TCM Diagnosis: Spleen Qi Deficiency + Qi-Lifting

On this page, you will learn:

• What your diagnosis means from the perspective of TCM and Western medicine
• Where your symptoms come from and how they are connected
• Which specific treatment methods can help you now
• How to use TCM herbs, acupressure, qigong, and nutrition to strengthen your spleen qi, lift sinking qi, and stabilize your center

The good news: With the right approach, this combination of symptoms can be effectively treated. By following a nourishing diet, practicing targeted acupressure, performing energizing qigong exercises, and using time-tested TCM herbs, you can strengthen your core and restore your body’s vitality.

Take your time, Get to know the different treatment approaches—you don't have to implement everything at once. Choose what feels right for you and what you can easily integrate into your everyday life.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the spleen (Pí) is far more than just the small organ described in Western anatomy. It is the center of digestion, the „center“ of the body, and the source of all postnatal Qi. The spleen transforms food into vital essence and transports these nutrients to all organs and tissues.

One of the spleen's four main functions is to lifting function: It allows the „clear yang“ to rise upward and keeps the internal organs in their proper places. In TCM, it is said: „The spleen governs the rising of the clear.“ As long as this force is strong, the body is supported, the organs remain in their proper places, and we feel upright and stable.

This diagnosis indicates not only a simple spleen-qi deficiency—the spleen’s lifting function is also impaired. The middle-qi sinks, a condition that TCM Zhongqi Xian (Sinking of the Central Qi). Instead of being lifted upward, everything pulls downward.

The consequence of this sinking Qi: A pulling, heavy sensation develops in the lower abdomen, often accompanied by a feeling of heaviness or sagging in the lower abdomen or pelvis. In severe cases, this can lead to organ prolapse, hemorrhoids, chronic diarrhea, or frequent urination. These symptoms are accompanied by the classic signs of Qi deficiency: profound fatigue, shortness of breath, a soft voice, and a lack of energy.

The typical signs of spleen qi deficiency with sinking qi:

• Severe fatigue and exhaustion, often accompanied by shortness of breath
• A pulling, heavy, or sinking sensation in the lower abdomen or pelvis
• Predisposition to organ prolapse (stomach, uterus, rectum)
• Hemorrhoids and chronic, loose stools
• Frequent urge to urinate or mild incontinence
• Gas, bloating, and loss of appetite
• Pale complexion, soft voice, not very talkative
• Excessive brooding and worrying

The good news: With the right measures, spleen qi can be strengthened very effectively—and with the appropriate herbs and acupuncture points, sinking qi can also be raised again. A warm, easily digestible diet, lifting exercises, and the classic formula Bǔ Zhōng Yì Qì Tāng will restore your core’s supporting strength.

From a Western perspective, this pattern combines two aspects: weakened digestive and energy functions, and a decline in the body’s ability to maintain posture and provide support. The body cannot optimally utilize food, and at the same time, the connective tissue lacks the elasticity needed to keep the organs securely in place.

Imagine your body as a well-pitched tent: as long as the poles and ropes are taut, everything stands upright. If the tension slackens, the fabric begins to sag. This is exactly what TCM describes as „sinking Qi“—the supporting, uplifting force is missing, and everything pulls downward.

Western equivalents are primarily found in conditions involving prolapse and chronic fatigue: gastric prolapse (gastroptosis), uterine or pelvic floor prolapse, hemorrhoids, chronic diarrhea, or weak pelvic floor muscles. This is often accompanied by low blood pressure with dizziness upon standing and pronounced general weakness.

What does modern medicine show?

• Gastroptosis: Prolapse of the stomach accompanied by a feeling of fullness and indigestion
• Pelvic floor and organ prolapse: decreased supportive strength of the connective tissue
• Hemorrhoids: Weakness of the supporting vascular and connective tissue
• Chronic diarrhea: impaired absorption and bowel function
• Orthostatic dysregulation: low blood pressure, dizziness upon standing
• Chronic Fatigue: Lack of Energy Due to Poor Nutrient Absorption

Modern research confirms: The TCM formula Bǔ Zhōng Yì Qì Tāng is currently the subject of intensive scientific research—studies have reported positive effects in cases of exhaustion, poor intestinal motility, and even mild organ prolapse. Herbs such as Huáng Qí (Astragalus) and Rén Shēn (Ginseng) exhibit energizing and tissue-strengthening properties.

