The Spleen and Dampness in Chinese Medicine
By Emma Suttie, D.Ac, AP
The Spleen is an extremely important organ in Chinese medicine and imbalances in the spleen system are some of the most common. It is sometimes confusing to refer to the spleen, as it is very different than the spleen of Western medicine. In Western medicine, the spleen is part of the immune system, where the blood is purified and red blood cells are recycled taking things like iron and cycling them back into the bloodstream so they can be used by the body. The spleen is the largest lymphatic organ and plays an important part in the body’s immune system by helping it to recognize foreign invaders. The spleen also holds a reserve of blood which is valuable in case of haemorrhage. It is possible to survive without a spleen, with the liver taking over many of its functions. Removal of the spleen, however, does make one more susceptible to certain infections. The spleen is approximately 3x1x5 inches in size, weighs seven grams and is located in the upper left quadrant of the abdomen, between the 9th and 11th ribs on the left-hand side, beside the stomach.
The spleen in Chinese medicine is quite different. The spleen is considered the major organ of digestion and is partnered with the stomach. The spleen is yin and the stomach is yang. There are many factors that affect the spleen.
Emotions
Every organ in Chinese medicine has an emotion associated with it. The emotion of the spleen is worry and overthinking. We live in a culture where both of these things are extremely common. We work long hours, often don’t eat properly and don’t get enough sleep. We eat at our desks, multitasking, which puts more of a burden on the spleen because it is responsible for taking in not only the food and drink we consume, but all the stimulus as well. This is why doing one thing at a time and doing it mindfully takes the load off the spleen. Chewing your food very well and not eating too many raw foods will also help take the burden off the spleen. Intense thinking, concentration, studying, brooding and obsessing are all emotions that, if in excess, also weaken the spleen.
Nutrition
What we eat is of vital importance to the spleen. This is good news because there are many foods that are beneficial for this important organ. The spleen likes to be warm and dry, so eating warming foods that do not create too much moisture are excellent for the spleen. Also, the colour associated with the spleen is yellow, so as a rule, yellow foods are healing for the spleen. Below is a handy chart.
Foods The Spleen Loves
- Corn
- Celery
- Watercress
- Turnip
- Pumpkin
- Alfalfa sprouts
- Button mushrooms
- Radish
- Caper
- Brown rice
- Barley
- Amaranth
- Rye
- Oats
- Kidney beans
- Adzuki beans
- Lentils
- A small amount of lean organic meat, poultry and fish, tuna
- A small amount of whole fruits (as opposed to just the juice), lemon
- Sesame seeds
- Pumpkin seeds
- Sunflower seeds
- Seaweed
- Kelp
- Green tea
- Jasmine tea
- Raspberry leaf tea
- Chai tea
- Raspberry
- Peach
- Strawberry
- Cherry
- Walnut
- Chestnuts
- Pine nuts
- Pistachios
- Lamb
- Venison
- Lobster
- Mussels
- Prawns
- Shrimp
- Trout
- Black pepper
- Cinnamon bark
- Clove
- Dill
- Fennel
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Peppermint
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Turmeric
- Thyme
- Horseradish
- Cayenne
- Nutmeg
Foods That Hurt The Spleen
- Dairy
- Wheat
- Cold drinks
- Fruit juice
- Processed foods
- Refined flour, pastry, pasta, bread
- Cold raw foods
- Refined sugar and sugar substitutes
- Coffee, alcohol
- Deep-fried foods
- Peanuts and peanut butter
- Bananas
- Avocado
The Spleen and Dampness in Chinese Medicine
The concept of dampness in Chinese medicine is related to a deficiency of the spleen’s function of transporting and transforming body fluids. When the spleen becomes deficient, it will cause it to produce more dampness, creating a vicious cycle. Dampness can come from both internal and external factors. The characteristics of dampness are that it is heavy, sticky, difficult to get rid of, slows things down and tends to settle in the lower parts of the body like the legs and abdomen. Dampness often starts in the legs and can work its way up to the organs in the abdomen. If it settles in the female genital system it causes vaginal discharges, often with a foul odour. If it settles in the intestines it will cause loose stools and if it gets into the bladder it will cause cloudy urine, difficulty, frequency and even a burning sensation upon urination.
Dampness has several clinical manifestations, which can be broken down into a few categories. Each has specific symptoms associated with it. Below are some common symptoms of dampness.
Dampness Symptoms
- A feeling of being tired
- A heavy feeling in the limbs
- Difficulty getting up in the morning and getting going
- A heaviness or fuzzy feeling in the head
- Unclear thinking
- A feeling of fullness or oppression of the chest
- Cloudy urine
- Urinary difficulty
- Vaginal discharges
- No appetite
- Sticky taste in the mouth
- Dull ache and swelling of the joints
- Skin diseases with weepy discharges
- A thick, sticky tongue coating
External Dampness
Dampness can be acquired externally by living in damp conditions (like moist basements), being out in damp weather, wearing wet clothing or sitting on damp ground. It can then get into the channels causing the above symptoms. External dampness generally invades the lower body, typically the legs and can cause aching and swelling of the joints. It can work its way up the leg channels and cause symptoms in the urinary system, female genital system, and intestines. Because of the heavy, sticky nature of dampness, especially when it mixes with heat, it is difficult to get rid of and tends to return again and again.
