Lecture 7 Spleen

Question 1

8 functions of the Spleen

Answer 1

governs transformation & transportation
controls the blood (keeps within vessels)
manifests in the lips
Houses Yi (intellect)
opens into mouth
controls raising of qi (refined qi upwards to lung & heart)
controls mm & 4 limbs
foundation of post-natal existence

Question 2

poor appetite, loose stools, abdominal distension, fatigue, spontaneous sweating, apathy, pale face, anorexia, emaciation, weakness of the limbs

weak or empty pulses
pale tongue w thin, white coating

Answer 2

spleen qi def

Question 3

what causes spleen qi def

Answer 3

poor nutrition (irregular eating habits; raw, cold foods)
over thinking
chronic disease
prolonged exposure to dampness

Question 4

spleen qi def sxs +
sallow or bright-white complexion, cold limbs, chilliness, deem, loose stools (w undigested food)

weak + deep pulses, often slow
pale and swollen tongue; white, smooth or wet coating

Answer 4

spleen yang def

Question 5

what causes spleen yang def

Answer 5

same as qi def

excessive consumption of cold herbs

Question 6

spleen qi def sxs +
bearing down sensation in abdominal region, prolonged diarrhea, prolapse of any organ - mainly stomach, uterus, anus & vagina, pale lips, dull-pale complexion, easily startled, frequency and urgency of urination

weak and thin pulses
pale tongue

Answer 6

spleen qi sinking

Question 7

what causes spleen qi sinking

Answer 7

same as spleen qi def

standing for prolonged periods

Question 8

spleen qi def sxs +
pupura, bloody stools, hematuria, menorrhagia/metrorrhagia, blood spots under tongue

weak & thready pulses
pale tongue

Answer 8

spleen failing to control blood

Question 9

what causes spleen failing to control blood?

Answer 9

same as spleen qi def

Question 10

lack of appetite, fullness +distension in epigastrium and abdomen, heaviness of head and body, stickiness of mouth, loose stools that are sticky, lassitude, no thirst, white vaginal d/c, cloudy clear urination

slow and slippery pulses
thick, white sticky coating on tongue

Answer 10

cold damp invading the spleen

Question 11

what causes cold damp invading the spleen

Answer 11

excessive consumption of raw and cold food
wading in water or being caught in the rain
residing in a damp environment

Question 12

fullness + distension in epigastrium and abdomen, bitter taste in the mouth, n/v, hunger w no desire to eat, stickiness in mouth, heaviness in body, thirst w no desire to drink, loose stools w offensive odor + stickiness, fever, lassitude, scanty dark yellow urine, burning sensation in anus

rapid and slippery pulses
yellow sticky coat on tongue

Answer 12

damp heat invading spleen

Question 13

what causes damp heat invading spleen

Answer 13

alcoholic drinking

excessive consumption of greasy and sweet food