Covid-19 and Stomach and Spleen

Hello everyone! I'm Dr. Lott from Acupuncture is my Life. In this writing, I'd like to briefly discuss the effects of the coronavirus on the stomach as well as include the spleen when discussing the effects from a Chinese medicine perspective. The functions of the spleen from a western medicine perspective greatly differs from that of its functions in Chinese medicine. So for those who have not seen my episode on the basic functions of the stomach, and the basic functions of the spleen, I suggest you watch my video on the basic functions of the stomach, as well as the basic functions of the spleen in Chinese medicine so that you may have a more thorough understanding of the functions of the stomach and spleen from a Chinese medicine perspective to not get lost in this discussion.

Scientists have noticed that many patients who come in with symptoms of COVID-19 also indicate that they're experiencing loose stools, and nausea, as presenting symptoms as well, although fever, cough, and sore throat are the main focus of diagnosis. A small percentage of patients would even express abdominal discomfort, along with some vomiting. Further tests have been done on stool samples to find that COVID-19 was found in the stool. The amazing connection to this would be that they would find viral RNA in stool samples long after the patient tested negative in their saliva test. Now some are aware, and some are not that the larger part of our immune system thrives is the gut. When an imbalance is established in the gut area we tend to experience symptoms such as nausea, loose stools, abdominal discomfort, vomiting, etc. Therefore, it is important for us to try to maintain a healthy diet to fortify the body with the appropriate amount of ammunition to fight off disease.

Now in Chinese medicine, our core where our postnatal qi is derived from is the spleen and stomach.The balance of their relationship is of extreme importance if we are to live a long and healthy life. Remember, the functions of the stomach in Chinese medicine controls the rotting and ripening of food, it controls the transportation of food essences, the descending of qi and is the origin of fluids. Think about the importance of the stomach when you hear of symptoms such as vomiting, and loose stools relative to the coronavirus. Now when it comes to the spleen...its functions in Chinese medicine are that it governs transformation and transportation, the ascending of qi, it also controls the blood, the muscles, and the four limbs. Think about the importance of the spleen from a Chinese medical perspective when you hear of symptoms such as blood clotting, weakness, and muscle aches, and loose stools when it comes to the coronavirus. It has become understood that your chances of dying as a result of this virus are increased if you have a pre-existing condition.

For more information on the acupuncture points that I used to strengthen qi and to help treat covid-19 symptoms: