'Jiàn pí' literally means 'to strengthen the spleen' and is a foundational concept in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The character 健 (jiàn) means 'to strengthen' or 'to invigorate', while 脾 (pí) refers to the spleen — an organ associated not only with blood filtration but also with digestion, energy transformation (Qi), and mental focus in TCM theory. Unlike its narrow anatomical role in Western medicine, the 'spleen' in TCM encompasses broader functional systems related to nutrient absorption, muscle health, and even worry or overthinking.

This term appears frequently in discussions of herbal formulas, dietary therapy, and qigong practices aimed at improving digestion, reducing fatigue, or alleviating symptoms like bloating, poor appetite, or loose stools. It is rarely used in isolation; instead, it functions as part of compound verbs (e.g., 健脾益气 'strengthen the spleen and boost Qi') or as a treatment goal described by practitioners. Because it reflects a holistic, functional view of health, 'jiàn pí' is best understood within the context of TCM patterns rather than biomedical diagnosis.