The Stomach Official

One of the Twelve Officials, the Stomach, paired with the Spleen, belongs to the Earth Element and is known as the Official in Charge of Rotting and Ripening.

The Stomach Official is responsible for digestion at a body, mind, and spirit level taking in everything, from food to thoughts, and preparing them for our nourishment.

This Official needs to be fed with good things and is not served if fed garbage, we can have all the right ingredients and still make a bad cake. The Stomach, more than breaking down food, makes a palatable blend for the body, mind and spirit that can be delivered to where it is needed to nourish us. It is important to eat food with love, joy, and awareness, and be present, to take time to eat, and be grateful for our food.

The Stomach Official asks if you are nourishing yourself well. Do you love and appreciate the food you are eating? Are you eating the right food, or too many sugary, sweet things?

What are you feeding your mind with, and how are you nurturing your spirit? Are your ingredients filled with love, joy, and compassion?