Chew on This...plus a wonderful sweet potato recipe!

The Spleen and the Stomach are associated with the "Earth" element. Earth provides support and nourishment for all life. Likewise, these active organs provide the body with nourishment. Food is ingested, digested, transformed, transported, and assimilated into the physical body, creating bone, muscle, blood, and energy. Quite literally we are what we eat.

The health of these organs is critical to our feeling well. It is said that in the "Five Element Theory, the Spleen is located at our center; when the Spleen is sick, the entire body is fundamentally sick."

Today, many people suffer from digestive troubles. Just head down to the local drugstore, and note the man products for sale to suppress various symptoms of poor digestive health. The only problem is that they DON'T get at the root cause of the problems. They just seem to sedate ill feelings and sensations.

In ancient times, and still today, it is understood that those who follow the laws of nature and a proper diet can be free from disease, and that their spirit of life will not be easily exhausted.

Over time, a poor diet coupled with irregular eating habits, over-concentration, worry, excessive study, or sitting too long can injure our Spleen and Stomach. Adopting a few new eating habits may allow your digestion to function better. In turn, the health of your entire being may improve. Caring for your health naturally with acupuncture and Chinese medicine can help get to the root causes of digestive troubles.

How is Your Spleen Doing?

Here are a few symptoms that appear when a Spleen/Stomach disharmony is present. If you are experiencing a few of these, you may want to schedule an acupuncture appointment:

• abdominal distension, bloating, aches or pain
• lack of appetite
• flatulence after meals or with stress
• watery, loose stools or diarrhea
• blood or excessive mucus in stools
• bruising easily
• nausea or vomiting
• sallow complexion or pale lips
• pale and swollen tongue
• weakness and heaviness in the arms, legs, or body in general
• fatigue, lethargy, or low energy
• dizziness or history of anemia
• susceptibility to colds and flu
• cold hands and feet

Your Spleen According to Western Medicine 

• stores, filters, and cleans the blood
• eliminates and destroys worn-out red blood cells and recycles them into irin for hemoglobin and bile production
• supports the immune system by producing lymphocytes, monocytes, and plasma cells that create antibodies to fight infection

Your Spleen According to Eastern Medicine 

• rules the transformation and transportation of food and fluids
• governs blood by keeping it contained in the vessels
• transports energy and blood to your muscles
• raises the body's energy (Qi) by producing a "lifting" effect along the midline of the body, keeping the internal organs in place so that they don't sag or prolapse
• governs and influences our capacity for thinking

Guidelines to Aid Digestive Health 

1. Don't overeat, which prevents proper digestion.
2. Avoid eating late at night. 
3. Eat a diet that reflects individual body needs. We all have different bodies and lifestyles that require individual nourishment needs.
4. Don't eat while standing or on the run.
5. Don't eat when you are emotionally upset.
6. Chew, chew, chew. Digestion begins in the mouth with saliva. The more chewing that takes place, the easier your body breaks down food and assimilates it.
7. Don't drink too many liquids with your meal, as it dilutes digestive enzymes.
8. In general, eat a moderate amount of sweets. Too much impairs the function of the Spleen.
9. Eat whole foods.

Please enjoy this great seasonal recipe for Glazed Spicy Sweet Potatoes (4 servings):

4 Tbsp. melted organic butter 

4 Tbsp. raw organic honey

juice of 1 lime

2 tsp. ground allspice

8 drops cinnamon bark essential oil (food grade)

5 drops ginger essential oil (food grade)

2 lbs. sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch thick slices

Himalayan or Celtic salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

fresh thyme sprigs

1. preheat oven to 425 degrees
2. coat large baking dish or roasting pan with coconut oil
3. in a large bowl, stir butter, honey, lime juice, allspice, and cinnamon and ginger oils together until well blended
4. add sweet potato slices and toss to coat evenly before placing on baking pan in a single layer
5. arrange the slices in a single layer in coated pan
6. season with salt and pepper
7. bake for 10 minutes or until tender and slightly caramelized
8. garnish with fresh thyme

As always, individual needs do vary, and this recipe may not be suited for your constitution at the moment.

Feel free to schedule a NO COST consultation with me to determine your needs and formulate a treatment plan for you.

Kathy E Thomas

Lake Premier Wellness Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

2430 South Bay Street, Eustis, FL 32726

352-323-0795