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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