The Stomach

The stomach is located in the epigastrium. It connects with the esophagus above, and with the small intestine below. Its upper outlet is the cardia, called Shangwan, and its lower outlet is the pylorus - known as Xiawan. Between Shangwon and Xiawan is Zkongwan. These three areas together make up the epigastrium. The Stomach Meridian is connected with the spleen with which it is externally - internally related. Its main function is to receive and decompose food. Food enters the mouth, passes through the esophagus, and is received by the stomach where it is decomposed and transmitted down to the small intestine. Its essential substances are transported and transformed by the spleen to supply the whole body. The stomach and spleen, therefore, act in conjunction and are the main organs carrying out the functions of digestion and absorption. Together they are known as the " acquired foundation. "

When the function of the stomach is normal, its qi descends. If the descending function is disturbed, there will be lack of appetite, distending pain in the epigastrium, nausea and vomiting.