The Spleen - Your Source of Life
The spleen is often described as the ‘source of life’, the transporter of energy to all other organs. It is considered as an essential organ in helping the body fight infections due to the spleen’s production of white blood cells and antibodies that help to eliminate foreign invaders and bacteria.
Your spleen is located at the back of your ribcage, in the upper left part of your abdomen. The spleen is part of our lymphatic system and regulates many important systems in your body all at once such as:
Filtering, storing and cleaning the blood
Supporting the lymphatic system
Playing an important role in the body to fight infections
Extracting nutrients from food and converting this into energy
A healthy and energised Spleen leads to the feeling of strength and general well-being.
Physical signs your spleen needs support
Stubborn weight problems
There is an accumulation of excess mucous in your body
You have bloating and hold water retention
Your body feels tired, heavy and your limbs ache
You have poor muscle tone
You are suffering from poor co-ordination
You are experiencing poor memory recall
You have a weak metabolism
You are experiencing low energy levels and fatigue
You are experiencing urinary problems
You are experiencing knee/ thigh pain
You feel full without eating
Emotional signs your spleen needs support
You are a worrier
You are trapped in a cycle of obsessive and/ or negative thoughts
You feel ungrounded
You have feelings of instability and insecurity
Your sleep is restless
You could be experiencing needy or selfish behaviour
You are feeling vague or confused
Your feelings are scattered
You feel over protective of others
There are feelings of loneliness
You find yourself stating “I need”…
Inna Segal describes the emotions of the spleen in her book The Secret Language of the Body as
“Feeling helpless, disconnected from feminine energy, fearful, frozen , angry frustrated. Overly sensitive and easily swayed. Constantly trying to find fault in others and to control or change them. Not wanting to face your own issues and participate in life fully. Continually worrying and stressing about others.”
Ways to support your spleen
Avoid ice in your drinks and eating cold foods such as ice cream
Wear the colour yellow
Foods to strengthen the spleen are sweet potatoes, root vegetables, apples, foods rich in chlorophyll
Avoid or eat in moderation raw foods, dairy, fatty foods, sugar, wheat, beer and coffee
Eat smaller more frequent meals
The herbs Astragalus, Ginseng and Licorice are beneficial to the spleen
Skin brushing: https://www.nourishedlife.com.au/article/2338661/benefits-of-dry-body-brushing.html
Acupressure points to press: https://www.pinterest.com.au/christiancady/spleen-meridian/
Essential Oils: Joy and Acceptance from Young Living Oils
Flower Essences: Bach – Heather, Red Chestnut, White Chestnut
Flower Essences: Australian Bush Flowers: Dog Rose, Boronia, Pink Mulla Mulla
Crystals: Carnelian, Jade, Jasper and Blood
