According to traditional Chinese medicine, the spleen and stomach belong to the earth element. The energy our body needs is obtained through diet. As the stomach is a fragile organ, we should adopt a strategy of "long-term nourishment and occasional indulgence" to take care of it.
Signs of Poor Digestion
1. Slightly pale and dry lips
People with a healthy spleen and stomach have lips that are red, moist, and lubricated. On the other hand, if a person's lips are dry, peeling, and lacking color, it indicates poor digestion.
2. Yellowish complexion
As our living conditions improve, our spleen and stomach may become weaker, leading to symptoms such as loss of appetite, bloating after meals, diarrhea, or loose stools. If left untreated, the complexion may gradually become "withered and yellow," with yellowish cheeks and a thin appearance. This is because the spleen's qi and body fluids are insufficient to provide enough nourishment to the body.
3. Poor sleep quality
As the saying goes, "If the stomach is not harmonious, sleep is not peaceful." People with poor digestion may experience difficulties falling asleep, waking up frequently, or having vivid dreams.
4. Dull nose
By touching the tip of the nose, one can find a small depression. This area reflects the most obvious physiological and pathological changes in the spleen. If the tip of the nose is red, it indicates heat in the spleen and stomach, with symptoms such as increased appetite, hunger shortly after eating, poor digestion and absorption, and a bitter or sticky taste in the mouth.
5. Constipation
Under normal circumstances, the water we drink undergoes digestion in the spleen and stomach before becoming bodily fluids for various organs. If the digestion function of the spleen and stomach weakens, it can lead to decreased colonic motility and functional constipation.
6. Poor mental state
Abnormal digestion can lead to forgetfulness, anxiety, and slow reaction. On the other hand, a healthy spleen and stomach can nourish the brain, resulting in clarity of mind, high energy levels, and agile thinking.
How to Regulate Poor Digestion
1. Indigestion
Four Seams Acupoint: This acupoint is used to treat digestion problems in children and has been proven effective for adults as well. Apply pressure to this acupoint using the thumb, or use moxibustion for treatment.
Daling Acupoint: This acupoint corresponds to the spleen and stomach. It is a classic acupoint for promoting digestion and relieving stomach heat. Apply moxibustion to this acupoint to regulate the spleen and stomach.
2. Stomach bloating
Zusanli Acupoint: Located on the outside of the lower leg, about four finger-widths below the knee. This acupoint is effective for treating various gastrointestinal disorders, including indigestion and stomach bloating. Apply pressure to this acupoint, and the sensation may spread to the foot. Moxibustion on Zusanli acupoint is said to be as effective as eating a mother chicken soup.
Neiguan Acupoint: Located about two finger-widths above the wrist crease, between the two bones and tendons. This acupoint can relieve stomach bloating and the feeling of food stuck in the chest. Apply moxibustion to this acupoint to promote smooth qi circulation.
3. Stomach pain
Zhangmen Acupoint: Located at the lower edge of the 11th rib, this acupoint belongs to the Foot Jueyin Liver meridian and is the gathering point of the spleen. Place both thumbs on this acupoint and apply pressure for about 2 minutes to relieve stomach pain.
Causes of Poor Digestion
1. Excessive alcohol consumption
Alcohol itself can irritate the gastric mucosa. In severe cases, it can cause liver cirrhosis and chronic pancreatitis, further damaging the health of the digestive system.
2. Excessive fatigue
When the body is excessively tired, it can lead to inadequate blood supply to the digestive system and hormonal imbalances. This can increase stomach acid and reduce mucus production, making the gastric mucosa more vulnerable to damage.
3. Overeating at dinner
Overeating at dinner can lead to indigestion, disrupt sleep, and cause the accumulation of nutrients, leading to obesity. It can also stimulate the gastric mucosa, increase gastric acid secretion, and trigger gastric ulcers.
4. Irregular eating habits
A regular lifestyle is an important condition for maintaining a healthy body and protecting the digestive system. Irregular eating habits, such as skipping meals, fasting for weight loss, or overeating, can increase the burden on the digestive system, weaken its regulatory function, and cause poor digestion.
5. Poor dietary habits
A diet high in spicy and cold foods can burden the digestive system and lead to poor digestion. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can also lower the body's immune system and damage the functions of the digestive system, resulting in poor digestion.
6. Poor food hygiene
Food hygiene is essential for maintaining a healthy intestinal tract. Neglecting food hygiene can lead to bacterial growth, affecting the functions of the digestive system and causing digestive disorders.
