Stomach Functions

Question 1

The relationship between the Stomach and Spleen is probably the closest of any of the Yin–Yang pairs of organs.

T or F

Answer 1

F

Question 2

5. Which of the following is a symptom of Stomach-Qi failing to descend?
   a) Hiccup.
   b) Cold feet.
   c) Depression.

Answer 2

a) Hiccup.

Question 3

Heart-Yang descends cool Kidney-Yin

T/F

Answer 3

False

Question 4

The Spleen is Yin but likes wetness; the Stomach is Yang but likes dryness.

T or F

Answer 4

F

Question 5

8. Shutting oneself in the house and uncontrolled talking or laughing or singing are signs of:
   a) Deficiency of the Stomach.
   b) Excess of the Stomach.
   c) Lack of fluids.

Answer 5

b) Excess of the Stomach.

Question 6

3. The state of the Stomach-Qi is reflected in:
   a) The tongue body.
   b) The back of the tongue.
   c) A tongue coating with root.

Answer 6

c) A tongue coating with root.

Question 7

Liver-Qi contributes to the descending of Stomach-Qi and so helps digestion.

T or F

Answer 7

T

Question 8

Give two examples of the relationship between the Stomach, the Kidneys and Body Fluids.

Answer 8

The Kidneys transform fluids in the Lower Burner. If this Kidney function is impaired, fluids will stagnate in the Lower Burner and overflow upwards to the Stomach, impairing the digestion. A long-standing deficiency of fluids in the Stomach (Stomach-Yin) will nearly always cause a deficiency of Kidney-Yin.

Question 9

It is said in Chinese medicine that the ‘Kidneys govern Water and the Lungs are the Upper Source of Water’.

T/F

Answer 9

T

Question 10

The Stomach controls the descending of Qi.

T or F

Answer 10

T

Question 11

What kind of tongue coating indicates healthy Stomach Qi?

Answer 11

A thin, white coat with root.

Question 12

The Liver ensures that Spleen-Qi flows downwards.

T/F

Answer 12

F

Question 13

Which two excess Stomach Patterns can cause manic behaviour?

Answer 13

Stomach-Fire or Stomach Phlegm-Fire.

Question 14

Describe the close relationship of the Stomach and Spleen in terms of transformation and transportation of food and fluids.

Answer 14

The rotting and ripening of the Stomach coordinates closely with the Spleen’s transformation and transportation of food essences. The Spleen’s transportation of Food-Qi to the whole body depends on Stomach-Qi. The Stomach’s function as origin of fluids relies on the Spleen transforming body fluids.

Question 15

One of the main reasons for deficiency of Stomach fluids is eating too late at night.

T or F

Answer 15

F

Question 16

What happens if Stomach-Qi fails to descend?

Answer 16

If Stomach-Qi fails to descend, food will stagnate in the Stomach, causing sensations of fullness and distension, sour regurgitation, belching, hiccup, nausea and vomiting.

Question 17

Blood is the mother of Qi.

T/F

Answer 17

True

Question 18

If Gathering Qi is weak, the hands will be warm and the voice loud.

T/F

Answer 18

F

Question 19

7. A long-standing deficiency of Stomach-fluids will often lead to a deficiency of:
   a) Dryness.
   b) Kidney-Yin.
   c) Liver-Qi.

Answer 19

b) Kidney-Yin.

Question 20

Why is the Stomach, together with the Spleen, known as the ‘Root of Post-Heaven Qi’, with good Stomach-Qi being synonymous with a good prognosis?

Answer 20

The role of the Stomach in the transformation of food makes it (along with the Spleen) the origin of all Qi and Blood produced after birth. Because of this ‘Stomach-Qi’ has become synonymous with a good prognosis and life itself.

Question 21

A deficiency of both Stomach and Spleen will make the person agitated and irritable.

T or F

Answer 21

F

Question 22

The Lungs provide the Qi to drive the Blood through the Blood vessels.

T/F

Answer 22

T

Question 23

A healthy Mind depends on the strength of the Essence, which is stored in the Stomach.

T/F

Answer 23

F

Question 24

The Stomach is the most important of all the Yang organs.

T or F

Answer 24

T

Question 25

Together with the Spleen, the Stomach is known as the:

a) ‘Root of the Essence’.
b) ‘Heavenly Source of Movement’.
c) ‘Root of Post-Heaven Qi’.

Answer 25

c) ‘Root of Post-Heaven Qi’.

Question 26

If Stomach-Qi is strong, the prognosis will be good.

T or F

Answer 26

T

Question 27

6. The Stomach is thus an important source of:
   a) Excretion.
   b) Fluids.
   c) Cold.

Answer 27

b) Fluids.

Question 28

The Kidneys are the origin of Tian Gui, which is the basis for menstrual blood.

T/F

Answer 28

T

Question 29

Give three symptoms that might indicate the ‘receiving’ function of the Stomach had been compromised.

Answer 29

Poor appetite, belching, nausea and vomiting all indicate weak Stomach ‘receiving’.

Question 30

A thick white coating indicates Stomach-Qi deficiency.

T or F

Answer 30

F

Question 31

9. Which of the following is the Stomach particularly prone to?
   a) Blood deficiency.
   b) Heat.
   c) Cold.

Answer 31

b) Heat.

Question 32

Give two symptoms that might indicate a breakdown in the Stomach’s transportation of food essences.

Answer 32

Tiredness and weakness of the muscles of the limbs.

Question 33

2. A strong Stomach function is indicated by:
   a) A lack of appetite.
   b) Eating plenty of sugar.
   c) A good, healthy appetite.

Answer 33

c) A good, healthy appetite.

Question 34

4. A pulse with good Stomach-Qi is said to be:
   a) Weak and Strong.
   b) Rough and Hard.
   c) Soft and Gentle.

Answer 34

c) Soft and Gentle.

Question 35

The Heart governs Qi.

True or False

Answer 35

False

Question 36

The Mind (through the Heart) and our emotional state (through the Liver) are interdependent.

T/F

Answer 36

True