The Relationship of the Spleen to other Organs
1) Controlling the Muscles and Limbs
Chapter 44 in the Plain Questions states. "The spleen controls the muscles of the body. " This phrase indicates that the spleen insures the normal functioning of the muscles. This ability is a direct consequence of the domination of the spleen in transportation and transformation. The muscles of the body depend on the nourishment of essential substances derived from drink and food which are provided by the spleen through transportation and transformation. This ensures adequate energy for muscular movement. When the spleen functions normally, the muscles are well developed, thick, and strong. If the function is impeded, the muscles lack nourishment, are thin and weak, even to the extent of atony and paralysis. In clinical practice, syndromes of emaciation due to certain chronic diseases, particularly of the digestive system, can be treated through the principle of "invigorating the spleen to benefit qi", in accordance with the theory of "the spleen dominates the muscles. " Remarkable therapeutic results often result.
The limbs are the extremities of the body, and are opposite to the trunk. They are named the "four extremities. " They too must be nourished with the essential substances in drink and food transported by the spleen-qi. The movement of the extremities is closely related to the strong or weak state of the muscles. Therefore, if spleen-qi functions well, the four extremities are rich in nutrition, the muscles full, and move strongly and powerfully. In contrast, if spleen-qi functions poorly, it will result in a lack of nutrients,manifesting lassitude, weakness or even atrophy.
2£©. Opening into the Mouth, and Manifestation on the Lips
The mouth is the uppermost extremity of the digestive system. The phrase, " open-
ing into the mouth, having outward manifestation on the lips," implies that the state of diets and appetite are related to the physiological function of the spleen. If spleen-qi is normal in both transportation and transformation, there will be a hearty appetite and good taste. Thus, Chapter 17 in the Spirit Pivot states: "Spleen-qi passes through to the mouth, if the spleen is functioning harmoniously, then the mouth can feel the five kinds of flavor. " Conversely, if the spleen-qi is abnormal, it may result in an impairment of appetite and the presence of an abnormal taste in the mouth. Such symptoms of lack of appetite, tastelessness, etc. may occur. If dampness encumbers spleen-qi, there may be a sticky, sweetish sensation in the mouth.
Since the spleen dominates the muscles, and is the source of growth and development of qi and blood, it is related to the lips, which are components of the muscles. As a result of this connection, the color of lips not only reflect the state of the qi and blood of the whole body, but also relate to the function of the spleen in the role of transportation and transformation. When functioning well, and producing sufficient qi and blood, there will be ruddy and lustrous lips. Malfunctioning of the spleen results in insufficiency of qi and blood, producing pale or lusterless, yellow lips.
