TCM and Qi
The Spleen lymphoid organ is a reservoir of lymphocytes for the body. It filters blood and is important in red blood cell and iron metabolism, destructing and recycling before routing to the liver. The Spleen is a storage depot for blood.
Qi
In TCM, where balance is key, Qi is transformed. The stomach and spleen act as a crucial central axis for many physiological processes. It is the center for Qi and Blood, and therefore all organs depend on them for nourishment. As the Middle Burner, the stomach and spleen optimal functioning affect the movement of Qi directly. Spleen-Qi ascends (when it’s healthy) to send the essences extracted from food up to the Lungs and Heart where they are transformed into Qi and Blood. (Source: The Foundations of Chinese Medicine: A Comprehensive Text for Acupuncturists and Herbalists, Maciocia)