Reference; https://mbp-japan.com/jijico/articles/32475/
Modified and translated by CFJA
How Can You Strengthen the Function of the Pi-Zang (Spleen System)?
In Traditional East Asian Medicine, the functions of the Zang-Fu organ systems can be understood through both annual and daily cycles.
On a yearly cycle, the Pi-Zang (Spleen System) is believed to be most active during the Doyo periods, which are the 18 days preceding the beginning of each season—spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
According to Traditional East Asian Medicine:
- Spring is associated with the Liver System (Gan-Zang).
- Summer is associated with the Heart System (Xin-Zang).
- Autumn is associated with the Lung System (Fei-Zang).
- Winter is associated with the Kidney System (Shen-Zang).
- The seasonal transition periods (Doyo) are associated with the Spleen System (Pi-Zang).
On a daily cycle, the Pi-Zang is thought to be most active after meals. Individuals who feel tired, sluggish, or mentally foggy after eating may have a weakened Pi-Zang function. These symptoms often appear one to two hours after meals and may occur after breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
As a result, people with a weak Pi-Zang often unconsciously reduce the number of meals they eat or develop a habit of eating very small portions in an attempt to avoid these uncomfortable symptoms.
Those who do not exercise regularly may develop a thin body type with reduced muscle mass in the arms and legs. A weakened Pi-Zang is also commonly associated with reduced stomach function, making individuals more prone to symptoms such as:
- Stomach pain
- A feeling of heaviness after eating
- Frequent belching
- Poor digestion
Because of these tendencies, many people may consider themselves to have a naturally weak constitution.
Nine Habits to Strengthen the Pi-Zang and Support a Healthy Menstrual Cycle
The most important principle for strengthening the Pi-Zang is maintaining a regular daily routine. We recommend the following habits:
- Eat three meals at consistent times each day and avoid eating after 8:00 p.m.
- Chew each bite of food 10–30 times before swallowing.
- Avoid cold foods and beverages except during the hottest months of the year (from early summer until around the Autumn Equinox).
- Maintain a regular sleep schedule, ideally from about 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
- Aim for 7.5–8 hours of sleep each night.
- Bathe at approximately the same time each day, ideally between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
- Limit total bathing time to about 30 minutes.
- Soak in the bathtub for approximately 3–5 minutes.
- Keep bathwater temperature between 38°C and 40°C (100–104°F).
These recommendations may seem very specific, but if practiced consistently for six months, we believe that large fluctuations in menstrual cycle length become less common. Many individuals may also experience a reduction in menstrual pain and premenstrual symptoms (PMS).
There is no shortcut to achieving good health. Consistent daily habits and steady effort often produce meaningful results over time. If you are seeking to improve irregular menstrual cycles naturally, we encourage you to incorporate these practices into your daily life.
At The Centre for Japanese Acupuncture, we have observed that acupuncture and moxibustion, combined with healthy lifestyle habits, can help support the body’s natural rhythms and promote overall reproductive health.