This is exactly where TCM treatment comes in: it strengthens digestive function, systematically restores energy, and gently lifts the depleted Qi—so that your body can regain its stability and vitality.

A spleen qi deficiency with sinking qi is very treatable! TCM offers a variety of effective methods to strengthen your spleen qi and lift the sinking qi. You don’t have to do everything at once—just choose the methods that work best for you and your daily routine.

Here you’ll find specific treatment approaches that have been proven effective in TCM over thousands of years and that you can largely apply on your own. In cases of severe organ prolapse, it’s also recommended to seek guidance from a TCM therapist or doctor.

TCM herbs are the basis every classic TCM treatment. The carefully compiled mixtures have a synergistic effect — this means that the individual herbs reinforce each other's effects and balance out any possible side effects.

What modern medicine is only just discovering—the power of plant substances—has been used successfully by TCM for over 2,500 years.

Diese Diagnose verbindet einen Milz–Qi Mangel mit einer Senkungstendenz. K10 „Starke Mitte“ ist die Basis; je nachdem, welche Begleiterscheinung bei dir im Vordergrund steht, passt eine dieser drei Mischungen.

Erschöpfung, schwache Verdauung und ein Gefühl innerer Leere — das Fundament, auf dem die anderen aufbauen.

Völlegefühl, viel Schleim, weicher Stuhl und ein klebriges, schweres Gefühl.

A pulling sensation or heaviness in the lower abdomen, organ prolapse (stomach, uterus, rectum), hemorrhoids, mild incontinence, or spotting—the Qi is no longer „holding“ things in place.

Why is BS+ used for spleen-Qi deficiency with sinking Qi?

In TCM, the spleen is the central organ responsible for the transformation and transportation of food—it converts what we eat into usable qi and blood, and it lifts the clear yang upward. In cases of spleen-Qi deficiency with sinking Qi, it is precisely this force that is depleted: food is no longer fully broken down, turbid dampness accumulates, and digestion becomes sluggish—often accompanied by loose, chronic diarrhea.

BS+ delivers 11 prebiotic fibers and thus specifically supports the development of a diverse gut flora. A well-nourished gut flora relieves the spleen of its transformative work, can regulate stool consistency, and strengthens the center from within—a strong center is the foundation for ensuring that qi is carried upward rather than sinking downward.

Particularly important when Qi is deficient:

• Supports the spleen's transformative power and helps improve the digestion of food
• Regulates bowel movements and can improve stool consistency in cases of chronic loose stools
• Nourishes the center as the foundation for the lifting power of spleen qi

Acupressure is acupuncture without needles. — You can do this yourself at any time. By applying gentle pressure to specific points, you activate the flow of energy in the meridians and strengthen your spleen qi.

These three points form a powerful combination—they strengthen the spleen qi while simultaneously lifting the sinking middle qi. The lifting effect is particularly crucial when Yang Qi is sinking — Patient care strengthens the core and systematically restores the flow of qi.

Qi Gong is moving meditation — Gentle, flowing exercises that harmonize your energy flow and strengthen your spleen qi. In cases of spleen Qi deficiency with sinking middle Qi, these exercises are particularly helpful for activating digestive power, strengthening the center, and lifting the clear Yang back up. Upright, stretching movements carry the sinking Qi upward, where it belongs.

Regular practice of qigong (as little as 10–15 minutes a day) has been shown to have positive effects on digestion, energy production, and overall well-being.

These Qi Gong exercises All of these belong to the Earth element and are therefore perfectly attuned to the spleen. They strengthen the center, stimulate digestive power, and help the body better extract qi from food—and, above all, raise the sinking clear yang back up.

All of these exercises are particularly effective when practiced between 9 and 11 a.m.—this is the peak time for the spleen in the organ clock. During this time, the most energy flows through the spleen meridian, and the exercises have their full effect.

Meridian Yoga combines yoga with traditional Chinese medicine. The result is a holistic exercise concept for better health and more energy.

