The Stomach Meridian
The Stomach meridian is known as the official of “rotting and ripening,” which means it is responsible for preparing the food we eat in order for the Qi to be extracted and used by our body. It is also referred to as the Bubbling Cauldron or the 100 Degree Soup, and we must maintain proper temperature and moisture for the Stomach to function efficiently. The Stomach relates psychologically to our ability to accept and digest new information, as well as our ability to adapt to change. The pathway for Stomach begins on the face, just below the eyes, and travels down the front of the body to the front of the legs, ending on the second toe. There are a total of 45 points on the Stomach meridian.
The Stomach meridian is the first step in our digestive process, and if it is out of balance we may experience nausea, low or excessive appetite, or other digestive disorders. Stomach is the yang meridian associated with the Earth element, and its partner is Spleen. Other correspondences include the color yellow, the sweet flavor, dampness, the flesh and muscles, the mouth, anxiety and empathy, adulthood, late summer and the transitions between seasons. Stomach energy is at its peak between 7 am and 9 am.
To support the Stomach meridian, try wearing yellow more often, singing, and paying particular attention to eating mindfully. Chew your food well, and try to avoid eating while working, driving, and watching television. Eat with people you enjoy and engage in pleasant conversation as you nourish yourself, or when eating alone, notice and appreciate the flavor and texture of each bite. The sweet flavor of the Earth element is not candy and cookies, but rather sweet potatoes, squash, beets, fruits, grains, and even meat. Try to avoid sugar-sweet foods, and increase your consumption of Earth sweets. Other foods that specifically affect the Stomach include Brussels sprouts, turnips, shiitake mushrooms, grapefruit, kiwi, pineapple, hazelnuts, and tuna.