How to Read the Imbalances in Your Body!
by Jodie Heinrich, Green Tree Acupuncture
What are the causes of imbalance in the body?
With winter celebrations there is a tendency to over eat, over drink and over think. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) this creates an imbalance referred to as Spleen Qi Deficiency.
When we talk about the Spleen in TCM we are not referring to it as an anatomical organ as viewed in Western medicine. The Spleen is a central organ in the production of Qi affecting the digestive process by transporting and transforming how we use and absorb our food. The functional system of the Spleen includes not only physical aspects but emotional and mental as well. Qi is the life force or energy that flows through us, allowing each organ system to do its job in the body and mind. When this energy is low, it creates a deficiency, in this case a Spleen Qi Deficiency, inhibiting the functions of the Spleen’s role throughout the body.
What are the symptoms of imbalance?
On a physical level the main function of the Spleen is digestion, transforming food into refined Qi and transporting it to nourish the tissues and muscles in the body, particularly those of the limbs. When imbalanced, a person can feel tired or have muscle aches or a general heaviness throughout his/her body. The Spleen has a “lifting” ability in the Qi of the body when it is strong. When Qi is deficient, the body may experience problems such as a prolapsed uterus or stomach or a hernia. The Spleen keeps fluids within the channels in the body. A Spleen that is deficient for a long time can lead to dampness within the body causing problems such as arthritis, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, Candida overgrowth, chronic sinus congestion or obesity. Many foods can create this dampness within the body along with overexposure to excessive damp and cold.
On a mental and emotional level the Spleen is said to be the “residence” of thought; thus, feeling foggy or ungrounded may be a sign of a weak Spleen. Routine is important to keep the Spleen strong. This especially includes regular meals and being mindful of what you are eating while you are eating. There is a tendency to worry or ruminate, replaying something in your head, when there is imbalance. The flip side of that is the mental clarity and focus that one enjoys when the Spleen is strong.
What can I do to balance my body?
In TCM specific foods are analyzed and grouped for their healing properties and energy. There are warming foods and cooling foods, drying foods and foods that dampen and moisten. The Spleen does not like cold and dampness, so the best choices to strengthen the functions of the Spleen are warming and drying foods. Sugar and fat create dampness in the body, thereby weakening the Spleen Qi.
The most effective way to prevent Spleen Qi Deficiency is to consume fresh foods that are slightly cooked. Food that is lightly prepared helps to ensure that nutrients are more readily digested and absorbed. Eating smaller meals more frequently while relaxing and being mindful of what you are chewing and tasting also contributes to keeping the body balanced. Roughly 40 - 60% of the diet should consist of complex carbohydrates like grains and starchy root vegetables, 30 - 40% should be composed of cooked vegetables, while proteins should constitute only 10 - 20% of the diet.
Small amounts of naturally sweet foods such as molasses, dates and rice syrup, and more pungent tastes, including onion, garlic, turnip, ginger, fennel, cinnamon and nutmeg, are also beneficial in strengthening Qi. Overly rich, oily or heavy foods should be avoided because they can overwhelm the digestive system. Cold foods such as raw fruits and vegetables, tofu, and ice cream should be eaten in moderation, as they tend to slow down the digestion process and make the body work harder.
So remember during this winter season to eat in a way that nourishes your Spleen, being wise and moderate in your choices, so that you may feel content and relaxed and maintain your ability to focus and not be overwhelmed.
Jodie Curro Heinrich, GREEN TREE ACUPUNCTURE, is a nationally board-certified licensed acupuncturist with a practice located at GreenSquare Center for the Healing Arts (GreensquareCenter.com), 6789 N. Green Bay Avenue, Glendale, 414.292.3900, Ext. 205. Jodie’s practice is steeped in client education, helping her clients understand that most health problems are caused by imbalances in the body. Acupuncture focuses on alleviating these imbalances, allowing the body to heal itself.
