Supporting the Health of Spleen Zang (Spleen & Pancreas)

According to Traditional Eastern Medicine, the human body has six fu and five zang organs.

The six fu include Gallbladder, Stomach, Triple Burner, Small Intestine, Large Intestine, and Urinary Bladder.

The five zang include Heart, Spleen, Lung, Kidney, and Liver.

Zang-fu organs are not exactly corresponding to our anatomical structures, so their names are often capitalized for clarity. 

Zang organs are considered yin, while fu organs are considered yang.

The Spleen zang is associated with the Earth element. It includes the spleen and pancreas. The Spleen zang can also relate to part of the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine) and some functions of the adrenal glands and thyroid glands, as well as other organs.

According to Traditional Eastern Medicine, the openings in the human body are
called orifices. The two eyes, two ears, two nostrils, and mouth (including the lips and tongue) are the seven orifices on the face. The conditions of the five zang organs are manifested externally through the seven orifices, a concept known as "opening orifices." 

The opening orifice of the Spleen zang is the lips. If the lips are naturally reddish-pink, the Spleen zang is healthy. When the Spleen zang is on the weak side, the lips tend to be pale.

 

 

In the Twelve Principal Meridians, the Spleen zang belongs to the Leg Major Yin (Tai Yin) Spleen Meridian.

(Tai refers to the deeper part of the legs and feet. Yin refers to the inner side of the legs and feet.) 

For that reason, besides working out all parts of the body, to improve the health of the Spleen zang we can pay special attention to exercises involving the legs and feet.

 

OUR SPLEEN

The spleen is a solid, slightly elongated oval-shaped organ with a reddish-brown color, located in the upper left quadrant of the abdomen. It's positioned on the left side of the stomach, below the diaphragm, and typically measures around 12 cm in length and weighs about 150-200 grams. The spleen is nestled between the 9th and 11th ribs.

One of the spleen’s important functions is to filter blood and regulate the number of blood cells in the circulatory system.

While the spleen does not directly digest food, it works in conjunction with the stomach and other organs to complete the tasks of digesting, absorbing, and transporting nutrients. Thus, when the spleen is not functioning properly, it can lead to digestive issues such as loss of appetite, fatigue, weakness, and diarrhea.

The spleen also works with the kidneys and lungs. Hence, when the spleen is weak, it is possible to see conditions such as ascites (fluid build-up in the abdomen); fluid from cells spilling into the extremities
causing edema, or down to the large intestine causing diarrhea.

The spleen is part of the lymphatic system, its structure similar to that of a large lymph node.

The spleen plays a crucial role in the immune system, fighting against pathogens by storing and activating various types of white blood cells, helping to identify, capture, and destroy harmful foreign cells in the body.

If the spleen is severely damaged or diseased, surgical removal may be necessary. We can live without a spleen, though other organs only partially replace its functions. People without spleens remain vulnerable to some types of infections.

 OUR PANCREAS

Location, Shape & Size:

The pancreas is located in the upper abdominal area, behind the stomach, surrounded by the spleen, liver, and small intestine.

The pancreas has a long, tapered shape, averaging about 6-10 inches (15-25 cm), and consists of three main sections: head, body, and tail.

The head of the pancreas is wider than its tail and lies along the curve of the duodenum (the first section of the small intestine). The tail is thinner, extending towards the left side of the abdomen.

Functions:

*The pancreas plays a crucial role in digestion and metabolism. 

The pancreas contains exocrine glands, which produce digestive enzymes that help break down food. 

The pancreas secretes pancreatic juice daily, filled with digestive enzymes such as lipase (for breaking down fats), protease (for breaking down proteins), and amylase (for breaking down carbohydrates).

The main pancreatic duct typically joins with the common bile duct, and they collectively drain into the duodenum. This combined flow of pancreatic enzymes and bile helps in the digestion and absorption of nutrients.

*The pancreas is an important endocrine organ that plays a decisive role in maintaining blood glucose stability.

 

The pancreas contains pancreatic islets (also called islets of Langerhans), which house key hormone-producing cells, including beta cells (which produce insulin to lower blood sugar), alpha cells (which produce glucagon to raise blood sugar), delta cells (which produce somatostatin to regulate the secretion of insulin and glucagon), and PP cells (which produce pancreatic polypeptide to help regulate pancreatic functions). 

