How to Clear Blockages in the Spleen Meridian

When the spleen meridian flows smoothly—serious, acute, or mysterious illnesses are unlikely to strike; when the spleen meridian is blocked—weight loss or obesity, poor digestion, bloating, vomiting, fatigue, weakness, and numbness in the limbs, drowsiness, skin lesions, and difficulty moving the limbs may occur…

There is a saying: “When the Spleen Meridian flows freely, serious illnesses are unlikely to take hold.” Why is it that as long as the “Spleen Meridian” remains unblocked, any serious illness is unlikely to take hold?

I. The Spleen Is the Source of Life’s Vital Energy

People generally believe that the heart is the source of life’s energy, but in reality, it is the spleen—often overlooked—that serves as the true source of life’s energy. It is the primary driving force behind the body’s circulation, followed by the kidneys and then the liver. Therefore, the heart is not the source of life’s energy; rather, the spleen—which is often underappreciated—is the primary engine that propels the cycle of life. However, in reality, many Western medical doctors have never taken the spleen seriously, removing it without a second thought, completely unaware of its vital importance to the entire body.

They fail to realize that the spleen is not only the body’s energy engine but also a “carrier-class” disinfector that kills bacteria and neutralizes toxins; thus, in a certain sense, the spleen is even more important than the kidneys. Others mistakenly believe that the kidneys are the source of life’s vitality, but this is incorrect, because only when the substances secreted by the spleen exert strong pressure on the kidneys do the kidneys have the strength to filter impurities from the blood.

Of course, the kidneys influence the spleen, but the spleen, in turn, influences the kidneys. Both innate and acquired vitality reside in the spleen. After birth, the spleen consists of those two small lobes; even as a person grows into adulthood by the age of eighteen, it remains the same size, showing no change whatsoever. All the kinetic energy for growth relies entirely on the energy supplied by the spleen. Only as we age does the spleen thicken slightly; by the age of fifty, the interior of our spleen has become honeycomb-like, devoid of any substantial energy. If the spleen is replenished, the water of the kidneys will naturally rise to the head, and one will feel as though they have returned to their youth. The spleen and liver complement each other, and the spleen also stores blood.

After a splenectomy, the liver loses the nourishment provided by the spleen; the liver may then rupture, leaving the person completely drained of energy, prone to blood-toxin disorders, and constantly plagued by skin eruptions. Attentive mothers know that when a baby is born, its cry is particularly loud and can be heard from far away. Why is the sound able to travel so far? The primary source of this power comes from the spleen.

II. Traditional Chinese Medicine holds that: When the spleen is diseased, a person is only half-alive.

The health of the spleen directly affects the functional state of the brain; when the brain declines, it is secretly due to the depletion of the spleen. Kidney depletion is also rooted in spleen deficiency; therefore, spleen deficiency is more terrifying than kidney failure, and thus the spleen is even more important than the kidneys! Problems with the kidneys affect the spleen—but problems with the spleen directly affect the kidneys.

Behind heart failure lies, in essence, spleen deficiency; all major illnesses have their roots in spleen deficiency! Many people have heard the phrase “deficiency cannot tolerate tonification”; in fact, the crux of this principle lies with the spleen, and the ultimate outcome of serious illness is damage to the spleen.

III. The spleen and stomach are the body’s source of energy

They govern the absorption and distribution of energy. According to the physiological functions of the zang-fu organs in Traditional Chinese Medicine, the generation of qi, blood, and body fluids in the human body depends on the subtle nutrients from food that are digested and absorbed by the spleen. Therefore, the spleen is considered the “source of the generation of qi and blood” and is also referred to as the “foundation of postnatal life” and “the granary of the human body.” Hence, ancient medical scholars coined the maxim, “When the spleen is robust, all diseases are eliminated.” Thoughts originate in the spleen and take shape in the heart. When spleen qi is robust, qi and blood are abundant; if spleen qi is deficient, appetite diminishes, resulting in a pale and lackluster complexion. Spleen qi deficiency leads to insufficient blood, and without sufficient blood, hair cannot thrive.

IV. The Spleen Is the Foundation of Postnatal Life, Nourishing the Entire Body

Deficiencies in the Zheng Qi of specific organs and viscera are also closely linked to the spleen. Generally speaking, weakness of the spleen and stomach is the root cause of many diseases. Traditional Chinese Medicine holds that the spleen has the functions of “collecting and regulating blood”; simultaneously, the spleen and stomach together constitute the Middle Jiao, serving as the “official of drainage” and forming an internal-external relationship with the stomach. Zheng Qi originates from the essence of food and drink—that is, what Li Dongyuan referred to as “stomach qi” and “original qi.”

The strength or weakness of stomach qi and primordial qi is intrinsically linked to the strength or weakness of the spleen’s function: when the spleen is strong, vital energy is abundant; when the spleen is weak, vital energy is deficient. If vital energy is deficient, a hundred diseases lie in wait; therefore, ancient medical scholars believed that “all diseases arise from the decline of the spleen and stomach.”

