By Stephanie Ray, ND, BCN
Naturopath, Chinese Herbalist, and mom
Do you (or your kids) crave sweets even when you’re not truly hungry? In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), sugar cravings aren’t just about willpower — for children, teens, and adults alike, they’re signs that the body is asking for balance.
When your Spleen or Liver Energy ( also known as Qi, pronounced “chee”) becomes weak or stagnant, digestion, detoxification, and emotional balance all begin to suffer. The good news? Your body knows how to find balance — it just needs the right kind of support.
1. Eat for Your Spleen and Reduce Sugar Cravings
Most people eat too many refined carbohydrates — bread, pasta, rice, and cereal — and not enough protein or healthy fats. This imbalance stresses the Spleen and leads to sluggish digestion and low energy.
Focus on foods that are warming, grounding, and easy to digest:
Proteins: chicken, turkey, fish, eggs, tofu, tempeh, beans, lentils
Healthy fats: avocado, olives, olive oil, grass-fed butter, nuts, and seeds
Complex carbs: sweet potatoes, squash, and cooked whole grains
Warm, nourishing stews and TCM-inspired soups gently strengthen digestion, enhance nutrient absorption, and restore Spleen Qi balance — helping to naturally curb sugar cravings..
2. Eat Regularly to Prevent Blood Sugar Swings
Skipping meals or eating erratically weakens the Spleen and destabilizes blood sugar.
Eat consistently throughout the day to prevent energy crashes and emotional lows that trigger sugar cravings.
Balanced meals that include protein, fiber, and healthy fats help regulate insulin levels and sustain Qi (vital energy) longer.
3. Hydrate to Curb Cravings
Dehydration is often mistaken for hunger or sugar cravings. Drinking warm water or herbal teas throughout the day supports digestion, flushes toxins, and keeps energy steady.
Try teas like ginger, chamomile, or licorice root — all known in TCM to strengthen digestion, calm the Spleen, and soothe the nervous system.
4. Support Liver Flow and Detoxification
Sugar cravings often increase when Liver Qi (energy) becomes stagnant — especially during times of stress. A stagnant liver struggles to process emotions, toxins, and metabolic waste, which can manifest as irritability, fatigue, and cravings.
Gentle movement like Tai Chi or yoga helps detoxify the liver and keep energy flowing smoothly.
For added support at any age,, I often recommend Liver Life®, a clinically formulated tonic that strengthens liver function, filters toxins, and reduces acidic waste and ammonia buildup. It also supports kidney function and promotes smoother Qi flow for overall systemic balance.*
Liver Life® is for children, teens, or adults with deeper liver concerns, Liver Lover® is best suited for adults with mild liver imbalances, and Calm® gently supports children with mild liver stress or sensitivity.
5. Address Deeper Causes: Unwanted Organisms and Liver Congestion
When sugar cravings are persistent or intense, they may signal deeper imbalances such as unwanted organisms. These organisms feed on sugar and release toxins that acidify tissues, weaken digestion, and disrupt mood.
If you notice symptoms like an itchy rectum, nail-biting, unexplained anger, or feeling “not yourself,” these may be signs of internal imbalance.
The Artemisia and Clove formula helps clear unwanted organisms and restore healthy gut flora.
When the liver becomes congested from these toxins, detox pathways slow down, leading to:
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Sleep disturbances
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Irritability or obsessive thinking
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Brain fog or poor concentration
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Elevated first-morning urine pH (above 6.2)
In TCM, this pattern reflects Liver stagnation and a disturbance of the spirit, when detoxification slows and emotions become unsettled.
Ileocecal Valve Massage for Digestive and Sugar-Related Discomfort
Do you feel bloated, gassy, or stomach discomfort after eating sugar? These can be signs of ileocecal valve (ICV) dysfunction — a small but important valve that separates the small and large intestines.
When the valve is stuck open or closed, toxins and undigested food can backflow, causing irritation, bloating, and fatigue.
Common Signs of ICV Dysfunction:
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Bloating or stomach discomfort after sugar or meals
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Right-sided abdominal tenderness
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Shoulder, neck, or low back pain
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Head discomfort or brain fog
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Sluggish bowels or loose stools
How to Perform ICV Massage
Regular ICV massage — especially after sugary foods or meals — can ease digestive discomfort, support detoxification, and reduce tension.
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Lie on your back with knees bent.
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Locate your right lower abdomen, halfway between your navel and right hip bone.
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Massage in small circular motions for 1–2 minutes using gentle pressure.
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Breathe deeply to relax the area.
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Follow with warm water or herbal tea to aid digestion.
Final Thoughts: Listen to What Your Cravings Are Telling You
Sugar cravings aren’t a lack of discipline — they’re signals from your body that something needs rebalancing. Whether it’s a Spleen energy (qi) deficiency, Liver energy (qi) stagnation, or digestive valve dysfunction, these are all invitations to listen more closely.
