Many people, troubled by dampness, have taken a lot of dampness-removing medicines and know they need to look after their spleen. Yet, the dampness in their bodies just won't decrease. What's really going on?

Actually, the dampness inside our bodies is quite closely related to the spleen. If the spleen is deficient, its ability to transport and transform fluids weakens. Fluids accumulate more and more in the body, gradually turning into dampness. This dampness obstructs the middle burner, which in turn further weakens the spleen and stomach.

Moreover, in traditional Chinese medicine, the liver and spleen have a close relationship, with liver wood restricting spleen earth. There is also a saying: "When you see liver disease, you know it will transmit to the spleen." Therefore, if the liver has problems, it can easily affect the spleen as well.

First, let's talk about the condition of liver qi stagnation. Since the liver has a restricting effect on the spleen, if liver qi is blocked and not flowing smoothly, it will in turn affect the spleen and stomach. In such cases, a person may experience distending pain in both flanks, loss of appetite, poor digestion, irritability, diarrhea, and women may also experience irregular menstruation. For regulating this condition, consider trying Xiaoyao Wan combined with Shenling Baizhu San. This approach can help nourish the spleen and stomach, dispel dampness, and simultaneously soothe and regulate liver qi.

Next is the condition of excessive liver fire. Traditional Chinese medicine holds that the liver is a resilient organ that is particularly prone to heat. When this heat flares up, it can affect the spleen, stomach, and gallbladder meridian. People may experience loss of appetite, poor digestion, irritability, dry and bitter mouth, flank pain, and occasional belching and acid reflux. More troublingly, when liver fire combines with dampness, it becomes damp-heat, which is even more difficult to resolve. In such cases, consider using Liu Junzi Wan combined with Longdan Xiegan Wan for regulation.

If you are also troubled by dampness, it might be helpful to consider whether your liver is experiencing minor issues. When addressing dampness, resolving liver-related problems can make the process more effective. The content of this article is intended for educational purposes only. If medication is needed, it is essential to seek guidance from a professional TCM practitioner. Do not self-medicate to avoid complications.