TCM Digestion Secrets: Strengthening the Spleen and Stomach for Optimal Health
- Dr Cesar Daoud
- Jun 17
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 30
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), digestion is considered the root of all postnatal energy — meaning that your vitality, immunity, and mental clarity all depend on how well your body processes food.
While modern medicine focuses on enzymes, gut bacteria, and nutrients, TCM offers a broader, energetic view: the Spleen and Stomach work together like the cooking pot and fire, transforming what you eat into usable Qi (energy) and Blood. When they’re strong, you feel light, energized, and clear. When they’re weak, digestion slows, dampness builds, and your whole system suffers.
The Spleen & Stomach: Core of Digestion in TCM
The Stomach is seen as the “rotting and ripening” organ — it receives and breaks down food. The Spleen is the master of transformation and transportation — it extracts the essence (nutrients) from food and sends it to nourish the body.
When the Spleen is weak, you might notice:
Bloating after meals
Heavy limbs or brain fog
Loose stools or diarrhea
Fatigue, especially after eating
Strengthening the Spleen means improving digestion, increasing energy, and preventing long-term imbalances.
Common Digestive Imbalances in TCM
Dampness & Phlegm This buildup happens when the Spleen can’t process fluids properly, often due to a poor diet (too much sugar, dairy, or greasy food). Symptoms include feeling sluggish, mucus in the body, or weight gain.
Food Stagnation Overeating, especially heavy or rich meals, overwhelms the Stomach, leading to bloating, belching, acid reflux, and sluggish digestion.
TCM teaches that to heal digestion, you must first remove the burdens — cut down on excess and poor-quality foods — and then strengthen the core.
Common Digestive Imbalances in TCM
Dampness & PhlegmThis buildup happens when the Spleen can’t process fluids properly, often due to a poor diet (too much sugar, dairy, or greasy food). Symptoms include feeling sluggish, mucus in the body, or weight gain.
Food StagnationOvereating, especially heavy or rich meals, overwhelms the Stomach, leading to bloating, belching, acid reflux, and sluggish digestion.
TCM teaches that to heal digestion, you must first remove the burdens — cut down on excess and poor-quality foods — and then strengthen the core.
Common Digestive Imbalances in TCM
Dampness & Phlegm This buildup happens when the Spleen can’t process fluids properly, often due to a poor diet (too much sugar, dairy, or greasy food). Symptoms include feeling sluggish, mucus in the body, or weight gain.
Food Stagnation Overeating, especially heavy or rich meals, overwhelms the Stomach, leading to bloating, belching, acid reflux, and sluggish digestion.
TCM teaches that to heal digestion, you must first remove the burdens — cut down on excess and poor-quality foods — and then strengthen the core.
Modern Lifestyle Tips (That Align with TCM Wisdom)
While ancient, TCM principles beautifully align with smart modern habits:
Avoid late-night eating: The Stomach’s energy is weaker in the evening.
Chew thoroughly: Helps the Spleen extract nutrients efficiently.
Manage stress: In TCM, Liver Qi stagnation (caused by stress) can “attack” the Spleen, disrupting digestion. Practices like deep breathing, gentle walks, or meditation can calm the system.
The Takeaway
A healthy digestive system is about more than avoiding discomfort — it’s the foundation of your body’s energy, resilience, and clarity. By supporting your Spleen and Stomach with nourishing foods, mindful habits, and occasional TCM remedies, you can build strong, steady digestion that fuels your overall well-being.
As the TCM saying goes: “When the Spleen is strong, the body is light and energized; when it is weak, the body becomes heavy and tired.”
