Why Individuals with Spleen Deficiency Should Avoid Running

　　Spleen deficiency is a common condition. Patients with spleen deficiency may experience abnormal bowel movements, excessive dampness, gynecological inflammation, and a thick, white tongue coating. Spleen deficiency is further categorized into three types: spleen-yang deficiency, spleen-yin deficiency, and spleen-stomach qi deficiency—each presenting with distinct symptoms. So why should individuals with spleen deficiency avoid running?

　　Why Running Is Not Recommended for Those with Spleen Deficiency

　　Patients diagnosed with spleen-kidney yang deficiency may engage in moderate running, but excessive or overly intense exercise should be avoided. As this pattern falls under the category of “deficiency,” treatment focuses on tonifying the deficient state. The kidneys represent the “innate foundation” (congenital constitution), whereas the spleen constitutes the “acquired foundation” (postnatal constitution). Common manifestations of spleen-kidney yang deficiency include fatigue, soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees, low mood or depression, erectile dysfunction, and premature ejaculation. It is advisable to complement lifestyle adjustments with appropriate kidney- and yang-tonifying herbal remedies. Additionally, daily dietary habits should be carefully regulated—favoring foods that nourish the kidneys and strengthen yang, while ensuring balanced nutritional intake.

　　Under normal circumstances, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the spleen governs digestion, which encompasses two primary functions: transformation and transportation of fluids (water metabolism) and transformation and transportation of nutrients from food and drink. When spleen function is impaired, both processes become dysregulated. Fluid metabolism disturbance leads to edema and phlegm accumulation; one of the most characteristic presentations of phlegm-damp and blood stasis due to spleen deficiency is a sensation of coldness over the back—described as “cold like the palm of the hand.” Phlegm descending downward is also attributed to spleen deficiency. Another hallmark manifestation is indigestion: when the spleen is deficient, ingested food cannot be properly transformed into essential fluids (“jin”) and nutrient essence (“gu qi”), resulting in weight loss and an inability to convert consumed food into usable nourishment for the body.

　　Individuals with spleen deficiency are advised to minimize consumption of cold, raw, or cooling foods; avoid spicy, fried, or grilled foods; refrain from overeating or irregular eating patterns; and avoid emotional excitement. Instead, they should emphasize foods that fortify the spleen and augment qi. We hope this information proves helpful to you.