Strengthen the Spleen & Stomach (健脾胃)
In TCM, the spleen and stomach relate to digestion, energy extraction, and daily stability. Supporting them usually starts with rhythm: regular meals, warmth, and less stress eating.
Quick answer
The fastest way to support spleen/stomach is consistent meal timing, warm cooked food, calmer eating, and a daily walk — then reduce late-night heavy meals and cold/raw overload.
Key takeaways
- Rhythm beats supplements: consistent meals + sleep matter most.
- Warm, cooked, “simple” meals are often easiest on the stomach.
- Stress directly affects digestion; calm eating is a real intervention.
Build a digestion-friendly rhythm
A stable rhythm is often the biggest lever for bloating and appetite swings.
- Eat at roughly consistent times
- Make dinner earlier than bedtime (ideally 3+ hours)
- Stop “working through” meals; eat without rushing
Choose “warm and simple” as default
Many digestion complaints improve when meals are cooked, warm, and not overly complex.
- Soup, porridge, steamed foods, stir-fries (not too oily)
- Soft protein (eggs, tofu, fish) + cooked vegetables
- Reduce iced drinks and large raw salads (if they bloat you)
Stress and the gut (don’t ignore it)
If you feel stomach tightness under stress, treat stress reduction as digestion support.
- 5 minutes slow nasal breathing before meals
- Short walks after meals
- Reduce late-night screen time (sleep quality impacts gut)
FAQ
- Is “spleen” here the same as the anatomical spleen?
- No. In TCM, “spleen” is a functional concept tied to digestion and transformation. For medical concerns, rely on medical evaluation and labs as needed.
- I have bloating — should I eat less?
- Sometimes smaller, simpler meals help. But chronic under-eating can worsen energy and gut motility. Focus first on meal rhythm and food simplicity.
Common patterns & practical Q&A
Learn prevention-first self-care with modern TCM: build daily foundations, align with seasonal rhythm, track outcomes, and act before small issues become big ones.
Qi Deficiency (气虚)
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Dampness (湿症 / “heavy damp”)
Bloating, heaviness, sticky fatigue? Learn everyday ways to reduce “damp” load.
Prevent Stomach Pain (胃痛)
Common triggers, prevention checklists, and when to seek professional care.
Diet Adjustment (饮食调理)
Simple rules for food choices: easier digestion, steadier energy, fewer flare-ups.
Acupressure & Massage (按摩)
A safe, beginner-friendly routine for digestion support and nausea/stress relief.