This article aims to illustrate the function of the Spleen in Traditional Chinese Medicine
(TCM) in the context of modern medicine. TCM has been practiced since ancient
times in China for the prevention and/or treatment of diseases. Yet, the
complete understanding of its theoretical basis in relation to clinical
practice from the modern medicine perspective is still lacking. According to
TCM theory, the Spleen, as one of the
five Zang (i.e., visceral organs), plays an important role in various
physiological functions, including digestion and absorption of nutrients,
regulation of water retention and excretion, facilitation of blood perfusion to
skeletal muscle and on the optimal functioning of the immune system. Clinical
applications of herbal formulations for the treatment of Spleen dysfunction (i.e.,
Spleen deficiency—a decline in Spleen function) and their
pharmacological activities are described. The view point of TCM on how emotions
(or Qing Zhi) can influence the body
function is introduced. The relationship between anxiety and Spleen function has been analyzed by
reviewing relevant research studies in modern medicine. These findings suggest
that the cause/consequence relationship between anxiety and Spleen function may be bi-directional.
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