The following exercises specifically stretch and activate the Stomach Meridian, strengthen the center, and help lift the Qi—because the spleen and stomach are partner organs in the Earth element. When the central Qi sinks, activating the stomach meridian helps strengthen digestive power and carry the clear Yang back up. The Stomach Meridian runs along the front of the body and the legs—stretching and stimulating it strengthens the entire Earth element.

Both exercises activate the Stomach Meridian, which runs along the front of the body and the legs. Since the spleen and stomach form the center as a paired organ system, activating the stomach meridian directly supports weakened spleen qi, strengthens digestive power, and helps to lift the sinking qi back up.

Particularly effective: Hold each position for 3–5 breaths, consciously focusing on your abdomen. Imagine warm, golden light flowing through your core and gently lifting the clear yang energy upward.

„The spleen is the source of postnatal qi“ — This principle from the Huang Di Nei Jing illustrates why diet is the most important treatment method for spleen-Qi deficiency accompanied by a decline in central-Qi. This is because the spleen draws Qi directly from food—and only a strong central-Qi can lift the clear Yang back up.

Spleen Qi belongs to the element Earth and needs warm, nourishing, easily digestible food, to restore your strength. Your diet should therefore be warming and nourishing—anything that warms the center and replenishes qi gives your spleen the strength to lift the sinking yang qi back up.

What you eat, HOW you eat and WHEN What you eat—all of this determines whether your spleen is strengthened and your qi boosted, or further weakened.

Start with ONE step!
Don't change everything at once.

Our suggestion for getting started:

1. Introduce a hot breakfast (porridge or congee) — 2 weeks
2. Cut back on raw foods, cold drinks, and dairy products — 2 weeks
3. Eat a hearty broth or cooked vegetables for lunch — 2 weeks

Step by step, you'll notice how your digestion improves, your core strengthens, and you have more energy.

Your spleen will thank you!

Breathing is the bridge between body and mind. In TCM, we say: „The lungs govern qi“ — through conscious breathing, you can directly influence your energy flow, harmonize all organ systems, and activate your self-healing powers.

Studies show: Proper breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system (rest & regeneration), massages the internal organs from within, improves oxygen supply, and reduces stress hormones. The good news: Just 5–10 minutes a day can have a measurable effect on your overall well-being.

When your body is relaxed, all organ systems can function optimally. Chronic tension blocks your body's self-healing powers and keeps you in a state of constant stress. Through targeted relaxation techniques, you activate the parasympathetic nervous system and send your body the signal: „Now I can regenerate, heal, and build strength.“

Progressive muscle relaxation is one of the most researched relaxation methods and has been used successfully for over 100 years. It helps you to recognize tension, actively release it, and achieve a state of deep relaxation—whenever you want.

Meditation calms the mind — and a calm mind harmonizes the body. In TCM, we know that every emotion affects a specific organ. Through regular meditation, you learn to break out of destructive thought patterns, find emotional balance, and strengthen your inner core.

Modern studies confirm: Meditation has been proven to change brain structure, reduce stress hormones, strengthen the immune system, and improve self-healing powers. Just 10 minutes a day can change your life forever.

In addition to traditional TCM treatment methods There are many small daily habits that can strengthen your spleen qi and help lift your sinking middle qi. In this pattern, the spleen’s supporting and lifting power is weakened—with the right habits, you can strengthen your middle and help carry the qi back up.

Sufficient sleep

Your qi regenerates while you sleep:

• 7–8 hours of sleep per night is ideal
• The spleen needs regular rest—try to go to bed at the same time every night
• Go to bed before 11 p.m. — the best time for Qi regeneration
• Quality is more important than quantity — deep, undisturbed sleep nourishes the qi
• No heavy meals after 7 p.m. — the spleen needs to rest at night

Resting while lying down with your legs elevated

A short rest during the day helps support the sinking Qi:

• 10-20 minutes midday rest is ideal
• Put your feet up during breaks—this relieves the strain on your core
• Even short breaks spent lying down throughout the day help relieve the decline in qi
• Your spleen works overtime at lunchtime—give it a break afterward
• No longer than 30 minutes - otherwise your night's sleep will be disturbed

Avoid revision

Exhaustion directly weakens the spleen:

