THE SPLEEN  & FERTILITY

In TCM, the spleen system (which includes of the pancreas) governs most energetic progresses in the body. The spleen transforms the food we eat into Qi, Blood, and other types of usable energy, so it must be functioning well  for a healthy menstrual cycle. The spleen is also responsible for producing certain hormones, as well as for the circulatory and immunological systems. A malfunctioning Spleen system often causes thyroid abnormalities , autoimmune problems , allergies , digestive disturbances, and bleeding disorders. Menstrual difficulties can also be caused by a Spleen imbalance.

Spleen energy manifests in the gastro-intestinal system and also is markedly affected by What we eat . Too much  sugar and refined carbohydrate consumption damages the Spleen, and damp,  greasy foods clog up its works . When our Spleen system is strong , we have a lot of physical energy ; when it’s weak , we feel tired and exhausted.

The emotion associated with the Spleen system is WORRY. The Chinese believe  “ over - thinking “ can block the energetic processes of the Spleen . This explains why excessive worry causes digestive disturbances like stomach ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome. We have so much information that it clogs up our minds , yet we often  think far more than we act , producing a backup of energy that causes disharmony between the Spleen (thinking), the Heart  (spirit ) and the Kidneys (will ). Exercise is beneficial to the proper functioning of the Spleen.

Because the Spleen is linked with digestion and elimination , the Spleen system is implicated when menstruation is accompanied by loose stools . The Spleen also is involved in many cases of luteal phase defect in which spotting precedes menstruation .