Why Spleen Support Matters More Than Most Women Realize

The spleen probably isn’t the first organ you think about when you’re tired, struggling with digestion, feeling mentally overwhelmed, or noticing that you’re overthinking everything.

But depending on which framework we’re using, the spleen can become a really interesting part of the conversation.

This is also one of those places where I think it’s important to distinguish between Western physiology and Traditional Chinese Medicine.

In Western medicine, the spleen is primarily associated with the blood and immune system.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, or TCM, the Spleen is part of a much broader functional system associated with digestion, nourishment, energy, and patterns such as worry and overthinking.

Those aren’t interchangeable concepts.

But because I look at the body through physical, emotional, nervous-system, and energetic lenses, I find value in understanding both.

First, What Does the Spleen Actually Do?

From a Western physiological perspective, the spleen sits in the upper left portion of the abdomen.

It helps filter blood, removes aging or damaged red blood cells and platelets, stores platelets, and plays an important role in immune function.

It is not technically a digestive organ.

And yet, when I’m looking at someone energetically, the spleen may still come forward when digestion, nourishment, fatigue, or mental overactivity are part of the bigger picture.

That’s where the Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective becomes interesting.

The Spleen in Traditional Chinese Medicine

In TCM, the Spleen is associated with the Earth element and is traditionally paired with the Stomach.

Within that framework, the Stomach receives food while the Spleen is associated with transforming and transporting nourishment.

It’s a much broader concept than the anatomical spleen itself.

So when TCM practitioners talk about “Spleen Qi,” they aren’t necessarily saying there is something medically wrong with the physical spleen.

They’re describing a pattern within the Traditional Chinese Medicine system.

That distinction matters and this is where I think many women may recognize themselves.

Because within that framework, the Spleen is often discussed alongside things like:

• Fatigue.

• Digestive discomfort.

• Feeling heavy or sluggish.

• Poor appetite.

• Loose stools.

• Mental fatigue.

• Worry.

• Overthinking.

• Feeling depleted.

Again, those symptoms can have many different medical causes. I would never assume they mean someone has a “Spleen deficiency” or needs spleen support without looking at the larger picture.

But I do find the pattern interesting.

Especially because so many women spend their days doing, thinking, planning, anticipating, caring, remembering, and carrying.

The Overthinking Connection

This is probably my favorite part of exploring the Spleen energetically.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, the Spleen is associated with Yi, often translated in relation to thought, intellect, intention, or focused thinking.

When balanced, that mental energy can look like concentration, contemplation, learning, and the ability to process information.

But excessive pensiveness, worry, or overthinking is traditionally associated with the Spleen system too.

And how many women do you know who are constantly thinking?

• What needs to happen next?

• What did I forget?

• What does everyone else need?

• Did I respond to that email?

• What am I making for dinner?

• Did I schedule that appointment?

• Did I say the wrong thing?

• What if this happens?

• What if that happens?

• What am I forgetting?

Even when the body is sitting still, the mind may still be running.

I think we sometimes underestimate how exhausting it is to continually live three steps ahead of ourselves.

Are You Digesting More Than Food?

This is where I begin moving beyond the physical conversation.

Digestion isn’t a metaphor medically. Your gastrointestinal system has very real physiological functions.

But within my energetic work, I’m also interested in what someone is trying to mentally and emotionally digest.

• Are you constantly processing information?

• Are you replaying conversations?

• Are you analyzing every decision?

• Are you worrying about things that haven’t happened yet?

• Are you trying to solve everyone else’s problems?

• Are you carrying responsibilities that aren’t actually yours?

• Are you mentally chewing on the same situation over and over again?

Sometimes I’ll ask:

• What am I having difficulty processing?

Not because an unresolved thought medically causes a spleen condition, but because our emotional experience is part of the whole person I’m working with.

And sometimes the body brings our attention to patterns we haven’t slowed down long enough to notice.

Receiving Nourishment Is Part of the Conversation Too

There’s another layer of the Spleen framework that I find particularly relevant.

Nourishment.

Not simply:

What am I eating?

But:

Am I actually allowing myself to be nourished?

Many women are incredibly good at giving.

• Giving their time.

• Giving their attention.

• Giving emotional support.

• Giving to their families.

• Giving to their work.

• Giving to their patients or clients.

• Giving to everyone who needs something from them.

But receiving?

That can feel very different.

So when the Spleen comes forward in my energetic work, I may explore questions like:

• Do I know how to receive?

• Do I allow myself to be supported?

• Do I believe I have to earn rest?

• Do I believe my needs are equally important?

• Am I constantly giving more than I’m replenishing?

• Can I receive nourishment without guilt?

• Can I let something be done for me?

• Can I rest without mentally continuing to work?

Sometimes support isn’t about adding another supplement.

Sometimes the pattern that needs our attention is how much we are continually asking ourselves to carry.

Then I Look at Digestion

Because the Spleen and Stomach are paired within TCM, I would also look at what’s physically happening with digestion.

• Am I eating regularly?

• Am I eating enough?

• Am I getting adequate protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals?

• Am I hydrated?

• How is my appetite?

• Am I bloated after meals?