Being careful to stay covered up and warm as well as staying out of damp environments as much as possible is the best defence against an invasion of external dampness. If you are out in the rain, dry off right away so dampness doesn’t set in.
Photo by Dannyst @ Deviantart
Internal Dampness
Internal dampness mainly affects the spleen, but can also affect the kidneys. If the spleen becomes deficient and its ability to transport and transform fluids is affected, it will lead to the accumulation of fluids, creating dampness. The symptoms for both internal and external dampness are the same, the difference being that internal dampness will have a slow onset, as external dampness’ onset is more sudden. Another difference is subtleties in the tongue and pulse. In external dampness, the tongue will have a thick, sticky coating, whereas in internal dampness, the tongue coating will be thin. The pulse in both internal and external dampness will be slippery, but with internal dampness, it will be fine, or weak and floating. An external damp pulse will be slippery and full.
Acupuncture as well as Chinese herbs are used in the treatment of dampness. Most commonly points on the spleen meridian are used to clear dampness and strengthen the spleen, and Chinese herbal formulas are used to drain dampness, expelling it from the body (often through urination), as well as building the spleen so that more dampness is not created. Dampness can be difficult to treat because of its heavy, sticky nature, but with nutrition therapy – eating foods that strengthen the spleen and drain dampness – as well as acupuncture and herbs, you can get rid of dampness, and have a happier spleen as a result – which is what we all really want. :)
Beautiful featured image photo by Hansjörg Keller on Unsplash
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Thank you for the clear list of foods to avoid and to enjoy.
According to the acupuncturist I am seeing I have a dampness/spleen problem. I have a question about some foods that are not on the list and which I do eat often. How do eggs and chicken affect your spleen?
Spleen imbalances are very common, and many people have some level of spleen deficiency. Eggs actually can contribute to dampness, but chicken is beneficial. Just remember everything in moderation. ;)
I have created some information sheets for all aspects of the spleen which are linked at the bottom of the article if you would like more detailed information. Good luck with your spleen healing!
Eggs are mucus-forming thus create extra dampness. Chicken is an astringent and drying food and therefore helps clear dampness, part of the reason why chicken noodle soup helps so much when you are ill:) Hope that helps!
This helped a lot. Thank you so much as now I understand why I crave certain things and dislike others.
So glad it was helpful, you are most welcome!
In doing research on a reaction to Prednisone I realized my spleen had been affected. I went to my acupuncturist and told him. He did acupuncture for my spleen and the amount of toxins that were released truly during my illness around. I since have done acupressure for my spleen. Had a same reaction the first time but have since been a new person. I am worrier and that is ceasing. Thank you!
That is wonderful to hear! In Chinese Medicine, the spleen is an organ with so many responsibilities, but it is certainly possible to heal it and make it stronger. We live in a bit of a spleen deficient culture, which puts added pressure on this hard-working organ. I am happy to share information on how to give this organ some much-needed love!
There is a pop up that comes up continually on your site saying, “Content is protected.”
First, this is ridiculous. If your site is copyrighted, you just put a notice at the bottom indicating that. Second, this pop up is extremely annoying.
If you want to share information and be helpful, I’d highly suggest removing that pop up. Just a thought. I hope it’s a helpful one.
Hello,
I need a copy of this article because to know what I should eat to be healthier.
Please let me know how I can get a copy.
Thank you.
Annerose Kmoch
do a print page !
Hello Annerose,
Thank you for your comment.
I have created some information sheets for every aspect of the spleen (health, nutrition, emotions, dampness, etc…). They are posted at the bottom of the article. You can download and print them to make having this information easier. :)
The only thing I have to say is that peanuts are strengthening food for the spleen according to other sources for example http://www.planetherbs.com
good one keep it coming!
The only thing I can think wrong about peanuts is they are one of the most toxic crops grown. Rotated with cotton and heavily sprayed…
Chinese Medicine is different from Western Medicine understanding of Spleen. Says so right in the article. Different system altogether.
[…] https://www.chinesemedicineliving.com/acupuncture/the-spleen-and-dampness-in-chinese-medicine/ […]
Hi,
I was diagnosed phlegm dampness, damp heat just last week. I have started to eat a diet that will help to get rid of dampness. One tea I drink a lot is red rooibos tea. I could not find anything on this tea. Is this a tea that I should avoid for my condision?
I too have internal dampness (I think) due to kidney jing defficiency and liver stagnation but I’m not sure which led to which and still trying to figure it out. It led me to bad fatigue and insomnia. Worst part is that my symptoms are very dependant on the weather and things get much worse during wet, rainy days. If anyone has similar symptoms please contact me though my website. I would appreciate any insights.
