Regulating the Spleen and Stomach to Improve Qi and Blood Deficiency: The Efficacy and Function of Shenling Baizhu San and Xiangsha Liujunzi Wan

Regulating the Spleen and Stomach to Improve Qi and Blood Deficiency: The Efficacy and Function of Shenling Baizhu San and Xiangsha Liujunzi WanModern people often lead fast-paced, stressful lives with irregular diets, leading to increasingly prevalent spleen and stomach disorders. Many consequently experience symptoms of Qi and blood deficiency

Regulating the Spleen and Stomach to Improve Qi and Blood Deficiency: The Efficacy and Function of Shenling Baizhu San and Xiangsha Liujunzi Wan

Modern people often lead fast-paced, stressful lives with irregular diets, leading to increasingly prevalent spleen and stomach disorders. Many consequently experience symptoms of Qi and blood deficiency. However, simply supplementing Qi and blood often treats the symptoms but not the root cause. The true solution lies in regulating the spleen and stomach. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory states: "The spleen is the foundation of the postnatal body and the source of Qi and blood generation." A healthy spleen and stomach naturally leads to abundant Qi and blood. This article will delve into the crucial role of the spleen and stomach in the human body, how to improve Qi and blood deficiency by regulating them, and will focus on two highly effective traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) Shenling Baizhu San and Xiangsha Liujunzi Wan helping readers understand their applications and usage, ultimately achieving Qi and blood replenishment and a healthy, strong physique.

I. The Importance of the Spleen and Stomach: Shared Understanding in TCM and Western Medicine

The spleen and stomach play a vital role in human health. This is not only the essence of TCM theory but is also validated by modern Western medicine.

From a TCM perspective, the spleen governs transportation and transformation (Yunhua), while the stomach governs reception (Shou Na). Normal spleen and stomach function allows the transformation of nutrients from food into Qi and blood, which are then transported throughout the body to nourish the organs, skin, and maintain normal physiological functions. Dysfunction of the spleen and stomach affects nutrient absorption, leading to Qi and blood deficiency and a range of health problems.

From a Western medicine perspective, the gastrointestinal tract is the body's largest digestive organ, responsible for digesting and absorbing nutrients from food, providing the body with energy and nutrition to maintain normal physiological activities. The health of the gastrointestinal tract directly impacts the efficiency of nutrient absorption, thereby affecting overall health. Gastrointestinal disorders affect nutrient absorption, leading to nutritional deficiencies and impacting immunity, mental state, etc.

A study from Harvard Medical School shows that improving gut health can improve nutrient absorption efficiency, enhance immune function, and even affect mood and cognitive ability, further demonstrating the importance of gastrointestinal health. Therefore, both TCM and Western medicine highly value the role of the spleen and stomach in human health; a strong spleen and stomach are the cornerstone of a healthy physique.

II. Symptoms of Spleen and Stomach Dysfunction

When spleen and stomach function is disordered, various uncomfortable symptoms appear, significantly impacting quality of life. Common symptoms include:

• Poor Appetite: Lack of interest in food, inability to eat, or feeling full after eating a small amount.

• Indigestion: Bloating, belching, heartburn after meals.

• Abdominal Distension: Feeling of fullness and discomfort in the abdomen, feeling heavy.

• Diarrhea or Constipation: Abnormal bowel movements, either excessive and loose stools, or difficulty with bowel movements and hard stools.

• Abdominal Pain: Pain in different parts of the abdomen, varying in nature and severity.

• Pale or Yellow Complexion: Pale or yellowish complexion, lacking luster.

• Dizziness and Fatigue: Frequent dizziness, weakness, and exhaustion.

• Palpitations and Shortness of Breath: Rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, chest tightness.

• Cold Extremities: Cold feeling in the extremities.

• Poor Sleep Quality: Difficulty falling asleep or poor sleep quality, frequent nightmares.

• Decreased Immunity: Prone to colds and illnesses, weak resistance.

These symptoms not only affect quality of life but also lead to poor nutrient absorption, further exacerbating Qi and blood deficiency, creating a vicious cycle. Therefore, timely regulation of the spleen and stomach is crucial.

III. The Relationship Between Qi and Blood Deficiency and Spleen and Stomach Function

TCM believes that "the spleen is the source of Qi and blood generation," and the strength of spleen and stomach function is directly related to the generation and distribution of Qi and blood. A healthy spleen and stomach can transform nutrients from food into Qi and blood to nourish the entire body; a weakened spleen and stomach leads to reduced transport and transformation function, insufficient Qi and blood generation, resulting in Qi and blood deficiency.

