Functions of the Spleen Flashcards
How does the Spleen affect the muscles, and what is the consequence of Spleen-Qi deficiency in this area?
Spleen-Qi nourishes the muscles by bringing Qi and food essences to them. A deficiency of Spleen-Qi in this area is a very frequent cause of a feeling of tiredness.
The Stomach fluids are part of Stomach-Yin, whereas the activity of fluid transformation and transportation is carried out by Spleen-Yang.
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What are the main functions of the Intellect (Yi)?
The Intellect (Yi) controls memory, focusing, concentration and ideas. It is responsible not so much for memory of part events, but memory as the capacity of storing data in the course of one’s work or schoolwork.
Menstrual Blood derives from the Spleen and Kidneys; Blood in the body derives from Kidney-Essence.
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Which function of the Spleen ensures that the organs stay in their correct places?
a) Holding the Blood in the vessels.
b) Transforming and Transporting of fluids.
c) Controlling saliva.
d) Opening into the mouth.
e) Controlling the raising of Qi.
e
The Spleen is easily affected by which pathogenic factor?
a) Wind.
b) Dampness.
c) Cold.
d) Heat.
e) Fire.
b
How does the Spleen coordinate with the Stomach?
Spleen-Qi ascends and Stomach-Qi descends. This coordination of ascending and descending of Qi in the Middle Burner is essential for the transformation and transportation of food essences, Qi and fluids upwards and downwards.
How does a feeling of heaviness and muzziness of the head relate to the Spleen and, in particular, to which Spleen function?
Spleen-Qi ascends towards the head; this is the ascending of clear Qi or clear Yang, which brightens the sense orifices. A feeling of muzziness and heaviness of the head may be due either to deficient Spleen-Qi not ascending to the head, or to retention of Dampness in the head, itself due to the failure of Spleen-Qi to ascend.
How does the Spleen’s function of transformation and transportation affect the metabolism of fluids?
After the fluids ingested reach the Stomach, the Spleen transforms them into a clear part and a turbid part; it then transports the clear part upwards to the Lungs and the impure part downwards to the Intestines
The Spleen’s function of transformation and transportation is inextricably linked to the ascending of Spleen-Qi.
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What is the meaning of the Spleen’s ‘control’ of Blood?
First, the Spleen controls Blood in the sense that it holds the Blood in the blood vessels; secondly, the Spleen controls Blood in the sense that Food-Qi is the basis for the formation of Blood.
If Spleen-Qi is deficient and not ascending properly, then:
a) Blood may spill out of the vessels resulting in haemorrhage.
b) Dizziness may occur.
c) Urinary retention may occur.
d) The pulse will be wiry.
e) Insomnia may result.
b
What is the nature of pensiveness and how does it affect the Spleen?
Pensiveness, consists in thinking too much, brooding and hankering about the past, to the point of obsessive thinking. Pensiveness, ‘knots’ Spleen-Qi, i.e. it causes it to stagnate.
A fragrant smell like perfume but with a faint, sweet, sickly overtone, may indicate either Spleen deficiency or Dampness obstructing the Spleen.
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The Intellect resides in the Spleen and is responsible for:
a) Applied thinking.
b) Studying.
c) Focusing.
d) Concentrating and generating ideas.
e) All of the above.
e
