01 Introduction: The Tangible Effects of Spleen-Stomach Invigoration
Many seek to understand the practical outcomes of a spleen and stomach revitalization plan. Specifically, inquiries often revolve around the timeline for noticeable changes, such as blood pressure reduction, and the potential for ceasing prescribed medications.
Traditional herbal medicine practitioners suggest that, in most cases, symptoms can be managed through spleen and stomach strengthening, provided there are no immediate life-threatening conditions. The duration for achieving a healthier state varies significantly, depending on individual symptoms and constitution. Some may observe changes within ten days, while others may require one or two years, or even longer. This variability highlights the individualized nature of healing.
A professional herbal doctor diagnoses by observing, smelling, asking, and palpating, thereby estimating treatment duration and dosage. As lay practitioners of self-help revitalization, we cannot offer definitive timelines. Each person’s constitution and condition are unique, influenced by gender, age, mentality, and dietary habits, necessitating personalized approaches.
02 Observable Signals of Health Improvement
While the precise healing timeline is unknown, consistent spleen and stomach revitalization will yield perceptible improvements. These changes, often subtle, indicate the gradual restoration of vital yuanqi, establishing a solid foundation for therapeutic progress.
These initial improvements manifest as “four indicators,” which are not medical report metrics, but rather self-perceived changes in well-being.
03 First Indicator: Renewed Appetite
The initial sign of improved health is the return of a robust appetite.
- Before Revitalization: Lack of appetite.
- After Revitalization: Enjoyment of meals.
Effective spleen and stomach strengthening results in a rapid improvement in appetite and a genuine sense of hunger at mealtimes. This, in traditional herbal medicine, signifies the revitalization of stomach-associated yuanqi, a critical health marker.
A diminished appetite indicates a decline in stomach yuanqi. Individuals may feel indifferent towards food, lacking any enjoyment. This is a concerning sign. Regardless of disease severity, the ability to eat is a positive prognostic indicator. Conversely, the inability to eat, even with minor ailments, signals a precarious state.
Yuanqi originates from the essence of ingested grains, transformed by the spleen and stomach. Thus, adequate food intake is essential for maintaining yuanqi and overall vitality. Prioritizing a healthy appetite and adequate nutrition is vital, even if it results in slight weight gain. However, this opposes current western medical advice. It is usually advised to maintain a healthy weight.
As practitioners of life cultivation, we usually do whatever is good for our health. Most of us will choose to eat healthily and exercise to balance out the extra energy intake with a robust appetite.
04 Second Indicator: Restorative Sleep
The second indicator is improved sleep quality.
- Before Revitalization: Restless sleep due to a disturbed yuanshen (spirit, soul).
- After Revitalization: Peaceful sleep due to a settled yuanshen.
While chronic insomniacs require prolonged treatment, those with mild sleep disturbances often experience significant improvements after spleen-stomach revitalization.
Traditional herbal medicine views a person as a composite of the yuanshen and the physical body. The yuanshen, akin to a resident in a house (the body), thrives in a dry, warm environment. Deficiencies in yuanqi and the presence of cold and damp pathogens disrupt the yuanshen, leading to sleep disturbances. This occurs when the body sleeps, but the yuanshen remains agitated.
Within ten days of spleen-stomach revitalization, sleep quality often improves as cold and damp pathogens dissipate, allowing the yuanshen to rest peacefully.
Traditional herbal medicine attributes diseases to six pathogenic factors: wind, cold, summer heat, dampness, dryness, and fire. Wind often exacerbates other pathogens, leading to acute conditions. While acute diseases resolve quickly with timely treatment, chronic conditions, caused by cold and dampness, are more persistent.
While traditional herbal medicine does emphasize these factors, modern medicine acknowledges a broader spectrum of disease causes, including genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.
Natural, drug-free sleep indicates improved body health and chronic disease management. As yuanqi increases and cold and dampness are expelled, the body experiences increased relaxation.
05 Third Indicator: Regular Elimination
The third indicator is smooth bowel movements with well-formed stools.
- Before Revitalization: Irregular bowel movements.
- After Revitalization: Regular bowel movements.
A healthy spleen and stomach promote regular bowel movements with normal, banana-shaped stools. Urinary issues, such as frequency, urgency, and incomplete urination, also improve.
The kidneys govern urination and defecation. Insufficient kidney yuanqi leads to irregular elimination. Adequate yuanqi ensures smooth, controlled elimination. Chronic constipation can even cause vascular rupture during straining.
The kidneys, considered the body’s innate foundation, are closely linked to numerous chronic diseases and brain function. Healthy kidneys contribute to preventing memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease.
However, modern medicine does not directly link kidney health in this way to diseases like Alzheimer’s. This is a crucial difference between the two medical systems.
06 Fourth Indicator: Enhanced Vitality
The final indicator is increased physical strength.
- Before Revitalization: Lethargy and disinclination to move.
- After Revitalization: Increased energy and vitality.
While laziness is often attributed to personality, it can also manifest as a deficiency in yuanqi.
Traditional herbal medicine emphasizes the importance of yuanqi, comparing it to the sun. Adequate yuanqi ensures mental calmness and physical vitality.
Spleen-stomach revitalization, ensuring sufficient and regular yuanqi flow, enhances overall energy and spirit.
These four indicators, while seemingly minor, signify substantial improvements in overall health, facilitating more effective and rapid disease management.
07 Nurturing Your Health: Drying the Wood
The human body, likened to wood, is susceptible to illness when exposed to excessive cold and dampness. Just as damp wood fosters mushroom growth, representing various diseases, the body develops ailments.
Preventing disease requires addressing the underlying dampness, not merely treating symptoms. Spleen-stomach revitalization gradually eliminates cold and dampness, fostering a healthier internal environment.
No matter what we do to stay healthy, when we are faced with a critical condition, we are wise to seek professional help from our doctor.
If you want individualized management on health revitalization, please visit our SUPPORT section or contact us with our CONTACT form.
Extra: Reducing Abdominal Fat
Traditional herbal medicine offers the following approach to reducing abdominal fat:
- Replenish Spleen and Stomach: Consume the 5-herb breakfast to expel cold and dampness.
- Topical Application: Apply “Zhui-feng-you” to the abdomen to address surface cold and dampness.
- Mustang Tuna Technique: Practice this deep-breathing and meditation technique for 30 minutes daily.
Consistent application of these methods is reputed to contribute to abdominal fat reduction.
Upcoming: High Blood Pressure
The next segment will explore the management of high blood pressure, aiming to stabilize it within a normal range and mitigate associated health risks.