 

When blood glucose levels rise (e.g., after eating), pancreatic beta cells release insulin to help reduce glucose in the bloodstream by promoting:  1. the uptake of glucose by cells (especially muscle and fat cells), 2. the storage of glucose as glycogen in the liver and muscles, and 3. the inhibition of glucose production in the liver.

 

When blood glucose levels fall (e.g., between meals or during fasting),  pancreatic alpha cells release glucagon to raise blood glucose levels by stimulating the liver to: 1. break down glycogen into glucose, and 2. convert non-carbohydrate sources (like amino acids) into glucose. 

Pancreatic Disorders:

*When the pancreas is unable to function properly, it can lead to disruptions in blood sugar regulation, resulting in either hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).

If the pancreas produces too much insulin, blood sugar levels can drop too low (hypoglycemia). 

If the pancreas produces too much glucagon (though this is less common as a primary cause of hyperglycemia than insulin issues), it can contribute to elevated blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia).

Type 1 Diabetes: The body is unable to produce insulin, leading to numerous complications.

Type 2 Diabetes: The pancreas still produces insulin, but the body's cells become resistant to its effects (insulin resistance), meaning insulin is less effective at lowering blood glucose levels. Over time, the pancreas may also lose its ability to produce sufficient insulin.

*A severely weakened or damaged pancreas can lead to pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) or, in some cases, increase the risk of pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatitis causes acute abdominal pain that can last for several days. If left untreated, acute pancreatitis can progress to chronic pancreatitis, which is characterized by long-term discomfort, ongoing damage to the pancreas, and an increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer.

Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer:

• Body weakness: This can manifest as fatigue and overall lack of energy.
• Unexplained weight loss: Significant weight loss without any dietary changes is a concerning sign.
• Nausea and vomiting: These digestive issues are common in pancreatic cancer.
• Loss of appetite: Reduced interest in food is often experienced.
• Frequent upper abdominal pain: This pain can be persistent and may radiate to the back.
• Grey-colored stools: This can indicate a problem with bile flow, which is often disrupted in pancreatic cancer.

Symptoms of pancreatic cancer usually don't appear until the disease is already advanced.

Risk Factors for Pancreatic Cancer:

• Family history of pancreatic cancer
• Smoking
• Alcohol consumption
• Overweight or obesity
• Diabetes, especially type 2
  
• Chronic pancreatitis
• Diet (high in red and processed meats, high in animal fats, low in fruits and vegetables)
• Advanced age (more common in older adults)
• Gender (slightly more common in men)
• Certain genetic syndromes (Lynch syndrome, BRCA mutations)
• Workplace exposure to certain chemicals
  

 

FOR THE HEALTH OF SPLEEN ZANG
As mentioned, the Spleen zang is a functional system rather than just the organ itself. It plays a crucial role in digestion, transforming food into nutrients and energy (chi or qi), and transporting these throughout the body. It also governs the muscles and limbs. Therefore, maintaining Spleen zang health is vital for overall well-being.

To help the Spleen zang (which includes the spleen and pancreas) be healthy, we can follow these basic principles:

• Exercise regularly; practice chi kung properly, consistently, and adequately. This emphasizes the importance of correct technique, regular practice, and sufficient duration/intensity of exercise or chi kung.
  
• Stretch your spine.
• Do not smoke.
• Refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages.
• Drink enough water every day. 
• Eat a healthy diet with sufficient vegetables, roots, and fruits, that is a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
• Limit excessive saturated fats. This refers to unhealthy fats found in processed foods, red meat, and some dairy products.
• Limit fried and charred grilled foods. These cooking methods can create harmful compounds and often involve high amounts of unhealthy fats.
• Maintain a stable weight (neither underweight nor overweight).
• Learn to manage your stress effectively and embrace joy in simple moments.

By following these guidelines, you may be able to support and improve the health of your Spleen zang.

The information above is for general knowledge and does not constitute medical advice.
If you suspect you may have medical issues, be sure to consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible.

All the best,

Ly Binh Son, USA

Link: http://www.lybinhsonofficial.com/2025/01/supporting-health-of-spleen-zang-spleen.html