TCM, the Spleen and Western Medicine
by Lesley Tierra L.Ac |
Western medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) have long been viewed as two distinct and divergent medicines. Their approaches to physiology and healing appear quite different in perspective. While Western medicine separates the various systems and organs of the body and delves deeper and deeper into the particles that comprise matter, Chinese medicine views the body and further, the whole person, as a unified organic whole. Spiritual, mental, emotional and physical aspects are all seen as interrelated and interdependent.
Western medicine treats illness by isolating the diseased area and giving drug medications to alter and counteract the individual problem. Chinese medicine treats illness by identifying which parts of the whole are out of balance and the resulting energy patterns they form. These are then treated with energetic therapies and herbal medications to correct the imbalance and bring the whole to stasis. While Western medicine derived its theory and treatments from dissection, microscopic analysis and chemical derivations, Chinese medicine developed mainly through thousands of years of observation, not only of the human body, but its relationship to nature and the universe.
Despite the fact that both medicines had a unique historical development and approach healing from a distinctly different perspective, it is fascination to discover actual correspondences between the two, which can allow their differences to assume more complementary roles. Ironically, it is Western medicine, which is helping to bridge this gap, as its well developed technology is now able to corroborate what 5000 years of TCM has known all along. From this we may create a common understanding of the two medicines and learn not only alternative natural therapies to Western drugs, but also how the Chinese treat Western "incurable" diseases and energy imbalances which respond poorly to Western medications.
The TCM spleen as the source of energy derived from food and fluid is one of the most important organ systems and makes a good study to appreciate the similarities and differences between the two systems. At first glance it appears there are no correspondences at all, but upon deeper examination we learn that it is only terminology and perspective which mask their underlying similarities. To compare them, however, it is necessary to look beyond the spleen itself in Western medicine to other physiological processes in the body. Because in Chinese medicine the body is seen as an interrelated whole, functions of an organ actually occur on a cellular level throughout the entire body. To compare this with the Western definition of an organ it is thus necessary to look at several processes and cellular constituents as well as the spleen itself.
To inspect these similarities we will first review the Western understanding of the spleen and then a comparison with the Chinese view. Next we will compare them and give the TCM treatment strategies for spleen imbalances. Perhaps through more inspection of these seeming differences between contemporary Western and traditional Chinese medicines, we can ultimately come to a more integrated approach to health and healing based upon traditional and contemporary principles.
The spleen has several functions in Western medicine:
Specifically these signs of dysfunction can be grouped into energy patterns. Each of these is comprised of specific signs and symptoms and each is then treated accordingly.
COMPARISON OF WESTERN AND TCM UNDERSTANDING OF THE SPLEEN
There are many comparisons of the spleen between Western medicine and TCM,
and they are best shown by following the various functions of the spleen in
TCM.
The conclusion found that the spleen in TCM is closely related to the mitochondria. To see this graphically, the digestive process between Western medicine and TCM is as follows:
For example, qi tonics such as ginseng probably help in mitochondria formation, both in quantity as well as quality. Also, dampness-eliminating herbs probably help re-form swollen mitochondria and perhaps aid in lymph circulation. Thus, qi tonifying herbs in TCM are important, not just as tonics or adaptogens, but because they aid mitochondria repair and replication, and increase resistance to disease by stimulating the spleen to produce lymphocytes and leukocytes.
There are several functions of qi tonics. One is as adaptogens, herbs that have anti-irradiation, anti-stress and anti-fatigue effects. In terms of Western medicine this means they probably increase leukocytes and promote antibody formation. Examples include ginseng, astragalus and schizandra. Another function of qi tonics is as immune promoters and strengtheners. Examples are astragalus, codonopsis, ginseng and atractylodes.
