The use of essential oils based on Chinese medicine has proven to be an exceptional modality in gaining maximum results with clients. This ancient healing system naturally adopts the use of essential oils. This case study will give the reader an overview of how to work with the Spleen and Stomach (Earth Element).
TCM
Two of the major pathogenic factors in Chinese medicine are Damp and Cold. These influences cause stagnation of Qi. In short, when there is stagnant qi the energy does not flow properly and the body will experience signs and symptoms that mirror this. According to Chinese medicine a primary function of the Earth element (Spleen and Stomach) is to transform and transport postnatal qi. Our postnatal qi is associated with diet, which includes what we absorb from our environment.
TCM physiology states, that the Spleen ascends the pure postnatal qi and the stomach descends the impure. So, if the Qi is deficient the Spleen will not be able to do its proper job and this causes stagnation. A cardinal sign of Spleen Qi Deficiency and Stagnation is flatulence.
This was the case with one of the clients, a 35 year old woman. The below case study illustrates the healing protocols in dealing with flatulence as a symptom of Spleen Qi Deficiency accompanied by the secondary complaint of low libido. A client had the chief complaint of excessive flatulence that worsened with cold and damp weather.
Let’s understand it
Her flatulence was hard to control, and made her feel embarrassed when she was not home. The frequency could be high, as in 1 to 2 minutes per time for 10 minutes. It further complicated the condition when she drank black tea, green tea, coffee, iced tea – both hot and cold. To a great extent, the healing protocols were done within a TCM context. Ginger is carminative, which can help to prevent gas. It can also warm the body and improve the circulation.
The high ester content is beneficial to prevent gas. It is warming, so it can help improve circulation and bring the Qi upwards. It aids digestion and tones the body. I added Spike Lavender for the purpose of removing dampness from the lungs.
- Clary sage is a very calming oil which can calm the CNS. It helps to relieve the stress and anxiety of my client. Additionally, it can stimulate the immune system – which can bring the body back to normal.
- Lavender is a calming oil which can help ease the digestive tension (which could be a leading cause to the gas emission problem of the client).
- Ginger is a warming oil that assists in strengthening the Spleen and warms the Kidneys. Ginger is integral for two reasons, one is that the Spleen relies on the warming nature of the Kidneys to supply proper Qi. Secondarily, the Kidneys are associated with sexual desire. Low libido is a sign of Kidney Qi Deficiency.
Good to know
Therefore, when we look closer at this condition and put these symptoms together, the truer condition in terms of Chinese medicine is Kidney Qi and Spleen Qi Deficiency. Ginger being warming has a rising nature – meaning it will have the ability to support and raise the Spleen Qi. Lavender supports the function of Ginger because the directionality of Lavender is upwards. The cooling nature of Lavender will balance out the warming nature of Ginger. Cardamon, is a very aromatic essential oil and has the function to aromatically open the Middle Jiao (the Spleen and the Stomach). Because of Cardamons opening ability it will assist in alleviating stagnation.
I asked her to apply the mixture to her abdomen, chest, her entire back, and back of the neck. I suggested that she apply the mixture to the chest, the upper back, and the posterior aspect of the neck and shoulders. Thus, the condition improved. Although within the first 15 minutes, she was still experiencing flatulence the frequency had reduced. With this method, she only needed to reapply the mixture every 3 hours; which was a great relief.
According to Chan (2015) (2), the warming oil of Ginger, and the uplifting and revitalizing oil of Frankincense frereana were combined to make the blend, for the purpose of warming the cold inside the body, and regulating the Qi. I used the formulation above to make a salve (butter). To apply, I advised her to use a Q-tip to dip some butter and applied to the perineum. The intention behind applying it to the perineum was twofold. One was to further assist in stimulating proper digestion and the other was to begin to work on increasing her libido.
Final note
The warming nature in Ginger is key to increase libido in both women and men. This proved to be very effective. After she applied this method once, all the symptoms were gone. To ensure full eradication of the symptoms I asked her to apply it 3 more days. She later told me that this blend assisted in her enjoying her sexual life again! Although the symptoms of flatulence was alleviated and sexual arousal increased symptoms of constipation developed. The body is always trying to attempt to create balance. One of the functions of the Qi is to hold, it is possible that the warming nature of Ginger and its ability to warm the Yang was a cause of this.
No problem, let’s see how we can alleviate this and assist the system in truly balancing out. Cardamom is primarily here to continue in supporting the Spleen and Stomach. Frankincense frereana is revitalizing; Clary Sage is added as an anti – spasmodic to alleviate constipation while continue to support her libido. Ylang Ylang, known as the “flower of flowers” is a very cooling oil that is well known for its ability to increase libido and sexual desire. I asked her to apply the blend to the abdomen and lower back. This protocol work amazingly well and she had no more complaint afterwards. A quick note on blending, there are many oils that are known to treat constipation. However, it is pertinent to look at all the symptoms.
By looking broadly at my client, I came up with the specifics of blending the Clary Sage and Ylang Ylang. There are many oils that can treat constipation. Yet, Clary Sage was the correct choice as this oil will assist in alleviating constipation and support her libido. In healing, we need to look at the whole picture and understand that constipation was the client’s progression towards healing. One symptom was alleviated then another one came in place. One of the great benefits of holistic aromatherapy and Chinese medicine is that we look at the whole person and treat more than the symptoms. 1 Gian, M. (2015). Essential oils pda webinars. 2. Chan, F. (2015). When ginger does not help.
