August 29th, 2010 | Posted in 3 Various Specific Problems
Many eating disorders and indigestion, constipation and diarrhoea involve the activity of the Spleen/Pancreas
The spleen is a fist sized organ located in the upper-left portion of the abdomen between the stomach and the diaphragm. The principle functions of the spleen have nothing to do with digestion (whereas the pancreas has quite a bit to do with digestion) and revolve around our immune and cardiovascular systems. The spleen is responsible for the removal of old red blood cells and the production and storage of white blood cells (lymphocytes) which will cleanse bacteria from the blood in the spleen and provide important tissue healing and other immune responses throughout our body. The spleen is functionally equivalent to a large lymph node with a focus on cleansing our blood and aiding immunity.
The pancreas is a roughly 6-10 inch gland organ located behind the stomach with a narrow tail that extends to the left abdomen next to the spleen. The pancreas produces various chemicals which allow for proper digestion of food. The chemicals help us to digest protein, break down carbohydrates and break down fats into fatty acids and cholesterol. There is an endocrine portion of the pancreas which secretes insulin when blood sugar is elevated. Insulin moves sugar (glucose) from our blood into muscles and other tissues so it can be used for energy. On the opposite side, the pancreas also releases glucagon when blood sugar levels are low. Glucagon causes stored sugar to be broken down into glucose by the liver to return blood sugar levels to a normal balance. These functions are obviously critical in conditions such as diabetes.
From a Chinese perspective the ‘Spleen/Pancreas‘ involves the physical spleen, the pancreas, the spleen acupuncture meridian, spleen related disharmonies (or patterns), western medicine spleen/pancrease related diseases such as diabetes and chronic fatigue, and a range of health issues that arise from the spleen related disharmonies from a TCM perspective. When your acupuncturist tells you that you have “Spleen Qi Deficiency” you might just stare back at him or her blankly not understanding a word of how that explains the issues that you are seeking to resolve. Chinese Medicine uses meridians named after and related to our physical organs to treat disease and imbalances in the body. The organ names are there to help describe the function of the related meridian and also to describe the myriad of relationships that exist in our bodies and between us and our environment.
Since acupuncture is a ‘holistic’ treatment, it is often these connections and relationships that form the basis of the acupuncture treatment.
Many problems associated with digestion can be alleviated and/or cured with acupuncture and diet changes.
Problems, such as Stomach Cancer, Diabetes, etc. will require a more aggressive treatment and you should consult your GP.
INDIGESTION — DYSPEPSIA
Indigestion is characterised by pain or discomfort in the chest or upper abdomen that develops after eating — especially because of changing of eating or drinking habits.
Many describe it as a ‘heavy’ or ‘burning’ sensation behind the breastbone, either soon, or an hour or two after eating. For some it may be sharp stabbing stomach pains or griping, colicky discomfort lasting for several hours.
All of these can damage the protective lining of the stomach which in turn allows stomach acid to irritate the more sensitive tissue beneath. If acid travels up into the gullet this can also cause heartburn—a condition known as reflux.
Don’ts
Do’s
If you are over 55 you need to see your doctor if you have
These could be signs of a peptic ulcer. This can be easily detected by a simple breath or blood test and can be treated by a simple combination of antiobiotics and an antacid.
It could be a sign of gallstones or irritable bowel syndrome. Gallstones, however, will cause severe pain under the right side of the ribcage and IBS more usually causes bloating in the lower abdomen and colicky pain.
