Functions of the Spleen
The Spleen opens into the mouth and manifests in the lips.
Commentary: The mouth is the outer orifice of the Spleen. Food transformation starts in the mouth, the food is prepared by chewing for further transformation in the Spleen. If Spleen Qi is strong, the mouth can distinguish the five tastes and the lips are rosy. Diseases of the Spleen are often reflected in changes of appetite and changes in taste in the mouth, or the loss of taste.