It is September, the temperature is not as hot as in the previous summer months and the temperature's change is reflected in our mucous membranes in our body.
You may have noticed that you are starting to reach for your handkerchief more and blow your nose because "there is always something in your nose". Your lips, tongue and all mucous membranes in your body start to be very sensitive together with your metabolism. Changes may occur in the digestive area as well.
All of these mentioned above are associated with the Spleen and Pancreas. In the first half of September our Spleen is the most sensitive organ in our body, it responds sensitively to all processes in the body.
In the second half of September our Pancreas is the sensitive one, the Pancreas is the maintainer and nourisher of all mucous membranes in the body.
THE SPLEEN
The Spleen is one of my favorite organs in the body. It is a very underestimated organ by Western medicine. If there is an imbalance in the body, especially in woman's body, the Spleen and it's Meridian should be checked first. When women are frequently tired, prone to infections, having difficult PMS or suffer from fibromyalgia, this indicates that their Spleen needs to be balanced. I often gently massage the Spleen points under the breasts as a prevention and also Spleen points on the foot (Spleen points 1-4) to keep the energy going and to nourish the body. It is a part of my Matreoca body program.
The Spleen is an abdominal soft fist-shaped organ. Usually purple or brownish. It is the largest organ in the lymphatic system. It is a very important organ of digestion and also the largest of the ductless glands ( it means that gland's secretions are released directly into the bloodstream).
The Spleen is situated in the upper far left part of the abdomen, above the stomach, between the 9th and 11th ribs.
Functions:
The Spleen acts as a filter for blood as part of the immune system. It helps to keep the blood clean. It stores red blood cells, platelets and infection-fighting white blood cells. Old red blood cells are recycled in the Spleen and white blood cells are stored there. The Spleen holds a reserve of blood and recycles iron as well.
It is a part of the body's lymphatic system. The system helps remove cellular waste, maintain fluid balance and make and activate white blood cells for the immune system.
The Spleen governs transportation and transformation of food into energy that builds and protects the blood. It is responsible for transforming and extracting nutrients from the food into our blood. It purifies and protects our blood. It is the center of transporting the energy of what's processed in our stomach, into our blood so our body can use that energy to regenerate and strengthen itself.
It helps the body fight infections. It also helps fight certain kinds of bacteria that cause pneumonia and meningitis. When the Spleen detects bacteria or viruses in your blood, it produces white blood cells called lymphocytes and phagocytes to fight off these infections.
The Spleen is responsible for our mental and thinking process of the mind and how we digest information. It serves as a central communicator while meditating.
The Spleen determines whether the body will be able to metabolize food, emotions, thoughts or energy.
Damaged Spleen can be removed, we can live without the Spleen. However without the Spleen you are prone to infections. The Spleen is one of the most important organs functioning within our body.
Enlargement of the Spleen
A number of bacterial infections, parasites, viruses and diseases (liver, inflammatory diseases) may cause an enlarged Spleen. As the Spleen grows larger, it filters normal red blood cells as well as abnormal ones, reducing the number of healthy cells in the bloodstream. There is an increase of white blood cells that are trying to attack something threatening. Excess of blood cells and platelets can clog the Spleen and unbalance its function.
Symptoms can manifest as a pain in the left upper abdomen, anemia, chronic fatigue, infections, easy bleeding or bruising, unexplained weight loss and more.
It is very important to visit your doctor and have regular check ups for prevention. When the Liver is unbalanced, the Spleen can get easily overworked.
Symptoms of unhealthy Spleen:
The Spleen doesn't like damp environment. Eating cold and raw foods can cause Spleen dampness. Excess damp or cold can disturb the Spleen's energy.
Symptoms of the Spleen dampness are : weakness, fatigue, dizziness, tired eyes, pale face, tongue and lips, poor appetite, chronic sinus congestion, bloating and gas, obesity
The foods that can harm the Spleen are damp foods like dairy or cold foods (taken immediately from the fridge to eat), too salty foods or raw foods, sweets, refined vegetable oils, processed food that contain toxins, gluten, soy
Irregular eating patterns, eating in a hurry, skipping meals, poor diet can contribute for having an unhappy Spleen.
Foods to strengthen the Spleen:
antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, root vegetables, beef, dates, coconut , sweet potatoes, brown rice, kidney beans.....
"COOKED AND WARM" is the code how to make the Spleen happy. Warm oatmeal for breakfast, ginger or carrot soups for lunches or dinners are the best options!
Cooking with cumin, ginger, turmeric, black pepper, garlic, lightly cooked vegetables, sesame, pumpkin seeds and don't forget to drink lot of water!
The Spleen gives us protection, confidence and security. A man with a healthy Spleen is very content, relaxed, has an ability to focus, is not confused, seeks pleasure and joy and is not worried about things all the time.
Worry, over-thinking, pensiveness are signs of weakened Spleen. Do you think about a problem too much, too long? Are you an empath - you think too much of others more than yourself? Do you worry constantly - that endless loop of repetitive thoughts? Can you easily digest your food, your thoughts, your reality? Or are you living in constant fear- fear to fail, fear of lack......
Stop chewing and chewing on the same piece of information over and over without being able to swallow, digest and let go!!
Meditate, calm down, read a book, have a massage, exercise regularly, limit your time on your phone, computer etc., go in the nature and trust the process of your life!
In the next article we will talk about the Pancreas.
