Feeling a "Bearing-Down" Sensation? Understanding Spleen Qi Sinking.

What is "Spleen Qi Sinking"?

As we may have discussed, the Spleen system is your body's "engine room," responsible for creating the vital energy (Qi) you need to thrive. But the Spleen has another crucial job: it is responsible for holding things up.

Think of your Spleen Qi as a strong, supportive force that provides an upward "lift" in your body, keeping all your internal organs securely in their proper place.

"Spleen Qi Sinking" is what happens when Spleen Qi becomes so weak that it can no longer perform this vital lifting function. It's a progression from simple Spleen Qi Deficiency. The supportive energy has become so depleted that it begins to "sag" or "sink."

This loss of "lift" is why the key symptoms of this pattern involve a bearing-down sensation or the actual prolapse of organs.

You will likely experience the general symptoms of Spleen Qi Deficiency (fatigue, bloating, poor appetite, loose stools) PLUS the specific signs of sinking:

  • A "Bearing-Down" Sensation: A feeling of heaviness or dragging in your lower abdomen.
  • Prolapse: This is the hallmark of the pattern. It can manifest as:
    • Prolapse of the uterus, bladder, or rectum.
    • Hemorrhoids.
    • Varicose veins.
  • Chronic Diarrhea: This is also seen as a form of sinking, as the Spleen is too weak to hold the contents of the bowels.
  • Mental Exhaustion: A feeling of being unable to lift your head, mental lethargy, and a desire to lie down all the time.

This pattern is often the result of long-term Spleen Qi Deficiency combined with factors like chronic overwork (especially standing for long hours), multiple childbirths, or chronic diarrhea.

Your acupressure treatment was designed with a strong "lifting" intention, to reinforce your Spleen's supportive function and reverse the downward trend.

Lifestyle Advice: Reinforce and Lift

Your strategy must focus on strengthening the Spleen and avoiding anything that further drains or pulls its energy downwards.

1. A Strengthening Diet is Essential:
Follow all the advice for Spleen Qi Deficiency.

  • Eat WARM, COOKED foods. Soups, stews, and porridges are your best friends.
  • AVOID cold, raw, and damp-creating foods (dairy, sugar, greasy foods).
  • Eat small, regular meals to avoid overburdening your digestive system.

2. You MUST Rest & Avoid Over-Exertion:
This is non-negotiable for allowing your Spleen Qi to recover its strength.

  • Avoid Heavy Lifting: This directly counteracts the Spleen's lifting function.
  • Limit Excessive Standing: If your job requires long hours on your feet, take regular breaks to sit or lie down.
  • Lie Down: Taking short rests and lying down during the day (even for 15 minutes) can be incredibly restorative. Elevating your legs can also be helpful.
  • Moderate Exercise: Gentle walking is good, but avoid high-impact activities or exercises that create a strong downward pressure (like heavy squats).

3. Acupressure at Home:
These points are famous for their ability to lift sinking Qi.

  • Governing Vessel 20 (Baihui - "Hundred Meetings"): The highest point on the body, with a powerful lifting effect on the body's Qi.
    • Location: At the very top of your head, on the midline. Imagine a line going up from the apex of each ear; where they meet in the middle is the spot.
    • How to: Apply gentle but firm pressure for 1-2 minutes. You can also tap the area lightly with your fingertips.
  • Stomach 36 (Zusanli): The master point for building the Qi that is needed to perform the lifting function.
    • Location: On the outside of your lower leg, four of your own finger-widths down from the bottom of your kneecap, and one finger-width out from the crest of your shin bone.
  • Conception Vessel 6 (Qihai - "Sea of Qi"): A key point for consolidating Qi in the lower abdomen.
    • Location: On the midline of your lower abdomen, two of your own finger-widths directly below your navel.

Restoring the Spleen's lifting function takes time and a deep commitment to rest. By nourishing your body and removing strain, you give your Spleen the chance it needs to rebuild its strength and restore its vital upward lift.