Difficulty losing weight, cellulite, and other issues point to an unbalanced spleen meridian. “In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the spleen is one of the most important organs: ‘spleen’ is an umbrella term for the entire digestive tract and the lower abdomen,” says Mike Mandl, author of Meridianen. In this article, he explains the characteristics of the spleen meridian and how to bring it back into balance.
The life principle of the spleen meridian represents unconditional self-love and one's own pleasure.
The spleen meridian
Element: earth
Characteristic: yin
Time on the organ clock: 09:00 to 11:00 am
Animal: snake
The spleen meridian: the primordial mother and the center
Preserving the strength of our center is the guiding principle of the spleen meridian. This principle embodies unconditional self-love and the ability to enjoy life.
Unlike in Western medicine, the spleen is one of the most important organs in Traditional Chinese Medicine. "Spleen" is an umbrella term for the entire digestive tract and the lower abdomen, which together form the physical center of our body. When the digestive system functions well, our body receives what it needs: nourishing flesh and vital blood—creating a well-nourished person who is truly grounded and present.
The spleen is the primal mother of our body—a constant, reliable presence. There is always food on the table, and you always leave with something to take home. Yet, the spleen nourishes not only our physical shell but also our mind and soul.
A well-developed spleen meridian enables us to be our own mother and to give ourselves what a mother gives her children: love, warmth, and acceptance.
The guiding principle of the spleen meridian is unconditional self-love and the enjoyment of life. The spleen meridian sweetens our existence; it is like a cozy kitchen where the door is always open to us.
Signs that the spleen meridian is out of balance
Weak body tissue, tendency towards loose stools and fluid retention.
Poor concentration, easily distracted.
Fatigue, heavy limbs, blood deficiencies.
Tendency towards melancholy or depression.
Tendency towards being overweight, metabolic problems, diabetes.
Constant worrying, emotional and mental instability.
Symptoms associated with the spleen meridian
Flatulence
A feeling of pressure in the lower abdomen
Digestive disorders
Overweight
Underweight
Diabetes
Metabolic disorders
Fatty liver
Emotional instability
Weak connective tissue
Varicose veins
Edema
Cellulite
Brittle bones
Loose stools
Watery diarrhea
Organ prolapse
Fatigue
Flat feet
Knock-knees.
Assignment: strengthen your spleen meridian
Increasing self-love
Make time for a date with yourself once a week. Plan it carefully. Put yourself in someone else's shoes: what would that person need to do to win you over? Which day and time do you prefer? What do you enjoy doing? What is the best way for someone to show that they appreciate or like you?
Organize this date with the same care, effort, and anticipation that someone who loves you would. Dress up. Set the right mood. Give yourself this gift of attention and kindness.
Spoil yourself. Just do it and enjoy it.
Source: Edited excerpt from: Meridianen - author Mike Mandl