It ensures that the various tissues of the body are both properly moistened and at the same time free from retention of dampness. Dysfunction of the spleen in transportation and transformation may lead to retention of dampness, with such clinical manifestations as oedema, diarrhoea, phlegm and retained fluid. When the , spleen qi is strong, the source for the manufacture of blood will also be strong, there will be ample qi and blood in the body, and the blood will be prevented from extravasation. If the spleen qi is weak and fails to control blood, there may be various kinds of haemorrhage, such as bloody stool, uterine bleeding and purpura. The spleen transports and transforms the essence of food and water to nourish the muscles and the four limbs.
Adequate nourishment ensures well-developed muscles and proper function of the limbs.
If nourishment is inadequate, the muscles of the four limbs will, be weak and soft. The spleen's function of transportation and transformation is closely related to food intake and the sense of taste. For this reason, the lips reflect the condition of the spleen's function of transporting and transforming water and food. When the spleen is healthy, there will be ample qi and blood and the lips will be red and lustrous. Deficiency of spleen qi will lead to deficiency of qi and blood, and the lips will be pale or sallow .