FONG WAN - Library

CHAPTER III
THE STOMACH AND SPLEEN
CHINESE THEORIES REGARDING THE
STOMACH AND SPLEEN
The sketch reproduced here is one
of many similar sketches that ap-
peared about three centuries ago in
a revised edition of the Encyclope-
dia of Herbal Science, published by
the Chinese Imperial College in
Peking, China. It shows how the
various nerves in different parts of
the body are affected by the spleen,
the sub-organ of the stomach.
Although thousands of years have
elapsed since the original of the ac-
companying sketch was made by
eminent herbalists in China, yet
great numbers of sufferers from
stomach and spleen trouble in the
U. S. as well as in the Orient are
daily obtaining great benefit from
this ancient Chinese knowledge by
using the Chinese herbal remedies.
According to Shin Nong's (an ancient Chinese Emperor Herbalist)
classification, the stomach is yellow, like the earth. As the stomach is
the principal organ of digestion, every part of the body is dependent
upon it for nourishment. When the five principal elements are working
with equal balance and power, the stomach and spleen are working in
unison and are free from complaints. The stomach and spleen depend
upon the fire element (heat) of the blood for digestive power, just as
the cooking of food in a pot depends upon the fire and water. (Note:
The words, "fire, inflammation, acid, heat or fever," when used with re-
gard to the human system, all indicate the fire element.)
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