What are the symptoms of spleen deficiency?

Aug 11, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Sun Lianqing

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, the main symptoms of spleen deficiency include indigestion, physical fatigue, sallow complexion, abdominal distension and pain, and abnormal bowel movements. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical consultation and treatment at a正规 hospital. Daily attention should be paid to eating regularly, with fixed times and portions, avoiding overeating, undereating, or excessive dieting. It is advisable to eat more foods that help strengthen the spleen, such as yam, millet, pumpkin, and others.

Generally, the main symptoms of spleen deficiency include indigestion, physical fatigue, sallow complexion, abdominal distension and pain, and abnormal bowel movements. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely diagnosis and treatment at a regular hospital. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Indigestion

Spleen deficiency reduces the digestive and absorptive capacity of the stomach and spleen, making it difficult for ingested food to be fully digested and absorbed. This often results in post-meal fullness, and may also be accompanied by belching and acid regurgitation. These symptoms tend to become more pronounced after consuming greasy or hard-to-digest foods.

2. Physical Fatigue

The spleen is the source of blood and qi production. When the spleen is weak, insufficient blood and qi are produced, leading to inadequate energy supply to the body. This results in general fatigue, with even slight activity causing exhaustion, and rest often fails to fully restore physical strength.

3. Sallow Complexion

Insufficient blood and qi affect nourishment of the face. Individuals with spleen deficiency usually have a sallow or pale complexion lacking the healthy rosy luster. They appear to be in poor spirits, and this internally caused poor complexion is difficult to mask even with cosmetics.

4. Abdominal Distension and Pain

When the digestive function of the spleen and stomach is impaired, food remains in the gastrointestinal tract for too long, easily producing gas and causing abdominal distension. At the same time, there may be a dull ache in the abdomen, mostly characterized as a dull or distending pain, which may worsen when fasting or after overeating.

5. Abnormal Bowel Movements

Spleen deficiency can affect the normal function of the intestines, potentially causing loose or unformed stools and increased frequency of bowel movements. Some individuals may experience dry, hard stools, which result from insufficient intestinal fluids and slowed intestinal motility due to spleen deficiency.

In daily life, it is important to maintain regular eating habits, consuming meals at fixed times and in moderate amounts, avoiding overeating or excessive dieting. Eat more spleen-strengthening foods such as yam, millet, and pumpkin, and reduce intake of raw, cold, spicy, and greasy foods. Engaging in appropriate physical activities like walking or jogging can help enhance the function of the spleen and stomach.

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Can men take Xiaoyao Pills?

If men remain under long-term stress and experience symptoms such as low mood, irritability, chest discomfort, distension and pain on both sides of the ribs, reduced appetite, and indigestion—indicative of liver qi stagnation accompanied by spleen deficiency—taking Xiaoyao Pills may help regulate liver function, invigorate qi, strengthen the spleen, and harmonize the stomach. However, dosage and duration of treatment must be followed as directed by a physician. Prolonged self-administration should be avoided to prevent additional gastrointestinal irritation due to the medicine's slightly cooling nature.

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What are the best and fastest medications for strengthening the spleen in cases of spleen deficiency?

Generally speaking, there is no such thing as "the best and fastest medicines for replenishing spleen deficiency." Spleen deficiency is often caused by factors such as irregular diet, excessive fatigue, and so on. Common symptoms include loss of appetite, abdominal distension, and loose stools. Patients may take medications such as Ren Shen Jian Pi Wan (Ginseng Spleen Strengthening Pills), Shen Ling Bai Zhu San (Dioscorea and Atractylodes Powder), Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan (Spleen-Qi Tonic Pills), Xiang Sha Liu Jun Wan (Saussurea and Hoelen Pill), and Fu Zi Li Zhong Wan (Processed Aconite Restoring Middle Pills) as directed by a physician.

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How to manage spleen deficiency with damp-heat?

To regulate spleen deficiency with damp-heat, methods generally include consuming spleen-strengthening and dampness-resolving ingredients, engaging in moderate exercise regularly, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, selecting appropriate Chinese patent medicines that strengthen the spleen and remove dampness, and controlling food portions. Ingredients such as Chinese yam (Shanyao) and Poria (Fuling) can be chosen, as they help strengthen the spleen and boost qi while also assisting in expelling damp-heat. These ingredients can be prepared as congee or simmered in soups. Long-term moderate consumption may improve indigestion caused by spleen deficiency with damp-heat.

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What medication should be taken for spleen deficiency with damp-heat?

In general, spleen deficiency with damp-heat (Pi Xu Shi Re) is a TCM condition caused by spleen Qi deficiency and internal accumulation of damp-heat. Common symptoms include abdominal distension, loose stools, heaviness and fatigue in the limbs, poor appetite, bitter taste and stickiness in the mouth, and yellow greasy tongue coating. Patients may take medications such as Shen Ling Bai Zhu San, Xiang Sha Liu Jun Wan, Ge Gen Qin Lian Wan, Qing Re Qu Shi Ke Li, and Jian Pi Wan under the guidance of a physician. A detailed explanation is as follows: