by Michele Collins, RH (AHG), MPH and Andres Vergara, L.Ac., M.Ac.
On January 22nd’s internet radio show, Combining Science and Chinese Medicine for Sustainable Weight Loss, we (Andres and Michele) talked about the role the spleen and kidneys play in metabolism in Chinese medicine. Keep in mind, though, that we are not referring to the literal and anatomical kidneys and spleens alone. Yes those organs themselves are included, but they are actually the gross manifestations, two of 5 of the essential processes or functions our whole selves cycle through on the physical, emotional, and spiritual levels (see more about these five phases in earlier blog post by clicking here). The spleen represents the function of transformation and digestion and it, working in partnership with the pancreas and stomach, are responsible for converting food and water into fuel and energy that the body can use to sustain itself. The kidneys, working in combination with the urinary bladder, the bones, and the reproductive organs, are our battery charge and store the deep energy reserves of the body. When either of these two organs are not functioning well, the body’s ability to metabolize and digest food, knowledge and life experiences ,as well as our key immunity and vitality is compromised.
Weight gain from a Chinese medical point of view can be caused by an underlying coldness in the digestive tract that decreases one’s metabolism. This lack of heat to metabolize and transform can result in an accumulation of weight, as well as fatigue or lack of energy, and heaviness (signs of spleen and kidney depletion). The Chinese medical explanation for this is that the spleen yang, which is the active and heating energy in the spleen, is no longer being warmed properly by the life force energy that comes from the kidneys.
Interestingly the consumption of cold foods or the overconsumption of food can cause the stomach to try to heat up in order to properly transform food into energy. This is actually the body transforming that coldness into heat, which can cause excessive appetite, ravenous hunger and also possibly acid reflux or bad breath. From a Chinese medical point of view the kidney and spleen yang energy needs to be supported while the excessive stomach heat needs to be reduced. This can be accomplished with the use of herbs, diet and lifestyle changes.
The ancient Chinese medical classic known as the Nei Jing, or the Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Medicine, explains that yang ming will start to decline at age 35. The yang ming represents both the function of the stomach and large intestine as well as the overall functioning of the digestive system. This decline coincides with a slowing of the metabolism which often leads to weight gain unless changes in lifestyle, herbs and diet are made. It is also stated in the Nei Jing that as women reach the age of 49 and men reach the age of 64 the kidneys will decline. As I mentioned earlier the kidneys are responsible for the warming of the digestive fire or the spleen yang, so this decline will often lead to a further decline in the body’s metabolism. It is therefore important to eat foods that are easy to digest, use herbs to support the digestive fires, to avoid overeating, drink warm drinks and avoid cold, sweet, damp, greasy and fatty foods. But, even more importantly, though the Nei Jing also states that if you live in accordance with the Tao, meaning a balanced and healthy lifestyle in harmony with nature, that you will not be subject to such dramatic declines.
Herbs and food (herbs are our food too!) are one important aspect of a healthy lifestyle. Food and herbs are what our body uses to convert into usable energy, as well as is one source of nourishment for our bodies, minds, and spirits. We are going to highlight some common and easy to find herbs and food that can be incorporated into the diet. Keep in mind, though, with Chinese medicine, that herbs are typically used in combination (to enhance the effects and eliminate a reaction to any one herb). Even more importantly, formulas are tailored to an individual’s constitution and health issues to achieve the best results. Andres and Michele provide customized formulas to individuals, as well as lifestyle recommendations in accordance with the wisdom of Chinese medicine. But, still, these foods can be incorporated into your diet. Here are more details:
1. Eleuthero – This herb is an adoptogen, or one that helps the body adapt to stressors. It specifically nourishes the spleen and kidneys. It helps boost the spleen’s ability to transform food into needed nutrients, warming and stimulating sluggish digestion. It also nourished the kidneys, in particular the yang of the kidneys. It increases stamina, athletic performance, boosts the immune system and helps prevent colds and flus, and lowers LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
2. Walnuts – This is an excellent food that is warming and sweet and nourishes the kidneys and the essence. It lubricates the intestines and facilitates bowel movements, it is used to treat wheezing and coughing, low back pain. and frequent urination. Walnuts also remove arterial fat and cholesterol deposits, are rich in omega-3s and calcium. This nut is actually an herb in the Chinese materia medica that is used in formulation to treat these conditions. It is also something you can add in to your diet to support the kidneys.
3. Goji berries (lycii or lyciium fruit) – This is another tasty and super nourishing sweet flavored food that warms the spleen and stomach. Gojis nourishes both the qi and blood, as well as improves eyesight, lowers blood pressure, strengthens the immune system, regenerates liver cells and protects against liver damage, moistens the dry lungs, is anti-inflammatory, and strengthens weak muscles. This is a very important Chinese herb with a prominent place in the materia medica.
4. Fresh ginger root – This is an herb that everyone should keep on hand always for cooking, for tea, and even for external applications. It is warming and stimulating, especially for the spleen, stomach, and lungs. One of the best home remedies we have found for any kind of congestion that is clear and runny (not green or yellow), is a cup of fresh ginger root tea with lemon and honey. Ginger is probably best known for its ability to settle the stomach and stop vomiting and nausea. Another great use of ginger is to soak a cloth in fresh ginger root tea and apply to areas with sinus pressure or any sore or weak muscles (don’t use on muscles if there isn’t too much heat indicated by warmth or redness because ginger is warming!) – ginger can help alleviate pain. Again, another popular Chinese herb listed in the materia medica.
5. Cinnamon – This is another favorite herb/food that has a very important place in the Chinese materia medica. Both the bark and the twigs of the cinnamon plant are used in Chinese medicine, although here we are talking about the bark. Cinnamon is hot and stimulating for both the spleen and kidneys. It is used for a wide variety of conditions, all resulting from cold because it supplements the yang function of the body. From a Chinese perspective this herb leads the fire back to its source in the ming men, otherwise known as the gate of life (right between the two kidneys), literally helping to ignite when dampened, as well as strengthen the life fire or vital force of the body. In Jade and Keoni Teta’s book, The Metabolic Effect Diet, they cite this herbs as one that can affect hunger and make the body more likely to burn fat.
Here is a favorite recipe for a great snack food:
Goji berries and walnuts in whatever proportion you prefer (we like 2/3rd gojis to 1/3rd walnuts)
Sprinkle with cinnamon and/or unsweetened coca to taste
Quelling Cravings for Sweet
Bitter taste for sweet cravings and sugar as well as for stomach heat – the bitter taste counteracts heat in the stomach. From a Chinese five phase (wu xing) perspective, the reason that bitter quells sweet is that the bitter is taste of the fire element and it nourishes and strengthens the fire in the body. The sweet flavor is associated with the earth and when the earth is out of balance it will seek out the sweet flavor to balance it. When the fire element is strong, it can better nourish the earth. What that means practically is that a bitter flavor can quell the desire for sweets. We encourage you to try this out because it is pretty cool and it works!
So the trick is finding a good, easily accessible bitter flavor. Which isn’t necessarily as easy as it sounds. What we both like that fits this well is unsweetened cocoa (it is pretty bitter!). That is what we recommend to quell a sugar craving. Unless, of course, you are an herbalist who has some fresh or dried coptis rhizome (huang lian) or goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) on hand. Jade and Keoni talk about unsweetened cocoa in their book, The Metabolic Effect Diet, citing how it rewards the brain by stimulating it’s pleasure center without adding fat to the diet. That is truly the intersection of traditional wisdom of Chinese medicine and modern science!
Keep in mind though, that if you have a specific health issue and are using herbs, it is always best to seek out a health professional (most preferably a trained and skilled herbalist), An herbalist can help determine which herbs are best suited to your condition, as well as how to combine them to be most effective and successful for you. For more information about Michele and Andres’ services, click here.
To learn more, check out these excellent books:
1. The Metabolic Effect Diet by Jade Teta, ND, CSCS and Keoni Teta, ND, L.Ac., CSCS
2. The Tao of Healthy Eating: Dietary Wisdom According to Chinese Medicine by Bob Flaws, L.Ac.
3. Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamin, and Stress Relief by David Winston and Steven Maimes
4. Healing with Whole Foods by Paul Pitchford