V. The Spleen Is the Body’s Largest Immune Organ

Accounting for 25% of the body’s total lymphatic tissue and containing a large number of lymphocytes and macrophages, the spleen serves as the center of the body’s cellular and humoral immunity, exerting antitumor effects through various mechanisms. First, the spleen’s primary function is to filter and store blood. It serves as the body’s “blood bank”: it stores blood when the body is at rest and calm, and releases blood into the circulatory system during states of stress—such as exercise, blood loss, or hypoxia—to increase blood volume; Second, the spleen acts like a “filter.” When pathogens, antigens, foreign substances, or protozoa appear in the blood, the macrophages and lymphocytes in the spleen engulf and destroy them; the spleen also produces immune substances such as immunoglobulins and complement to carry out immune functions.

Ancient medical scholars believed that “all diseases arise from the weakness of the spleen and stomach.” Therefore, in daily life, one should take care to protect the spleen and stomach and pay attention to dietary nutrition. When treating illness, both medication and dietary restrictions must take the spleen and stomach into account.

When you have free time, remember to massage the Spleen Meridian frequently, because “when the Spleen Meridian remains unobstructed, serious, acute, and mysterious illnesses are less likely to afflict you.” How should one massage the Spleen Meridian? Just as one must grasp the ox by the nose, massaging the Spleen Meridian begins with the areas most prone to blockage. Which areas are most prone to blockage? As I’ve mentioned, joints are where meridians and the flow of qi and blood pass through; blockages can easily form at these joints, causing obstructions in the flow of qi, blood, and meridians.

VI. Nourishing the Spleen Meridian—A Wonderful Method for Tapping the Spleen Meridian

1. “Prolonged Sitting Damages the Muscles”

Traditional Chinese Medicine holds that “prolonged sitting damages the muscles.” When muscles lack exercise, it can lead to spleen deficiency; “damaging the muscles” is, in essence, damaging the spleen. Regularly tapping the spleen meridian can enhance its transport and transformation functions and replenish the vital energy depleted by prolonged sitting.

2. Simple Ways to Identify Spleen Deficiency

Observe the eyelids: If your eyes are usually large, bright, and lively, but your eyelids now droop and your eyes appear listless, this indicates spleen deficiency. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the eyelids are governed by the spleen; if they sag, it suggests a problem with the spleen’s function of governing the muscles. However, this condition is more common among the elderly.

Observe the tongue: If the tongue is pale in color and shows tooth marks along the edges, it strongly suggests a problem with the spleen. It is best to seek a medical examination promptly or begin treatment as soon as possible.

3. Method for Tapping the Spleen Meridian

Seating Position: Sit with one ankle resting on the opposite thigh—the “cross-legged” position. This posture facilitates massage of the Spleen Meridian. The Spleen Meridian originates at the Yinbai acupoint on the inner side of the big toe, runs along the midline of the inner calf, enters the inner anterior edge of the thigh, and then enters the abdomen. This seating position exposes the Spleen Meridian, making it easier to massage.

Tapping Technique: Form a loose fist and use the knuckles to tap downwards from top to bottom with moderate force; apply slightly more pressure when tapping the Spleen Meridian on the thigh. Tapping should be performed on both legs; 10 minutes per side is recommended. The optimal time for tapping is between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., when qi and blood flow most vigorously through the Spleen Meridian. The number of repetitions depends on how much time you have available.

Benefits: During work breaks, you can cross your legs in a “4” shape and tap along the entire course of the Spleen Meridian to strengthen the spleen.

Tip: If you discover a tender spot while tapping, it indicates a blockage along the Spleen Meridian. In this case, use the pressing and kneading method to massage the area, clearing the blocked acupoint and restoring the smooth flow of qi and blood throughout the entire Spleen Meridian.

4. Massaging the Spleen Meridian on the Calf

If you find a tender spot along the Spleen Meridian on your calf during the massage, you must focus on massaging that area for it to be truly effective. Specifically, locate the four acupoints along the calf’s Spleen Meridian—Yinlingquan, Diji, Lougu, and Sanyinjiao—and massage them. If you can’t locate them precisely or don’t want to remember the details, simply massage up and down along the inner edge of the shinbone. Focus on massaging whichever acupoint feels sensitive or painful.

In fact, massaging the Spleen Meridian is effective for both overweight and underweight individuals. It can help underweight people gain weight and overweight people lose weight. In short, everyone will feel happy after the massage.

VII. Important Acupoints on the Spleen Meridian and Their Functions

Anyone with even a basic understanding of Traditional Chinese Medicine knows that the spleen is the foundation of postnatal health. Therefore, the acupoints on the Spleen Meridian are particularly important for maintaining postnatal health. The five acupoints on the Spleen Meridian introduced today are each incredibly potent and can be considered powerful remedies.