• Avoid long working hours—the spleen thrives on rhythm and regularity
• Plan regular breaks - every 90 minutes.
• Don't „push through“ when you're tired—tiredness is a warning sign from your spleen
• Learning to Say No — Setting Boundaries Protects Your Qi
• Plan sufficient vacation and relaxation

What Drains Your Qi — and What You Should Avoid

When central qi is low, certain activities place a strain on one’s ability to maintain balance:

• Avoid heavy lifting—it pulls the qi downward
• Avoid standing for long periods of time — if necessary, shift your weight frequently and take breaks
• Do not strain—neither when having a bowel movement nor during physical exertion
• Make sure your stools are soft and regular—a high-fiber, warm diet helps
• Take breaks from sitting for long periods — get up regularly and move around gently

Strengthen your grip and lifting power

Specific habits can help boost your qi:

• Resting with your legs elevated relieves pressure on and supports the core
• Gentle pelvic floor exercises strengthen your core from the inside out
• Activate your pelvic floor consciously and without straining — quality over effort
• Maintaining an upright posture while sitting and standing supports the upward flow of qi
• Let your abdomen relax as you breathe—avoid tense, forced breathing

Moxibustion and gentle rising

Heat lifts and supports the Yang Qi of the middle:

• Moxibustion at point Ma 36 (Zúsānlǐ) warms and boosts spleen qi
• Regular, gentle heat applied to the lower abdomen supports the central qi
• If you have low blood pressure or feel dizzy, get up slowly—first sit up, then stand
• After getting up, take a moment to pause before you start moving
• Always use moxibustion gently and at a safe distance from the skin

Hot breakfast

The spleen loves warmth—especially in the morning:

• A hot breakfast is the most important meal for the spleen
• Porridge, congee, or warm oatmeal with cinnamon and dates
• No cold cereal, no yogurt, no smoothie in the morning
• The spleen needs the most support in the morning between 7 and 9 a.m.
• A warm cup of ginger tea for breakfast helps warm you up even more

Eat regularly and mindfully

The spleen likes rhythm and calm:

• 3 meals at set times — don't skip meals
• Eat in peace—while sitting down, without rushing, and without multitasking
• Largest meal at lunchtime (when digestive power is at its strongest)
• Eat light and early in the evening (before 7 pm)
• Chew thoroughly - digestion begins in the mouth

Avoid cold drinks and raw foods

Cold extinguishes the digestive fire:

• Avoid cold drinks — even in the summer
• Raw food only as a side dish, not as a main meal
• Warm soups and stews are ideal for the spleen
• Prefer cooked food - it is easier to digest
• Avoid ice cubes, ice cream, and frozen drinks

Why Brooding Weakens the Spleen

In TCM, brooding is the emotion associated with the spleen:

• Excessive thinking and worrying directly deplete spleen qi
• Overthinking drains energy that the spleen needs for digestion
• People who worry a lot often have digestive problems too—the two are linked
• Students and people in intellectual professions are particularly vulnerable
• Constant planning and organizing can also put a strain on the spleen

Breaking the Cycle of Worry

Practical tips for stopping overthinking:

• Mind Break: When you find yourself overthinking, get up and move around
• Write down your worries—it clears your mind
• Solve problems instead of endlessly thinking about them
• Set aside time to worry—then consciously let it go
• Meditation and mindfulness help to calm the mind

What Strengthens the Spleen Emotionally

Positive habits for a strong core:

• Grounding: Spending time in nature — standing barefoot on the grass
• Creative activities without the pressure to perform — cooking, gardening, painting
• Fostering social connections — sharing a meal brings people together
• Gratitude exercises in the morning or evening
• Practicing self-compassion — being kind to yourself

The right intensity

When spleen qi is deficient, gentle, uplifting movement is important:

• Gentle, regular exercise is ideal—it builds you up rather than wearing you out
• Walks in the fresh air (20–30 minutes daily)
• Qi Gong and Tai Chi — moving and straightening up without getting exhausted
• Gentle yoga without overexertion or straining
• Exercise with good posture supports the upward flow of qi

What you should avoid

Exhausting stress depletes qi and pulls it downward:

