Question
I have recently noticed that my child often has slightly open eyes during sleep. Online information suggests that this might be a sign of spleen and stomach function imbalance. How should one regulate this condition?
Answer
Spleen and stomach function imbalance is commonly seen in clinical settings, presenting symptoms such as reduced appetite and abdominal bloating after meals. It involves diseases such as chronic gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers, and chronic hepatitis. The spleen and stomach have distinct functions in digestion and absorption. The stomach is responsible for receiving food, while the spleen is in charge of transforming it; stomach Qi promotes downward movement, allowing food and waste to descend, while spleen Qi promotes upward movement, distributing the essence of food to nourish the body. The stomach prefers moisture and dislikes dryness, while the spleen prefers dryness and dislikes dampness. This interplay between receiving and transforming, rising and descending, moistening and drying, complements each other to complete the digestion and absorption of food, nourishing the entire body. Hence, the spleen and stomach are referred to as the “roots of postnatal essence.” Regulating spleen and stomach function imbalance should be tailored to specific symptoms. It is recommended to consult a professional physician for appropriate dietary adjustments, medication treatment, or traditional Chinese medicine regulation.