Are you always feeling tired and lack the energy to do the things you want to do? Do you feel sluggish – both physically and mentally? Perhaps you feel bloated, especially after eating?
Do you want to feel energised and ready for anything? Then get ready to SUPERCHARGE YOUR SPLEEN QI with the ancient wisdom of Chinese Medicine Dietary Therapy!
According to Chinese Medicine theory, the Spleen and Stomach are the earth element, which is at the centre of the ‘5 Elements’. These are the source of Qi (energy/life force) and blood; therefore all the other organs depend on them for their nourishment. The Spleen transforms our food into energy and then transports this energy to various organs and parts of the body.
So when our Spleen Qi is weak, we experience fatigue, suppressed appetite, bloating after eating, weak limbs and loose stools. Its secondary role is to transform, transport and move the fluids in the body, so when it is weak and this function is impaired, we may experience ‘damp’ signs including nausea and feelings of heaviness, particularly of the limbs and head.
To increase your Spleen Qi:
- ensure all food is cooked and warm
- use long, slow cooking methods (for foods such as soups, broths and stews)
- use simple combinations of only a few ingredients
- eat smaller meals more often
- maintain regular meal times
- eat more vegetables and grains, less meat.
and, avoid:
- cold natured, uncooked and raw food (such as salads, raw fruits and juices–especially citrus)
- damp-generating foods of dairy (except a little butter and yoghurt), concentrated sweeteners, sweet food, nuts and nut butters (except walnuts)
- consuming excessive fluid with meals
- overeating
- missing meals
- eating while working.
Qi-building foods for you:
Carbohydrates
White rice
Rice porridge (congee)
Oats
Spelt
Aromatics (in small amounts)
Onion
Ginger
Leek
Garlic
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Proteins
Chicken
Beef
Lamb
Liver
Kidney
Mackerel
Tuna
Anchovy
Sweetener (in small amounts)
Molasses
Fruits and vegetables
Pumpkin
Sweet potato
Squash
Carrot
Corn
Parsnip
Peas
Chick peas
Stewed fruit
Dates and Chinese red dates
Apples
Figs
For easy, Spleen Qi-building recipes, click here!
Well-functioning Spleen Qi can increase your energy output, digestive efficiency and mental clarity. If you are ready to supercharge your energy, I welcome you to contact me on 0401 583 077.
References: Maclean, W and Lyttleton, J, 2002, Clinical Handbook of Internal Medicine, University of Western Sydney, NSW, Australia
Betts, D, 2006, The Essential Guide to Acupuncture in Pregnancy and Childbirth, The Journal of Chinese Medicine, East Sussex, England
