Earth - thinking - centred movement

The Qi becomes knotted and stuck. This can disturb the transforming function of the Spleen, leading to abdominal symptoms such as poor digestion, stomach ulcers, anorexia, loss of appetite, and heaviness in body and mind.

But in its positive aspect the Spleen represents intelligent thought, and in its central position unites the spiritual aspiration of the Heart with the basic grounding and 'know-how' of the Kidneys.

Communication also belongs in the realm of the Spleen -the ability to externalize thought and promote the exchange of ideas, which supports the idea of the Spleen providing communication with the environment.

Emotions cause motion and the Chinese - with their emphasis on the observation of movement- made detailed studies of them as internal causes of disease. The relevance of this to modern men and women, in view of the turmoil of many people's lives, is unquestionable.

The Earth is the centre, and governs thought. In its negative state it may be expressed in muddled thinking which has no direction, such as obsession or constant worrying.