Separating Heaven and Earth Practice This exercise increases the flow of qi in the stomach and spleen. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the stomach is known as the sea of water & grain and is responsible for digesting food. The spleen is responsible for transporting nutrients throughout the body. The alternating stretching stimulates the muscles in the front of the upper body, improves circulation to the stomach, liver, and spleen. The muscles of one side of the body are stretched against the other side. This kind of exercise harmonizes and adjusts the digestive system, the energy level of the body (particularly the stomach and spleen), and the vital energy circulating through the internal organs. The internal organs, especially the stomach, spleen, liver, and gallbladder are massaged and stimulated through this exercise. The exercise stimulates the digestive process and the peristaltic action of the intestines.