Last week I looked at how the Chinese view the Spleen/Pi, which contains the Western digestive system, but also encompasses the emotional and mental aspects of ourselves. Today I will try to discover the methods and ways that can be used to nourish the Spleen/Pi so that we have a well-functioning digestive system that will bring us emotional and mental balance.
Good Spleen/Pi energy will tend to generate a deep sense of inner well-being. Digestion is relaxed and efficient, the body feels supported and toned, the mind clear and able to concentrate properly.
When the Spleen/Pi is in disharmony, there is usually a poor ability to digest food. This will often be mirrored by a decreased ability to receive emotional nourishment.
The Spleen/Pi likes to feel a satisfied glow of comfort after eating - eating in a relaxed environment, not rushing at meal-time, not eating while under emotional or mental stress. Eating with your friends and family in a homely setting are all beneficial for the Spleen/Pi.
In Chinese medicine the Spleen/Pi is said to be nourished by sweet foods. This does not mean sugar but rather the deep, sweet taste of grains or root vegetables. Generally speaking, the Spleen/Pi likes well-cooked food such as thick soups or stews which are easy on the digestion; it has more difficulty with raw and cold foods. The weaker the Spleen/Pi, the more it benefits from well-cooked meals.
The Spleen/Pi also dislikes being flooded with too much fluid. So it is helpful to drink only a little fluid with meals and to have most fluid intake between meals. It is also helpful to separate fruit and sweetened foods from the main meal, eating them instead as between-meal snacks. This prevents fermentation in the digestive system.
Chewing well helps the Spleen/Pi to digest, and warms chilled or raw food. We can also assist the Spleen/Pi by sitting in a relaxed way with an open and untwisted posture. Sitting slumped or twisted will compress the digestive organs and hinder digestion.
As aromatic flavours stimulate the digestion, inclusion of aromatic herbs and spices like Caraway, Cardamon, Chives, Mustard, Anise, Turmeric, Marjoram Basil, Mint and Garlic in the cooking will encourage the Spleen/Pi to become less stagnant.
Physically, the Spleen/Pi likes to stretch. All exercise will help the Spleen/Pi, provided it is balanced by stretching and relaxation. Massage will also help, releasing toxic build-up from our muscles and encouraging us to soften deep inside ourselves.
Mentally, it is helpful to train the mind, just as it is helpful to stretch and exercise our bodies. On the other hand, overuse of our mental powers (i.e. in prolonged periods of study or in tasks that involve hours of sitting and processing information or even habitual brooding on our problems) can weaken the Spleen/Pi. It is important to balance mental work with physical exercise and fresh air.
Finally, a number of herbs which nourish the Spleen/Pi can be used, Ginseng, Liquorice and Astragalus being the best ones available.
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