additionally, engage in appropriate physical exercise to enhance overall constitution and resilience. We hope this information proves helpful to you!