Western medicine research also confirms that gastrointestinal health is closely related to overall nutritional status. The gastrointestinal tract is the primary site of nutrient absorption in the body. If gastrointestinal function is disordered, poor nutrient absorption will lead to a lack of nutrients in the body, resulting in symptoms of Qi and blood deficiency.

Therefore, improving Qi and blood deficiency should fundamentally regulate the spleen and stomach, restoring their normal transport and transformation function. Simply supplementing Qi and blood while neglecting the regulation of the spleen and stomach only provides temporary relief and fails to address the root cause.

IV. Methods for Regulating the Spleen and Stomach: Selection and Application of TCMs

In addition to adjusting dietary habits and maintaining regular routines, choosing appropriate TCMs is an effective auxiliary method. The following introduces two highly effective TCMs:

(A) Shenling Baizhu San

Shenling Baizhu San is a classic prescription from the Song Dynasty, composed of ginseng, Poria cocos, Atractylodes macrocephala, Dioscorea opposita, lotus seeds, Coix seed, adzuki bean, and Amomum villosum. This formula has the effects of invigorating the spleen and Qi, and eliminating dampness and diarrhea. It is suitable for those with spleen and stomach weakness, indigestion, poor appetite, and loose stools.

Modern pharmacological research has found that Shenling Baizhu San can enhance gastrointestinal motility, promote the secretion of digestive enzymes, and improve the absorption rate of nutrients, thereby improving indigestion, increasing appetite, and enhancing physical fitness. In addition, it has immunomodulatory effects and can enhance the body's disease resistance.

Shenling Baizhu San is relatively mild and suitable for long-term use, especially for people with weak constitutions who are prone to colds. However, it is not suitable for those with spleen and stomach damp-heat or dry stools.

(B) Xiangsha Liujunzi Wan

Xiangsha Liujunzi Wan is a compound preparation combining "Xiangsha Yangwei Wan" and "Liujunzi Tang," with main ingredients including safflower, Amomum villosum, ginseng, Atractylodes macrocephala, Poria cocos, tangerine peel, and licorice. This formula invigorates the spleen and Qi and harmonizes the stomach and eliminates dampness. It is particularly suitable for patients with spleen and stomach weakness and Qi stagnation and dampness obstruction, with symptoms such as indigestion, abdominal distension, poor appetite, chest tightness, palpitations, and fatigue.

Modern pharmacological studies show that Xiangsha Liujunzi Wan can promote gastrointestinal motility, increase the secretion of gastric acid and digestive enzymes, and improve the digestive absorption capacity, effectively improving indigestion, abdominal distension, and poor appetite. In addition, it has the functions of regulating immune function, antioxidation, and anti-fatigue.

Xiangsha Liujunzi Wan is suitable for patients with spleen and stomach weakness and Qi stagnation, but it is not suitable for those with spleen and stomach Yin deficiency and dryness-heat.

V. The Importance of Lifestyle Adjustments

Besides taking TCMs, regulating the spleen and stomach also requires attention to lifestyle adjustments, including:

• Regular Sleep Schedule: Maintain sufficient sleep, avoid staying up late, and ensure the normal operation of bodily functions.

• Balanced Diet: Eat regularly and in moderation, chew slowly, avoid overeating, and choose easily digestible foods.

• Moderate Exercise: Appropriate exercise can enhance physical fitness, promote metabolism, and improve spleen and stomach function.

• Maintain a Cheerful Mood: Excessive stress can affect spleen and stomach function. Maintaining an optimistic and cheerful mood is beneficial for both physical and mental health.

• Refrain from Smoking and Limit Alcohol: Avoid irritating foods and drinks to protect the gastrointestinal mucosa.

VI. The Long-Term and Holistic Nature of Spleen and Stomach Regulation

Regulating spleen and stomach function is not a quick fix; it requires a gradual process. Consistent use of TCMs combined with good lifestyle habits will yield optimal results. Usually, noticeable improvement can be seen after one to two months of consistent use. As spleen and stomach function recovers, symptoms of Qi and blood deficiency will gradually lessen or disappear.

VII. Precautions

Although TCMs are generally safe, they are not entirely without side effects. Some individuals may experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort or allergic reactions. If any unusual symptoms occur, stop taking the medication immediately and consult a doctor. Pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and patients with specific diseases should consult a doctor before taking these medications. Do not self-diagnose or medicate; treatment should be under the guidance of a doctor.

VIII. Conclusion

Regulating the spleen and stomach is key to improving Qi and blood deficiency. By taking appropriate medications and maintaining good lifestyle habits, one can effectively improve spleen and stomach function, thereby achieving the goal of replenishing Qi and blood and ultimately attaining a healthy and strong physique. We hope that readers will prioritize spleen and stomach health and actively take measures to regulate them for a better life.