How to treat spleen deficiency

Aug 21, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Sun Lianqing

Introduction

In general, spleen deficiency is often caused by irregular eating habits, excessive fatigue, spleen and stomach deficiency-cold, dampness pathogen impairing the spleen, liver qi stagnation with spleen deficiency, and other similar causes. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation to identify the specific cause and, under a physician's guidance, improve the condition through dietary regulation, lifestyle adjustments, and medical treatment. Daily routines should include maintaining regular hours of rest, avoiding late nights, and performing appropriate abdominal massage.

Generally, spleen deficiency is caused by irregular eating habits, excessive fatigue, spleen and stomach cold deficiency, dampness pathogen obstructing the spleen, liver qi stagnation with spleen deficiency, and other similar reasons. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation to identify the specific cause and improve the condition through dietary regulation, lifestyle adjustments, and medication under a doctor's guidance. The detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Irregular diet: Long-term overeating or excessive consumption of raw, cold, or greasy foods increases the digestive burden on the spleen and stomach, causing spleen deficiency accompanied by abdominal distension and loss of appetite. Adjust eating habits by having regular and moderate meals, avoiding raw and fried foods, consuming more easily digestible foods such as millet porridge, Chinese yam, and pumpkin, and taking a gentle walk for 10–15 minutes after meals to aid digestion.

2. Excessive fatigue: Long-term late nights or overexertion of physical or mental energy consumes spleen qi, causing spleen deficiency accompanied by fatigue and listlessness. Ensure 7–8 hours of sleep each night, avoid staying up late, reduce the duration of high-intensity work, rest for 10 minutes every hour of work, and engage in gentle physical activities such as Tai Chi or yoga to help restore energy.

3. Spleen and stomach cold deficiency: Insufficient yang energy in the spleen and stomach leads to internal cold formation, causing spleen deficiency accompanied by cold pain in the epigastric region and loose stools. Patients should follow medical advice to take medications such as Fuzi LIZhong Pills, Xiangsha Yangwei Pills, or Wenwei Granules to warm and nourish the spleen and stomach.

4. Dampness pathogen obstructing the spleen: Prolonged exposure to humid environments or excessive consumption of sweet and greasy foods leads to internal dampness accumulation, obstructing the spleen and stomach and causing spleen deficiency, accompanied by heaviness and fatigue in the body and a thick, greasy tongue coating. Patients should follow medical advice to take medicines such as Shenling Baizhu Powder, Huoxiang Zhengqi Water, or Pingwei Powder to strengthen the spleen and eliminate dampness.

5. Liver qi stagnation with spleen deficiency: Long-term emotional depression and excessive worry cause liver qi stagnation, affecting the digestive function of the spleen and stomach, leading to spleen deficiency accompanied by rib-side distension and pain, loss of appetite, and low mood. Patients should follow medical advice to take medications such as Xiaoyao Pills, Chaihu Shugan Pills, or Xiangsha Liujun Pills to soothe the liver and strengthen the spleen.

In daily life, maintain a regular routine and avoid staying up late. Gentle abdominal massage can be performed by moving clockwise around the navel for 5–10 minutes each time to promote spleen and stomach motility. Follow a low-salt, low-sugar diet and avoid spicy and irritating foods. A comprehensive approach to regulation can improve spleen deficiency and maintain digestive health.

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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: