DiscoverStudy Acupuncture with MeWhy Am I Always Tired? The Spleen’s Role in Fatigue—TCM perspective
Why Am I Always Tired? The Spleen’s Role in Fatigue—TCM perspective

Why Am I Always Tired? The Spleen’s Role in Fatigue—TCM perspective

Update: 2025-11-08
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Hey there, future acupuncturists! I’m so glad you’re joining me for another episode of Study Acupuncture With Me. Think of this podcast as your safe, supportive study spot—where we take complex TCM concepts and break them down in the friendliest way possible.

Today, we’re diving deep into one of the most common things you’ll see in clinic and on your board exams: fatigue and digestive issues—specifically how they’re linked to the spleen in Traditional Chinese Medicine. I’ll walk you through everything from spleen physiology, western vs. TCM perspectives, classic signs and symptoms, emotional links, lifestyle causes, tongue and pulse diagnosis, to practical treatment principles and point recommendations. By the end of this episode, you’ll feel so much more confident recognizing and treating spleen-related patterns both in your studies and with patients.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:

  • [00:00:00 ] Welcome and purpose of the podcast—why we make complicated TCM topics easy

  • [00:00:28 ] What’s behind fatigue and digestive issues in TCM?

  • [00:00:48 ] Spleen’s role in TCM vs. western medicine

  • [00:01:33 ] How the spleen transforms food into Qi and blood

  • [00:01:58 ] Classic signs and symptoms of spleen deficiency (fatigue, bloating, loose stools, heavy limbs)

  • [00:02:41 ] How the spleen “holds things in place” and signs like prolapse

  • [00:03:23 ] Emotional symptoms—worry, overthinking, and their effect on the spleen

  • [00:04:24 ] The lifestyle factors that lead to spleen deficiency

  • [00:05:20 ] Tongue and pulse diagnosis for spleen Qi deficiency and dampness

  • [00:06:40 ] Main acupuncture points and treatment strategies for the spleen

  • [00:07:27 ] Recap—your spleen as your body’s energy generator!

If this episode helped clarify spleen patterns or made TCM feel a bit more manageable, let me know! Drop a comment on my socials, subscribe to Study Acupuncture With Me on your favorite podcast app, and don’t forget to visit www.studyacuwithme.com/quickwin. You can join my email list for exclusive weekly tips and practice questions delivered right to your inbox.

Stay motivated, keep studying, and I’m always cheering you on!

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Why Am I Always Tired? The Spleen’s Role in Fatigue—TCM perspective

Why Am I Always Tired? The Spleen’s Role in Fatigue—TCM perspective

Dr. Richard Lai DPT L.Ac