• Intensive endurance sports (marathon, HIIT)
• Heavy lifting and strength training to the point of exhaustion
• Heavy sweating depletes bodily fluids and qi
• Sport for tiredness or weakness
• Exercising on an empty stomach — the spleen needs food as a foundation

Exercise after eating

A short walk is good for the spleen:

• 10-15 minutes of slow walking after eating
• Helps the spleen to transform food
• Do not lie down immediately after eating
• Even light housework after a meal is good

Keep your core warm

Heat supports the spleen's lifting function:

• Keep your core warm — wear a kidney warmer or undershirt
• Never let your stomach get cold—a hot water bottle on your stomach feels great
• Gentle warmth over the lower abdomen supports the central qi
• Avoid drafts and cold winds
• Dress warmly and stay dry in damp weather

Foot warmth

Warm feet keep the yang qi stable at the lower level:

• Warm foot baths in the evening (with ginger for extra warmth)
• Change out of wet socks and shoes immediately
• Wear warm socks or slippers indoors
• Never let your feet get cold on a cold floor
• Make sure your feet stay warm and dry, especially in winter

Avoid moisture in your diet

Diet can also put a strain on the spleen:

• Cut back on dairy products—they cause moisture
• Avoid sugar and sweets — they put additional strain on the spleen
• Cut back on white flour products
• Don't drink too much at once—it's better to take small sips throughout the day
• Avoid alcohol and greasy foods—they generate damp heat

Strengthening the spleen qi and lifting the sinking middle qi takes time and patience. Building up Qi is like tending a garden—it happens step by step with consistent care. Pay attention to your body’s signals: a feeling of heaviness or sinking in the lower abdomen, fatigue after eating, and waning strength when standing for long periods indicate that your center needs more support. With warm foods, gentle, uplifting movement, warming heat, and mindful conservation of your sustaining energy, you will feel your energy returning.

When to see a doctor? If you experience severe prolapse symptoms (e.g., organ prolapse), persistent pressure or a sensation of a foreign object, chronic diarrhea, significant weight loss, or persistent fatigue, you should see a doctor. Medical evaluation is also important if you have blood in your stool, unexplained fever, or severe abdominal pain. TCM and Western medicine complement each other perfectly in these cases.

TCM is not a quick fix for symptoms., but rather a holistic healing process. You’ll achieve the best results if you consistently incorporate the treatment into your daily routine and give your body time to regenerate. Raising depleted Qi, in particular, requires patience.

Start with ONE step

Don't try to change everything at once! That's overwhelming and leads to
usually leads to you giving up. Instead:

• Weeks 1–2: Introduce a hot breakfast and reduce your intake of raw foods
• Weeks 3–4: Apply acupressure to Ma 36 and LG 20 daily
• Week 5-6: Qi Gong „Connecting heaven and earth“ daily 10 min.
• Week 7-8: Supplement TCM herbal mixture
• From week 9: Add further methods as required

Realistic expectations

After 2–3 weeks: First improvements noticeable

• Better digestion and less bloating
• Less fatigue after eating
• A little more energy and stamina in the morning

After 6–8 weeks: Significant improvements

• Significantly more stable digestion
• Less heaviness and pulling sensation downward
• Greater endurance and resilience

After 3–6 months: Sustainable healing

• Spleen Qi noticeably strengthened and the Qi restored
• My body feels strong and upright
• Sustainable improvement in well-being

TCM vs. Western medicine

TCM and Western medicine are not mutually exclusive—they complement each other!

When Western medicine is important:

• In cases of severe organ prolapse that require further evaluation
• In cases of chronic diarrhea with blood or significant weight loss
• If serious illnesses are suspected
• For accurate diagnoses (examination, blood tests, and endoscopy if necessary)

Where TCM has its strengths:

• For functional digestive disorders and chronic fatigue
• For mild prolapse symptoms and a weak pelvic floor
• For prevention
• For the sustainable strengthening of the center and its uplifting power

Ideal: Combine both approaches! Have any significant drops in energy levels checked by a doctor, and use TCM to build up and strengthen your body’s natural healing abilities over the long term.

Important: Never stop taking prescribed medication without consulting your doctor first!
Talk to your doctor before starting TCM treatment.