• How are my bowel movements?

• Am I eating while rushing?

• Am I skipping meals because I’m busy?

• Am I eating while working?

• Do I sit down long enough to actually experience my food?

• Have I removed so many foods that nourishing myself has become difficult?

This is one of the reasons I don’t like separating nervous-system health from digestive health.

Our bodies don’t experience our lives in separate compartments.

I Also Think About Blood + Nutrient Status

If someone is experiencing persistent fatigue, weakness, dizziness, shortness of breath, changes in menstrual bleeding, or other concerning symptoms, I’m not going to simply label that an energetic Spleen pattern.

I want appropriate medical evaluation.

Depending on the individual situation, a licensed healthcare provider may consider things such as a complete blood count and iron studies, along with other testing based on symptoms and history.

Especially for women who menstruate, iron status can be an important consideration when fatigue is present.

And because the anatomical spleen participates in blood-cell and immune functions, I think it’s particularly important not to blur an energetic or TCM Spleen conversation with actual splenic disease.

There is room for energetic exploration without replacing physiology.

I Also Look at How I Can Support the Blood

Because the spleen has such an important physiological relationship with blood, I also think about how I can support healthy blood and whether there is an energetic layer I want to explore.

From a physical perspective, I might look at:

• Am I getting enough protein?

• How is my mineral status?

• Am I adequately hydrated?

• Am I giving my body the nutritional building blocks it needs?

• Is there anything in my bloodwork that deserves further attention?

And then there is the energetic layer.

Within my work, I may ask:

• Does my blood need energetic support?

• Does my blood need to be cleansed or purified energetically?

• Is there an energetic stressor affecting the blood?

• Does my body need additional mineral support?

• Which minerals are a priority right now?

• Is my body absorbing and utilizing the minerals I’m giving it?

For me, supporting the blood isn’t about finding a product that supposedly “detoxes” the blood. Our bodies already have physiological systems responsible for filtering, processing, and maintaining the composition of our blood.

But energetically, cleansing and purifying the blood is something I may explore as a separate layer, alongside nourishment, minerals, appropriate testing, and whatever physical support the body needs.

What Does Your Energy Feel Like?

Then I get curious about energy throughout the day.

• Do I wake up feeling rested?

• Do I crash at a particular time?

• Does eating improve my energy or make me feel more tired?

• Am I going too long without eating?

• Do I feel physically depleted or mentally depleted?

• Does my energy change depending on how much I’m worrying?

• How much sleep am I getting?

• Am I allowing myself to recover?

• Do I continually override fatigue because something else needs to get done?

Sometimes “I need more energy” becomes an immediate search for something stimulating.

More caffeine.

Another supplement.

Something to push through.

But I’m often more interested in asking:

Why does my body feel like it needs to be pushed in the first place?

I Pay Attention to the Nervous System

Overthinking doesn’t happen separately from the nervous system.

When my brain is continually scanning, planning, anticipating, problem-solving, or worrying, I pay attention to what state my body is spending most of its time in.

• Can I be present?

• Can I sit without immediately reaching for something to do?

• Can I eat without multitasking?

• Can I rest without feeling guilty?

• Can I stop thinking about what comes next long enough to experience what is happening now?

• Can I let something remain unfinished?

• Can my body recognize that there are moments when nothing needs to be solved?

I don’t expect myself to eliminate thought.

Thinking is useful.
Planning is useful.
Problem-solving is useful.

The question is whether I can turn it off when I no longer need it.

There’s a difference between using my mind and feeling like my mind is using me.

The Emotional + Energetic Layer

Within my own energetic framework, if the Spleen comes forward, I may explore emotional patterns alongside whatever physical support is appropriate.

I might ask:

• What am I worrying about?

• What am I overthinking?

• What situation am I continually replaying?

• Am I carrying someone else’s worry?

• Do I feel responsible for keeping everything together?

• Do I trust that things can work out without me controlling every detail?

• Am I allowing myself to receive?

• Where am I depleted from continually giving?

• What would happen if I stopped trying to figure everything out right now?

• Is there something I’m mentally holding onto that I’m ready to release?

These questions aren’t diagnostic tools.

They’re invitations to become curious about what might be happening beneath the constant mental activity.

Sometimes something meaningful comes forward.
Sometimes it doesn’t.

I don’t force an emotional explanation onto a physical symptom.

The Metaphysical Layer I Might Explore

From a metaphysical perspective, I may go deeper than worry, overthinking, and receiving nourishment.

One of the patterns I may explore is what I refer to as energy vampires.

When I use that term, I’m not necessarily labeling another person as an energy vampire or saying someone is intentionally taking something from me.

Instead, I’m asking:

• Where do I allow others to take my energy?

• Where or to whom am I giving my energy away?

• Who or what consistently leaves me feeling depleted?

• Where am I overgiving?

• Where am I taking responsibility for someone else’s emotions, problems, or needs?

• Where am I allowing access to my energy without appropriate boundaries?

• Am I continually pouring into others without replenishing myself?

• Do I know how to call my energy and power back to myself?

Within my energetic framework, mineral support is something I may explore alongside these energy-vampire patterns.

If someone is continually giving away their energy or feeling energetically depleted, I may ask:

• Does my body need mineral support?

• Which minerals does my body need?

• Am I adequately replenishing what my body is using?

• Is there an energetic pattern contributing to the sense of depletion?

• What needs to be cleared before my body can receive the support I’m giving it?

I may also check for what I call viral energies.

Within my energetic work, viral energies are another pattern I may explore when mineral support comes forward. If that pattern tests as a priority, I may explore and clear it more deeply within an individual session and then reassess what support the body needs afterward.

The viral clearing I use is an energetic practice and is separate from the medical evaluation or treatment of a viral infection. And when I talk about energy vampires, viral energies, or their relationship with minerals, I’m describing patterns within my energetic framework rather than established medical causes of mineral deficiency.

From the physical side, if I’m concerned that I may actually be deficient in a particular mineral, that deserves its own evaluation.

I can hold both questions at the same time:

What does my physical body need to be adequately nourished and replenished?

And:

Where am I energetically depleted, and what am I ready to clear or call back?

I May Muscle Test the Spleen + Stomach Separately

When I’m looking at this energetically, I don’t automatically assume that because digestion is involved, everything needs the same support.

I may muscle test:

• The Spleen.

• The Stomach.

• The nervous system.

• The digestive system.

• The blood.

• The lymphatic system.

And other areas depending on what comes forward.

Then I’m asking:

• Where is the priority?

• Does my body want physical support?

• Nutritional support?

• Nervous-system support?

• Emotional support?

• Energetic support?

• Is there something that needs appropriate testing or medical evaluation instead?

I don’t necessarily want to support everything at once.

I want to understand what the body is asking me to address first.

What Spleen Support Might Look Like for Me

If I were thinking about supporting the Spleen, I wouldn’t automatically begin with a supplement.

I’d look at the whole pattern.

• Am I adequately nourished?

• Am I eating consistently?

• Am I getting enough protein and nutrients?

• How is my mineral status?

• Does my body need additional mineral support?

• Am I adequately replenishing what I’m using?

• Am I hydrated?

• How is my digestion?

• How is my energy?

• How is my sleep?

• How much am I mentally carrying?

• Am I spending my entire day multitasking?

• Am I giving myself opportunities to actually rest?

• Am I receiving as much as I’m giving?

• Where am I giving my energy away?

• Is there an energetic pattern contributing to how depleted I feel?

• Am I trying to think my way through something my body is asking me to experience differently?

And if I’m using herbs, homeopathics, nutritional support, or other remedies, I personally want those choices to follow what my body is communicating rather than assuming everyone needs the same “Spleen protocol.”

Sometimes Support Looks Surprisingly Simple

Sometimes the body needs something more targeted.

And sometimes support starts with incredibly ordinary things.

• Eating breakfast.

• Sitting down for lunch.

• Eating enough.

• Choosing nourishing foods instead of surviving on caffeine.

• Taking a few breaths before eating.

• Going for a walk.

• Getting enough sleep.

• Putting the phone away.

• Letting someone help you.

• Finishing one task before starting five others.

• Creating quiet.

• Allowing yourself to receive.

• Not trying to solve tomorrow while you’re still living today.

Those things may not sound as exciting as an elaborate wellness protocol.

But our everyday patterns become the environment our bodies are living within.

Why I Think Spleen Support Matters More Than Most Women Realize

For me, the Spleen conversation isn’t really about convincing every woman that she has a spleen problem.

It’s about looking at a pattern that many women may recognize:

• Giving without receiving.

• Thinking without resting.

• Doing without replenishing.

• Nourishing everyone else while forgetting to nourish themselves.

The anatomical spleen and the Spleen system described in Traditional Chinese Medicine are not the same thing, and I think maintaining that distinction is important.

But I also appreciate what the traditional framework invites us to notice.

• How are we digesting our food?

• How are we using our energy?

• How much are we mentally processing?

• How well are we receiving nourishment?

• How much are we carrying?

• And are we giving the body enough resources to replenish what life continually asks from it?

Sometimes the most supportive question isn’t:

What else should I take?

It’s:

What am I continually giving away that I also need to give back to myself?

XOXO,

Dr. Elizabeth + Luna

Gentle Disclaimer

The products and practices shared here are examples from my personal wellness approach and are provided for educational purposes only.

They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent illness.

Seek appropriate medical care for severe, concerning, persistent, or worsening symptoms, and consult an appropriate healthcare professional before using products for children, during pregnancy or breastfeeding, with medications, or with existing health conditions.

Where to Find Additional Support

If you’re looking for remedies to support digestion, energy, or the emotional and energetic patterns you may be exploring alongside them, you can explore the flower essences I use through my LotusWei affiliate link.  I receive a small commission when you purchase through this link, at no additional cost to you.

You can also create an account through my Fullscript or Doctor Supplement Store (Registration Code: EA4258) dispensaries to explore the other remedies and nutritional support I use in my practice.

As always, what is appropriate for one person may not be appropriate for another. I personally use body awareness and muscle testing to help determine what support may be appropriate for me rather than assuming everyone needs the same protocol.