TCM- Functions of the Stomach

Stomach

Functions:
Controls 'receiving'
Controls the Rotting and Ripening of Food
Controls the transportation of Food Essences
Controls the Descending of Qi
Is the origin of fluids

Here are some of those functions in a little more detail:

Controls the Transportation of Food Essences:
The stomach transports some 'dirty dampness' to the tongue, producing a normal tongue coating

Controls the Descending of Qi:
-If stomach qi fails to descend, food will stagnate in the stomach and lead to feelings of fullness and distension, sour regurgitation, belching, hiccups, nausea and vomiting.
-The Stomach and the Spleen occupy a very important, strategic central place among organs and structures, the ascending of Spleen Qi and descending of Stomach Qi are crucial to the proper movement of Qi in the 3 burners.

Is the Origin of Fluids:
-To rot and ripen food, the Stomach needs an abundance of fluids, just as sufficient fluids are needed to extract the vital principles from an herbal concoction or a soup. Furthermore, fluids themselves are derived from the food and drink ingested, The Stomach ensures that the part of food and drink that does not go to make essences of food condenses to form Body Fluids.