The Spleen (脾)
The Spleens Governs Transformation and Transportation
1. Transformation/transportation of Gu Qi (Food Qi)
Spleen is central Organ in production of Qi. Stomach "rots and ripens" ingested food and drink, and prepares the way for the Spleen which separates and extracts the GU Qi (food Qi) and refined essence from the digestate.
Food Qi goes upward to the Lungs in the Upper Burner（上焦）. Food Qi combines with air to form Zong Qi （宗气）and goes to the Heart to form Blood. Flavors are distributed to the various organs, sweet to the Spleen, salty to Kidney, bitter to Heart, sour to Liver, pungent to Lung.
2. Transformation/transportation of Fluids
Spleen also separates usable from unusable fluids ingested. Pure "clear" part goes upwards to the Lungs for distribution to the skin. "Turbid" part goes to Intestines for further separation.
In health, transforming and transporting function of Qi ensures good digestion, good appetite, normal absorption, regular bowel movements.
Impaired function, poor appetite, bad digestion, abdominal distention, loose stools.
When transformation/transportation of fluids impaired, fluids can accumulate to form Dampness and then Phlegm.
"The Spleen likes Dryness and hates Dampness". Its transformation and transportation function can be impaired by Damp e.g. Damp-forming foods like salads, dairy, etc.
Spleen Yang, essential to the process, impaired by excessive consumption of cold liquids (esp. ice water, ice cream, etc.) Conversely, Deficient Qi or Yang of Spleen can CAUSE internal Dampness.
I believe in cultivating opposite, but complementary views of life, and
I believe in meeting life's challenges with contradictory strategies.
I believe in reckoning with the ultimate meaninglessness of our existence,
even as we fall in love with the miracle of being alive.
I believe in working passionately to make our lives count while
never losing sight of our insignificance.
I believe in caring deeply and being beyond caring.
It is by encompassing these opposites, by being involved and vulnerable, but simultaneously transcendent and detached, that our lives are graced by resilience and joy.
- Fritz Williams
(The perfect description of the Concept of Yin & Yang)
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