Spleen Qi Deficiency: What It Is and How to Fix It with Food

Have you ever felt really tired, had a bloated belly after eating, or feeling really tired before &/or during your period? These might be signs that your Spleen Qi/ energy is weak!

But wait—what is Spleen Qi/ energy? Let’s break it down.

What Is Spleen Qi?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), “Qi” (pronounced “chee”) is the energy that keeps your body running. Your spleen (a special organ in your belly) is super important for making energy from the food you eat. When your Spleen Qi is strong, you feel energized, your digestion works well, and you can think clearly.

When your Spleen Qi is weak (deficient), you might:
✅ Feel tired all the time
✅ Have a bloated stomach after eating
✅ Feel cold or have weak muscles
✅ Have sweet food cravings
✅ Worry a lot or feel foggy-headed

Sounds familiar? Don’t worry! The good news is that you can fix your Spleen Qi with food.

Best Foods for a Strong Spleen Qi

Your spleen loves warm, easy-to-digest foods. Avoid cold, raw, and greasy foods, which make your spleen work too hard. Here’s what to eat:

🍠 Best Spleen Qi-Boosting Foods

🥔 Sweet potatoes & yams
🍚 Brown rice & oatmeal
🥕 Carrots & pumpkin
🍎 Apples & pears (best when cooked)
🌰 Walnuts & almonds
🍳 Eggs & chicken
🫘 Lentils & chickpeas
🍵 Warm herbal teas like ginger or chamomile

Avoid too much ice cream, cold smoothies, raw veggies, and sugary snacks, as they can weaken your Spleen Qi.

A Perfect Spleen Qi-Boosting Breakfast

Try this Warm Oatmeal with Nuts & Berries to start your day right!

🥣 Recipe: Spleen Qi Oatmeal

Ingredients:

• ½ cup oats
• 1 cup warm water or almond milk
• 1 tbsp walnuts (chopped)
• ½ apple (chopped and cooked)
• 1 tsp cinnamon (for warmth)
• 1 tsp honey (for sweetness)

How to Make It:
1️⃣ Cook the oats in warm water or almond milk.
2️⃣ Add the chopped apple and let it soften.
3️⃣ Sprinkle with walnuts and cinnamon.
4️⃣ Drizzle honey on top and enjoy warm!

This nourishes your spleen, gives you lasting energy, and keeps your belly happy!

Taking care of your Spleen Qi is simple—just eat warm, nourishing foods and avoid cold or heavy meals. When your Spleen Qi is strong, you’ll feel more energized, clear-headed, and happy!

Liver Qi Stagnation: What It Is and How to Fix It with Food

Ever feel super frustrated, grumpy, or stuck in a bad mood – especially right before your period? Or maybe you get headaches, feel bloated, or feeling more cranky? It might be because your Liver Qi is stuck!

But what is Liver Qi? Let’s break it down.

What Is Liver Qi?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), “Qi” (pronounced chee) is the energy that moves through your body. Your liver is like a traffic controller, making sure Qi flows smoothly. When it gets blocked or stuck, it’s called Liver Qi Stagnation—kind of like a traffic jam in your body!

Signs of Liver Qi Stagnation

🚦 Feeling stressed or easily annoyed
🚦 Having headaches or a tight jaw
🚦 Feeling bloated, especially after eating
🚦 Getting stomachaches when you’re upset
🚦 Having tight shoulders or a stiff neck
🚦 Feeling tired but unable to relax

Sound familiar? Don’t worry—there’s a way to get things flowing again!

Best Foods for Liver Qi Flow

Your liver loves fresh, light, and slightly sour foods that help Qi move.

🍋 Best Liver Qi-Boosting Foods

🥬 Leafy greens (spinach, kale, bok choy)
🍋 Citrus fruits (lemon, lime, oranges)
🍏 Apples & pears
🥦 Broccoli & cauliflower
🍵 Green tea & peppermint tea
🥑 Avocados & walnuts
🌶️ Spices like ginger & turmeric
🐟 Salmon & lean proteins

🛑 Avoid too much fried foods, dairy, processed snacks, and sugar—they can clog up your Liver Qi!

A Perfect Liver Qi-Boosting Meal

Try this Zesty Lemon-Ginger Stir-Fry to help your Liver Qi flow!

🥦 Recipe: Liver Qi Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chopped broccoli
• 1 small carrot (sliced)
• ½ cup mushrooms (sliced)
• 1 tsp fresh ginger (grated)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ lemon (juice)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos
• ½ cup cooked brown rice

How to Make It:
1️⃣ Heat the olive oil in a pan. Add the ginger and stir for 30 seconds.
2️⃣ Add the broccoli, carrots, and mushrooms. Stir-fry for 5 minutes.
3️⃣ Squeeze in the lemon juice and add the soy sauce. Stir well.
4️⃣ Serve over warm brown rice and enjoy!

This dish helps move stuck Qi, boosts digestion, and lifts your mood!

To keep your Liver Qi happy, eat fresh, light foods, stay active, and try deep breathing when you feel stressed. When your Liver Qi flows freely, you’ll feel calmer, happier, and full of energy!