Qi tonics are usually classified as having a sweet flavor. This demonstrates their life supporting effects that build up body tissue and produce energy. Since the Chinese believe food is the best tonic, qi tonics are often combined with food such as rice, ginger, red dates, meat soup, or in Ayurveda, with milk. Qi tonics are also frequently used with herbs that eliminate dampness or tonify the yang. Because the overuse of tonics can cause stagnation of qi leading to gastrointestinal fullness, chest pains and tightness, spasms or headaches, it is important to use tonics in moderate doses and give them with qi regulating herbs (carminatives).
This is a very harmonious and moderate formula that is not too warm or drying. It may be used in treating any disorders for which deficient spleen qi is considered the root. It treats pallid complexion, low and soft voice, reduced appetite, loose stools, weakness in the limbs, pale tongue body and thin and/or frail pulse.
Extraordinary Merit Powder (yi gong san)
Six Gentleman Decoction (jiao zhu fu ren liang fang)
This formula tonifies spleen qi, transforms phlegm and stops vomiting. It is good for loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal distention, a stifling sensation in the chest and epigastrium, possible coughing and copious thin and white sputum.
Six Gentleman Decoction with Cardamom and Saussurea (Ziang sha liu jun zi tang)
This formula additionally strengthens the spleen, harmonizes the stomach, and regulates qi and stops pain. It treats spleen and stomach qi deficiency with cold-damp stagnation, decreased appetite with feelings of fullness after eating only a little, belching, abdominal distention or pain and periodic vomiting and diarrhea.
Nourish the Stomach Decoction with Cardamom and Saussurea (xiang sha yang wei tang)
This formula strengthens and harmonizes the spleen and stomach and resolves dampness. It treats decreased appetite, loss of taste, inability to eat more than a little at a time, bloating after eating, distention and general weakness.
Preserve the Basal Decoction (bao yuan tang)
This formula is for deficiency and consumption, fatigue, lethargy, shortness of breath, aversion to cold with possible pain, vomiting and diarrhea.
This formula harmonizes the stomach, leaches out dampness, protects the lungs and tonifies spleen qi. Citri reticulatae can be added to strengthen the formula's ability to benefit the spleen and expel dampness. It treats loose stools or diarrhea, lowered appetite, weakness of the extremities, weight loss, distention and a stifling sensation in the chest and epigastrium, pallid and wan complexion, pale tongue with white coat, thin, moderate or deficient pulse, possible vomiting and cough with sputum.
Tonify Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction (bu zhong yi qi tang)
This formula treats intermittent fever, spontaneous sweating, aversion to cold, thirst for warm beverages, shortness of breath, laconic speech, tendency to curl up, weak limbs, shiny pale complexion, loose and watery stools, pale tongue with thin white coat, and a flooding deficient pulse. It raises prolapse and tonifies qi.
SUMMARY
The understanding of the organs in TCM is often overlooked as being
unscientific and invalid. Interestingly, not only are its organ functions
based on scientific physiology, they often go beyond it in understanding,
meaning and usefulness. While Western medicine confines the dysfunctions of
the spleen to specific diseases, TCM views the spleen as much more
encompassing in its effects in the body. On the other hand, the
technological advantages of Western medicine are well suited to providing
Westerners with a deeper understanding and appreciation of Traditional
Chinese Medicine.
We can apply this same approach to the current view of Western herbalism and more quickly see the limitations of solely placing medicinal value on herbs' chemical reactions and biochemical constituents. The broader holistic view of TCM allows herbalists to see the potential of what herbs are able to do and how herbs relate to individual physiological conditions rather than general disease or biochemical categories. Much more work can be done in the area of comparing the body's physiology between Western medicine and TCM that would further the understanding of both medicines and perhaps, overall, come to a more integrated approach to health and healing.
The East West Course is a 36 lesson correspondence course in Chinese,
Western and Ayurvedic herbology written by Dr. Michael Tierra. Those who
are interested can visit the
EastWest School of Herbology
Box 712
Santa Cruz, Ca. 95060
1 800-717-5010
Acupuncture.com |