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Spleen qì flows to the mouth

脾气通于口 〔脾氣通於口〕 pí qì tōng yú kǒu

The spleen is paired with the stomach, whose upper opening is the mouth. The spleen governs movement and transformation of food, which enters the body through the mouth. Ability to taste and enjoy food is dependent on the spleen and stomach. The Magic Pivot (灵枢 líng shū, mài dù piān) says, Spleen qì flows to the mouth; when the spleen is in harmony, one can taste the five grains. This means that the ability to distinguish flavors is dependent upon the spleen. In spleen vacuity, there is a bland taste in the mouth. When there is damp-heat in the spleen, there is a sweet flavor in the mouth.

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