April 3, 2013 #2

My next hour consists of learning about the spleen.

The spleen is responsible for:
1.) Transportation and transformation
2.) Controlling Blood
3.) Domination of the muscles and four limbs
4.) Opening to the mouth and manifesting on the lips

1.) Transportation and Transformation
Transportation=Transmission
Transformation=digestion and absorption
The spleen is responsible for food, water and dampness. Food and water are our main source of nutrition after birth and are the main base for chi and blood. Therefore the spleen is considered to be the main zang organ for creating chi and blood. If chi is deficient then poor appetite can result as well as abdominal distention, loose stool, lassitude and malnutrition. 

Dampness refers to water metabolism, which is transported to other meridians, tissues, and organs whilst discharging it from the body. Dysfunction results in water retention, with clinical manifestation such as oedema, diarrhea, phlegm and other retained fluid. 

Overall if the spleen is weak then symptoms such as vertigo, diarrhea, blurred vision and so on can result. Therefore most of the acupuncture treatment is geared towards strengthening the function of the spleen chi. 

2.) Controlling Blood
The spleen keeps blood circulating in the vessels and and preventing extravasation. When the spleen chi is abundant there is plenty of blood in circulation, however, if spleen chi is weak then things such hemorrhage can result (i.e bloody stool and uterine bleeding).  

3.) Dominating the muscles and four limbs
This simple means the spleen is properly nourishing the muscles to be well developed and properly functioning. 

4.) Opening to the mouth and manifesting on the lips 
Since the spleen is closely related to the intake of food and sense of taste, there's no doubt that a well-functioning spleen can result in good appetite and normal sense of taste. A weak spleen means poor appetite, impaired sense of taste and a sticky, sweetish sensation in the mouth. As for the lips, it can also reflect the state of the spleen A healthy spleen and ample chi and blood create red and lustrous lips. If the spleen is deficient of chi and blood the lips can be pale and sallow.