The Earth holds a special position among all elements; it is the source (“source of life”) from which the other elements unfold.
The Earth Energy is responsible for the ingestion, digestion, absorption, transformation and to a certain extent also for the excretion of food and thoughts. The Ki of the Spleen ensures that we are nourished at all levels.
In TCM, the Stomach is considered one of the most important Yang organs and is classically referred to as the “King of Yang Meridians”.
Together with the Spleen it forms the basis for our postnatal Ki – it nourishes all organ systems of the body with the Ki obtained from breathing and food. According to his function he also carries the title “Sea of Nourishment”.
The integrity of the Stomach determines the function of all organs and thus also our state of health.
The Stomach function includes all forms of appetite and hunger at all levels (including hunger for security, for knowledge or for love).
Whenever a basic need remains unsatisfied, the Stomach Meridian will seek a balance – its goal is fulfillment. For this reason, the Stomach Meridian is located on the front of the body. Thus, “food sources” can be spotted, embraced and absorbed. Frustrations often lead to an attempt to compensate for them with substitute satisfaction.
Together with the Spleen, the Stomach is responsible for logical thought processes of the Yi or intellect. A healthy Stomach-Energy gives us curiosity and the ability to absorb new information.
In case of imbalances of the Earth’s Energy, the information intake can get out of balance. Either we then take in more information than we can meaningfully process and demand ever new mental input, or we are opposed to new ideas and prefer to “chew the cud” instead of old memories.
It is also possible that we constantly worry and turn thoughts in our heads without being able to accept or reject them. A helpful balance can be achieved by physical exercise.
The Stomach also embodies our ability to accept on all levels. This can be help or recognition from others or mental openness to new ideas and thought concepts.
On a spiritual level, it is about opening up to the possibility of “nourishment” through the environment/universe.
In relation to the female reproductive system, the ability of the woman to receive the sperm of the man and then to hold the growing embryo within herself illustrates this ability of acceptance.
So on the physical level, the Stomach dominates the channels and organs of the digestive system, on the psychological level, the Stomach stands for the fact that we take all steps to satisfy our needs and our ability to accept the result.
Forms with the Spleen basis for the postnatal Ki – nourishes all organ systems of the body with the Ki obtained from breathing and food.
Fermentation, maturing and transport of food essence
Downward movement of food and food Ki
Absorption and acceptance food at all levels
Satisfaction of needs
Participates in the menstrual cycle; is involved in conception and keeps the embryo in the uterus