Overview of the Spleen and Stomach Meridians
The Spleen and Stomach Channels. Learn how these two critical channels of energy in the body contribute to your overall health. You will see your body and the process of digestion in a whole new way.
As always, if you are considering TCM for addressing health concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified TCM practitioner who can provide a thorough assessment and personalized treatment plan based on your individual needs and constitution.
The Spleen channel is associated with the Spleen organ, which has a different role in TCM compared to its function in Western medicine. In TCM, the Spleen is responsible for the transformation and transportation of food and fluids, playing a crucial role in digestion and the nourishment of the body.
The Spleen meridian starts at the big toe, runs up the inner leg, and passes through the abdomen, connecting with the Spleen organ. Along its pathway, the Spleen channel intersects with various acupuncture points that practitioners may stimulate to influence the flow of Qi and restore balance to the body.
In TCM, an imbalance or blockage in the Spleen channel may lead to symptoms such as digestive issues, fatigue, and a weakened immune system. Acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary adjustments, and other TCM modalities are used to address these imbalances and promote overall well-being.
The Stomach meridian begins at the lateral side of the nostrils, runs down the face, and then travels along the front of the body, passing through the chest and abdomen, down the front of the leg, and finally ending at the second toe. Along its pathway, the Stomach channel intersects with various acupuncture points that are associated with the Stomach organ and its related functions.
The Stomach is considered the "origin of fluids" in TCM, and its main function is to receive and ripen ingested food and fluids. It is also responsible for descending the pure essence of food to the Small Intestine for further processing. When the Stomach Qi is in balance, digestion is smooth, and the body receives the necessary nutrients.
Imbalances in the Stomach channel or organ may lead to symptoms such as digestive issues, nausea, abdominal discomfort, and a feeling of fullness. TCM practitioners may use acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary recommendations, and other modalities to restore balance and harmony to the Stomach and overall digestive system.
The Spleen Meridian
Details about the spleen meridian and important points covered in the video lesson.
- Starts from your outside of the big toe and then goes (ankle front is Spleen and the back is the Kidney), goes up the inside of the knee, then to the abdomen. 6 cun lateral from the center at the chest. Nipple is 4 cun. Add 3 finger to be 6 cun lateral.
- Stomach massage – larger circle massage reaches Spleen points; smaller reaches Stomach. You usually hit both.
- SP-6 is a very important point for digestion
- 4 fingers above the inside of the ankle
- San yin meridians (Liver, Spleen, Kidney all cross on this point)
- The pancreas
- West = diabetes, insulin resistance
- TCM believes the pancreas is part of the Spleen system
- (SIDE NOTE: Nomadic meat eaters have a genetically shorter Small Intestine; vegetable eaters have longer Small Intestine.)
The Stomach Meridian
Details about the stomach meridian and important points covered in the video lesson
- The channel tarts at the head – yang ming (front). Middle of the face
- ST-1 Starts from below the pupil on the orbital bone. You will feel a slight depression just on the edge.
- ST-2 massage as part of eye exercises. Put thumb on cheek with index fingers on ST-2. Do inside circle 30 times and outside circle for another 30 times. Learn in school to protect your eyes. Good for red cheeks and spider veins
- ST-6 is along the big jaw muscle that tightens when you grind/clench your teeth
- ST-7 is a jump across the bridge – can help when you have lock jaw or loose jaw
- ST-8 is along the corner of the hairline – good for headaches
- ST-12 find the center of your collar bone; go 4 cun plus 1 finger to the outside. Used in qigong to collect the universe into yourself.
- ST-25 is 2 cun (3 fingers) from umbilicus
- ST-36 is very important
- We are what we eat – means that the food shapes us. It gives us our unique constitution. We are what we absorb. (It also relates to the small intestine.)
- We have some common conditions as well.
- Our Stomach and Spleen give us acquired constitution – after birth, you choose for yourself (as opposed to congenital qi, what you are born with). Acquired is all your choice.
- Nutrient absorption is critical.
- Powerful treatment for allergies.
- Called a strengthening point – it gives you power. It’s good for moxibustion (mug wort herb).
- Some specific areas that are cold can be treated directly (e.g., frozen shoulder)
- If you are cold all over, ST-36 can warm the whole body
- Longevity story – Master Peng reached the age of 120. His student asked him how he reached this age. (Lunar calendar, 24 seasons – how to do small changes in your life.) I will put smoke on ST-36 for 3- 10 days when the season changes from autumn to winter.
- ST-41 top of ankle – there is a pulse.
- If you have a strong pulse there, that means there is a lot of energy in your stomach.
- ST-45 outside of the base of the nail of the second toe