1. Clearing the Nasal Passages—Yinbai Acupoint

The Yinbai acupoint is the first point on the Spleen Meridian. It is located approximately 1 millimeter beside the nail of the big toe. This acupoint’s primary function is to stop bleeding. Therefore, patients who frequently experience bleeding disorders—such as gastrointestinal bleeding, bleeding gums, or nosebleeds—can make frequent use of it for treatment. The recommended method is moxibustion, applied for 15 minutes per acupoint daily. Additionally, this acupoint helps clear the nasal passages. Therefore, patients with allergic rhinitis can pinch and press this point to relieve symptoms.

2. Relieving Stomach Pain — Taibai Acupoint

This acupoint is located on the inner edge of the foot, in the depression just below and behind the head of the first metatarsal bone. It is highly effective in relieving stomach pain caused by various factors, as well as poor appetite and bloating. Stimulate it by kneading and pressing until a slight sensation of pain is felt, 120 times daily.

3. Reducing Stomach Acid — Gongsun Acupoint

The Gongsun acupoint is a collateral point of the Spleen Meridian and one of the Eight Extra Meridian Intersection Points. This acupoint helps suppress the secretion of stomach acid. It is particularly suitable for those with a history of stomach ailments or those seeking to lose weight by enduring hunger. Therefore, it aids in weight loss. The stimulation method involves kneading and pressing; it is best to apply pressure until a sensation of soreness and distension is felt, 120 times daily.

4. Reducing Inflammation — Shangqiu Acupoint

One of the primary benefits of the Shangqiu acupoint is its anti-inflammatory effect. Many lower-body inflammations, such as cystitis, urethritis, and pelvic inflammatory disease, can be alleviated by kneading and pressing the Shangqiu acupoint. Perform this 120 times daily. The Shangqiu acupoint’s anti-inflammatory effect stems from the fact that it corresponds precisely to the lower body lymphatic reflex zone on the sole of the foot. Additionally, as a major acupoint on the Spleen Meridian, Shangqiu regulates the flow of qi and blood throughout the body—particularly within the Spleen Meridian—improving blood circulation and aiding in the elimination of inflammatory and pain-inducing substances.

5. Sanyinjiao — Gynecological Disorders

The Sanyinjiao acupoint is located 3 cun above the inner ankle, which is approximately four finger-widths. “Sanyinjiao” refers to the point where the three Yin meridians—Liver, Kidney, and Spleen—converge; therefore, this single acupoint can treat disorders along all three meridians, truly making it a versatile acupoint. The Sanyinjiao acupoint is also a key point for the general treatment of gynecological disorders. Whether gynecological issues involve the adnexa, uterus, ovaries, or mammary glands, Sanyinjiao can be used for treatment; moreover, pressing or massaging this point when a condition is present will be very painful and highly sensitive. Regular daily massage of the Sanyinjiao point, combined with moxibustion, can resolve these issues. The Sanyinjiao point can also relieve dysmenorrhea.

6. Luogu Point — Difficulty Urinating

Moving upward 3 cun from the Sanyinjiao acupoint along the inner edge of the foot bone brings you to the Leigu acupoint. “Leigu” literally means “leaking grain,” referring to food that has not been properly digested—where nutrients are not absorbed and the undigested matter is excreted—a condition known as “undigested grain.” Frequent massage of the Leigu acupoint can treat this condition. It also treats difficulty urinating and is highly effective for prostate issues in men.

7. Diji Point — Gastrointestinal Digestion and Absorption

Moving upward along the shinbone, the Diji point is located directly opposite the highest point of the calf. “Diji” means “the earth brimming with vitality.” Therefore, massaging the Diji point can enhance the digestive and absorptive functions of the entire gastrointestinal tract. The Diji point is particularly beneficial for the pancreas; conditions such as chronic pancreatitis and diabetes can be prevented and treated by massaging this point.

8. Yinlingquan — Eliminating Dampness

Trace your finger along the shin bone all the way up; when you reach the back of the knee and can no longer move your finger further, that spot is Yinlingquan. This acupoint is a key point for eliminating dampness. Excessive dampness in the body can easily foster bacterial growth, leading to edema and various inflammations, including dermatitis and rashes.

Additionally, the spleen is the source of phlegm and regulates dampness; if there is too much dampness that cannot be properly metabolized, it will transform into phlegm and fluid retention. Therefore, to fundamentally resolve the issue of phlegm production, one must strengthen the spleen—and doing so is as simple as massaging the Yinlingquan acupoint daily.

9. Relieving Itching — Xuehai Acupoint

The Xuehai acupoint is also known as “The Nest of a Hundred Worms,” implying that a hundred worms have made their nest there. Moxibustion on this acupoint can relieve itching throughout the body and produces rapid results. Furthermore, Xuehai is a traditional Chinese medicine acupoint used to nourish the blood and regulate blood circulation throughout the body. Together with the Zusanli acupoint, it is considered one of the two most important health-preserving acupoints for tonifying qi and nourishing blood.