Abstract
This article aims to illustrate the function of the Spleen in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in the context of modern medicine. TCM has been practiced since ancient times in China for the prevention and/or treatment of diseases. Yet, the complete understanding of its theoretical basis in relation to clinical practice from the modern medicine perspective is still lacking. According to TCM theory, the Spleen, as one of the five Zang (i.e., visceral organs), plays an important role in various physiological functions, including digestion and absorption of nutrients, regulation of water retention and excretion, facilitation of blood perfusion to skeletal muscle and on the optimal functioning of the immune system. Clinical applications of herbal formulations for the treatment of Spleen dysfunction (i.e., Spleen deficiency—a decline in Spleen function) and their pharmacological activities are described. The view point of TCM on how emotions (or Qing Zhi) can influence the body function is introduced. The relationship between anxiety and Spleen function has been analyzed by reviewing relevant research studies in modern medicine. These findings suggest that the cause/consequence relationship between anxiety and Spleen function may be bi-directional.
Highlights
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a medical practice originating from ancient China through thousand years of experiential use
This article aims to illustrate the function of the Spleen in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in the context of modern medicine
The relationship between anxiety and Spleen function has been analyzed by reviewing relevant research studies in modern medicine
Summary
TCM is a medical practice originating from ancient China through thousand years of experiential use. It still plays an important role in medical care in China and Southeast Asian countries despite the advent of Western medicine. TCM provides an “unscientific” but yet “successful” approach to medical practice. It has attracted the efforts of many researchers in deciphering the “science” behind TCM. The Zang-Fu (i.e. all visceral organs) interplay responds to environmental conditions, and these conditions—referred to as “external evils”, can distort the Yin-Yang balance and result in disease. An interesting concept in TCM concerning how anxiety might impair Spleen function will be discussed
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