The function of the stomach/spleen is to transform and transport food and liquids that enters the body, and it also houses our intellect. When food and fluids enter the body they go to the stomach where the usable and unusable are separated. This becomes the basis for the production of qi and blood in the body. The usable substances are sent to the spleen where blood is made. This is then sent up to the lungs to be distributed throughout the body to the muscles and skin. The unusable substances are sent down first to the small intestine for further refinement and then to the large intestine for further processing.
The stomach is the ‘mother’ to the lung. The heart is the ‘mother’ to the stomach. As briefly described above the stomach supports the lung and large intestine by properly digesting and processing the food and fluids that enter the body. If the food is not processed properly then there can be disharmonies in the lung and large intestine.
This is true for the heart as well, if the stomach is content (not thinking too much) and processing good nutritious food, creating qi, and blood then the heart is in harmony and does not have to work extra hard to support the stomach by giving more energy to it. The heart will also have healthy blood to circulate and nourish the body.
The spleen and stomach house the intellect which means that it is responsible for such activities like thinking, studying, and memorizing. If the stomach and spleen are functioning properly, these activities will be strong and clear. If there is an imbalance in the stomach function then it can be difficult to think clearly or there may be poor memory. On the other hand, if there is overthinking, too much studying or excessive mental work this can weaken the spleen. If the spleen and stomach are weak then qi and blood will not be produced properly. The quality of qi and blood produced will have a direct impact on all the organ functions of the body.
The season corresponding to the stomach is late summer, the color is yellow and the element is the earth and taste is sweet (flavor of sweet relaxes). Root vegetables that grow in the earth, and especially those that are yellow like sweet potatoes will help support the stomach function. It is said that the spleen and stomach are the root of Post Heaven Qi which supports the entire body, just as the earth supports and sustains life for us.
