Osteoporosis is a systemic bone disease characterized primarily by the insidious loss of bone mass and the subtle deterioration of bone microarchitecture. This process is silent, causing the skeleton to become progressively fragile so that normal activities or minor impacts can lead to fractures, and in severe cases can be fatal

As a chronic disease resulting from multiple interacting factors, osteoporosis usually has no conspicuous warning signs before serious consequences such as fractures occur, making it an insidious health threat. With population aging in our country, the prevalence of osteoporosis has risen rapidly and has become an important public health issue. In terms of gender distribution, osteoporosis shows clear differences: female patients significantly outnumber males, and postmenopausal women and the elderly are more susceptible to the disease.

A strong spleen and kidneys mean strong bones

Traditional Chinese medicine has a long-standing understanding of the skeleton, viewing it as an important component of the human body. Besides supporting and protecting internal organs, skeletal growth and strength are closely related to the vigor of kidney qi.

With "the kidney stores essence" as the core concept, kidney essence is fundamental to bone formation; its abundance determines the generation of bone marrow and the nourishment of bones. Kidney essence deficiency can lead to impaired bone marrow production and marrow emptiness, thereby affecting bone growth and repair and causing osteoporosis. The kidney is the root of congenital constitution, governing the entire process of human growth, development, and aging, and plays a decisive role in reproductive function. Kidney essence is generated from the congenital essence and the postnatal refined essence of food and drink; through the liver–kidney shared mechanism it is transformed into the vital substance that nourishes the bones. When kidney essence is plentiful, the bones are solid.

The spleen is the source of qi and blood production. The Inner Canon of the Yellow Emperor states, "As for the coherence of the tendons, all receive qi from the stomach," indicating that insufficiency of the spleen and stomach can lead to loss of nourishment of the tendons and cause movement disorders. Spleen qi deficiency first causes decreased transport and transformation, with inadequate conversion of food essences and lack of sources for qi and blood production, thereby affecting tendon and vessel function. Thus the spleen holds an important position in the body's functional operation, relating to external form and overall health.

Kidney — the source of life

The kidneys store essence; when essence is ample it generates marrow, and marrow fills the bones. Whether kidney essence is sufficient directly relates to the strength of the skeleton. Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes that the kidneys govern the bones; kidney essence deficiency often leads to bone loss and bone fragility. Especially with increasing age, kidney function declines and the risk of osteoporosis gradually rises. Strengthening kidney function and increasing the accumulation of kidney essence is an important step in preventing bone loss. The Inner Canon of the Yellow Emperor records, "The kidney governs water, receives the essences of the five zang and six fu and stores them." Prenatal essence inherited from parents is the root of life; it transforms into blood, fluids, marrow and other life substances, playing an extremely important role in maintaining normal function of organs and tissues and protecting bone health.

Spleen — the source of nourishment

The spleen is the foundation of postnatal life, capable of transforming dietary nutrients into qi and blood to nourish the bones. Spleen dysfunction results in poor nutrient absorption and insufficient qi and blood, easily leading to skeletal osteoporosis and weakening. Spleen deficiency often manifests as poor appetite, fatigue, and pale complexion. Therefore, to strengthen the bones one must first regulate the spleen and stomach and improve absorption. The Inner Canon of the Yellow Emperor calls the spleen the "foundation of postnatal life, the source of qi and blood production," governing the transport and transformation of food and drink and the generation of essence and blood. When spleen qi is sufficient, tendons and bones are strong, the skin is fine, and the muscles are firm. "The five grains are for nourishment..." suggests that the spleen and stomach convert food into energy distributed throughout the body, and bone formation also originates from this.

Daily care for the spleen and stomach

Balanced diet

Scientific intake plays a key role in maintaining spleen and kidney function. It is recommended to supplement qi and blood by appropriately consuming fish, lean meats, and soy products rich in high-quality protein; increase intake of fresh fruits and vegetables to meet the body's needs for vitamins and minerals; and selectively consume medicinal-food homology ingredients with spleen-strengthening and kidney-benefiting effects such as Chinese yam, longan aril, and goji berries to assist in regulating visceral function.

Sun exposure

Regular physical exercise can effectively promote the efficiency of the circulatory system and significantly enhance the body's metabolic level. Scientifically conducted resistance training can effectively stimulate skeletal growth and increase bone density. It is recommended that middle-aged and elderly populations choose low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, and tai chi, which strengthen the body while relieving mental stress and jointly help regulate the functions of the spleen, kidney, and other viscera.

It is recommended to moderately increase the duration of outdoor sun exposure; ultraviolet irradiation of the skin promotes endogenous vitamin D synthesis, thereby improving intestinal calcium absorption efficiency and activating osteocyte activity. It should be emphasized that when sunbathing, exposure time and protective measures must be strictly controlled to avoid skin damage from excessive ultraviolet radiation.

Traditional Chinese medicine conditioning

In addition, systematic nourishment of spleen and kidney function can be achieved through Chinese medicine. Qi-tonifying herbs such as Astragalus and Codonopsis can effectively enhance the spleen and stomach's transport and transformation functions; yin-nourishing medicines such as goji berries and prepared Rehmannia have the effect of nourishing and replenishing kidney essence. Given significant individual differences in constitution, it is recommended to undergo syndrome differentiation and treatment under the guidance of a professional TCM practitioner, formulating a personalized conditioning plan based on the four diagnostic methods of observation, listening/smelling, questioning, and pulse-taking to ensure medication safety