Today, I'd like to share a "little-known fact" in Traditional Chinese Medicine—many people often feel that their spleen and stomach are weak, struggling to digest anything they eat, yet despite various treatments, they see no improvement. Why? The root cause might actually lie in the liver! Our ancestors long ago said, "When treating liver disease, one must first fortify the spleen." What does this mean? Let me explain slowly!

Traditional Chinese Medicine emphasizes the five elements: the liver belongs to wood, and the spleen belongs to earth. Just as the roots of a large tree can loosen the soil, when liver qi becomes disordered, the spleen and stomach inevitably suffer. Many people, upon feeling that their spleen and stomach are weak, immediately think of taking supplements like Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan to tonify the spleen. However, in some cases, merely tonifying the spleen without regulating the liver is futile!

Type One: Liver Stagnation and Spleen Deficiency, the Entire Body Feels "Wilted"

The most obvious symptoms for this group include: lack of energy for anything, reluctance to speak, and frequent diarrhea. After eating just a few bites, the stomach feels bloated like a balloon. There is also occasional pain below the ribs, a bitter and foul taste in the mouth, and even deep yellow urine. Mood instability is common, with individuals feeling anxious, depressed, and disinterested in everything.

Why does this happen? Liver qi is blocked, similar to a clogged pipe at home—water can't flow through. In this case, simply "fertilizing" the spleen and stomach won’t help; the liver qi must be unblocked first! The most commonly used remedy is Xiaoyao Pills, which help to smooth out the obstructed liver qi. If there is also blood deficiency or signs of heat in the body, adding Peony Bark and Gardenia can help. For women experiencing menstrual cramps, adding Dried Rehmannia Root can also provide relief.

Type Two: Liver Qi Attacking the Stomach, Stomach Feels Like "Churning Waves"

This condition is even more uncomfortable! There is frequent acid reflux and belching, and in severe cases, vomiting may occur. The abdomen and stomach feel bloated and painful, as if a tangled mess is churning inside. This happens because the liver qi is too "aggressive" and directly rushes into the stomach, causing disturbances. The stomach is originally meant to store and digest food, so when liver qi disrupts it, how could it possibly feel good?

To regulate this condition, it’s essential to "clear the fire and calm the qi"! Drawing inspiration from Zuojin Wan, clearing liver heat will naturally help subdue stomach qi. If there is also diarrhea or abdominal pain, add white peony root (Paeonia lactiflora); if rib pain is severe, add Sichuan chinaberry (Melia toosendan) and corydalis tuber (Corydalis yanhusuo); and for severe acid reflux and belching, adding ark shell (Meretrix meretrix) or cuttlefish bone can enhance the effectiveness.

Therefore, when addressing health issues, we shouldn’t "treat the head for a headache and the foot for a foot pain"! If there are problems with the spleen and stomach, first consider whether liver qi might be "causing trouble." If you experience these symptoms, avoid self-medicating and instead consult a professional doctor—the right treatment can only be effective when tailored to the specific condition!

Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes pattern differentiation and treatment, using different formulas for different symptoms to achieve effective healing. If you have similar conditions, the first step is to examine your tongue coating. Please send me a photo of your tongue coating along with your symptoms, and I will provide a free pattern differentiation to determine the general direction of your treatment.