Q: From the Chinese medicine perspective, what is the difference between the stomach and spleen?

A:

The stomach is one of the six main internal organs. It receives food and performs initial digestion, which requires stomach movement. In addition, gas in the stomach will push digested food towards the small intestines and colon. That is the main function of stomach gas, in the absence of which, vomiting and bloated stomach may occur.

The spleen is one of the five major organs. Its functions are to ensure further digestion of the food in the stomach and absorb nutrients from the food. In addition, the spleen helps transport the nutrients to all parts of the body to maintain organ functions with help from the stomach and lungs. Otherwise, symptoms such as nausea and diarrhoea may occur. Therefore, spleen and stomach health will ensure proper digestion, absorption and excretion of food. It is very important to ensure that these organs function normally.