I had all that and more, quite severely for a long time. Vegan core diet that changed to meat and low grain. Stil, sluggish and chroncally tired, fatigue fast and early in day and lose steam around 2pm any plans after noon were under a gun. Lol. Then I really started learning about phlegm, and combatting it successfully in my own clients, and that started me seeing some patterns. My take is that all animal products ad grains cause phlegm/dampness, so I no longer eat them and that helped. Beans are now my core and I digest them well, making sure to cook with a good acid like tomatoes, or even a spritz of vinegar; makes them yummy too. Also, lost of salt water daily (tsp in 16oz) because salt breaks down phlegm so it can pass. Also ate and still eat lots of mucus eating foods like pineapple (take bromelain), and other citrus (which I know is hydrating but also still breaks down phlem and builds tissue). Also taking some heat in the form of cayanne (in water or tea or coffee even) to move the water and break stagnant qi (breathing). Stayed clear of sours as a rule during breaking down phlem (tcm says that sours may lock in sickness). And lost of peppering my food, using carminative spices and heat producing herbs; lots of ginger in all – tea and beans alike, cayanne or roasted chilli pepper, poblano (in my beans is awesome), all kinds of hot spices, gently used. Phlem poured out of me. Pnumonia purged fast, and I can now BREATH and have ENERGY. . .. I also crave phlegmy foods now that I am well, lol. But I am doing white fungus (instead of old staples I used to go-to), had a bananna this morning which is rare. Ocra. Good fats from nuts. . . . I hope this helps you at least half as much as it did me. ;). . For my future, no grains and no animals. Protien from fiber only. Maybe some fish from time to time, during winter months. Cheers
Thanks, your comments helped me a lot
Thank you, Ruby. Having a terrible time here with lung congestion and sinus..going on more than a month with asthmatic symptoms. But I’m not sick.. just really congested in my lungs bronchials. It’s been hell. My acupuncturist says it’s spleen. My is deep and chronic.i could never stick to the diet but now I’m sO ill I MUST. I WANT TO PURGE ALL THIS MUCUS PHLEGM.
Your comment was helpful.
Hi mi name is Juan and i to have insomnia due to dampness, was your insomnia resolved and how, any tips will be greatly appreciated thanks in advance.
Hi i to have insomnia from dampness was yours resolve and how any tips will be greatly appreciated
I have dampness in the form of phlegm, but no other symptoms, and I am always cold in temps below 80 F, my extremities get very cold.. especially hands and fingers,
I have no other symptoms listed above,….. any suggestions?? am I suffering from dampness
I am willing try changing my diet to get rid of phlegm.. I am mostly vegan, but do eat bread pasta, rice, etc.
namaste
Maryann, your diet might be too “cold” for your system. You can address that by cooking your veggies and adding warming (but not phlegm-promoting) foods to your diet. Also, you will want to make a habit of gentle exercise to promote the circulation of blood, which should address both the coldness in extremities and general stagnation (dampness). Anyone can start with stretching and/or qigong. Depending on your abilities, you could then work up to tai chi or yoga. Good luck!
Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you penning this article and also the rest of the site is extremely good.
Thank you! <3
you need to eat based on your constitution, not what other articles tell you. one-track minded diets (paleo, vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, fruitarian or eating the same exact food everyday) will only lead to imbalances as the world doesn’t know yet…and probably never will. what that means is you need to figure out what imbalances you have and work on correcting them. the body is always straying out of balance due to diet, stress, lifestyle, environment, weather (the seasons change which means you cant eat the same food year round either), etc.
if you have dampness, eat foods that dry you up (look it up or use common sense; its obvious dried ginger is drying, etc) and get off your ass and go EXERCISE, sweat it out, build your yang energy outside, be active… sitting around while browsing the internet or online shopping on the computer while eating “healthy” food such as yogurt, bananas, mango, peanut butter sandwiches, pork, chicken thighs, fatty beef along with boiled potatoes quickly leads to severe dampness which can cause many problems including insomnia and fatigue. you basically DRENCHED your YANG energy. on the other hand, having a manual labor day job in the southwest during the summer months while eating corn, tortillas, chili, tapatio sauces and all those popular spices like garlic, turmeric and ginger won’t lead to dampness but will quickly heat you up on fire and cause insomnia, high blood pressure, arthritis, anger, short temper, and lots of other problems. BALANCE is key.
[…] The Spleen and Dampness in Chinese Medicine, December 13, 2014 […]
Hi,
Can anyone suggest what pressure points to do for dampness?
Thanks.
Damp
For internal dampness, you can self-administer acupressure at the points listed at the following website, which includes instructions on doing it properly and using essential oils for increased effectiveness. Good luck!
https://agelessherbs.com/spleen-qi-deficiency/
[…] your relationship with eating. Excessive weight gain is thought to relate to the accumulation of ‘dampness’ – a condition that occurs when food intake, absorption, digestion and transportation are not […]