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

Natural Therapies to Support the Spleen 

✦ 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: Dog Rose, Boronia, Pink Mulla Mulla
✦ Crystals: Carnelian, Jade, Jasper and Blood