Lungs are essential organs of respiration. A healthy lung Qi allows for clear, resonant voices while those with weak lung energy often have soft voices with shallow breathing or even an uncharacteristically hunched posture.
Chinese medicine outlines a system of meridians connecting various parts of the body. Each system has an optimal time for activity – for instance, lung activity peak is generally between 3-5 am each morning.
Physical Vitality
One of the primary functions of our Lungs is to bring pure oxygen into our bodies through respiration, regulating circulation and dispersing energy throughout. They work closely with the Heart to disperse qi from air into circulation; receiving and transmitting it into blood flow. Lungs serve as our first organ that interacts with external world nourishing physical vitality.
When our Lung energy is abundant, we feel strong and energetic. Breathing becomes deep and full while our qi flows smoothly throughout our systems. A great way to increase Lung energy is through exercise such as swimming or learning to breath deeply from our diaphragm while becoming mindful about each breath we take. Eating food that nourishes lungs such as fresh organic vegetables or sprouted seeds also can help our Lungs thrive!
A key function of the lungs is to collect and distribute body fluids such as sweat and tears. These fluids travel down into the stomach where they transform into nutritive liquid called Ying Qi before being sent up into the Lungs where it becomes a moisturizing mist that helps hydrate both skin and body fluids while protecting underlying tissues from pathogens.
The lungs play a pivotal role in controlling sweat production by opening and closing pores to regulate sweat production, as well as responding to changes in body temperature. If there is an imbalance within these lungs it may manifest as respiratory issues, skin conditions or weak immune system function.
As our lungs are associated with metal, they serve as protectors of internal aspects and regulate Wei Qi (the innate immune system), helping ensure strong healthy immunity systems and strong lung capacity. People with strong lungs and robust immunity generally avoid colds and flu more quickly and more easily recover when illness strikes – not to mention having full faces with attractive complexions that attract passersby!
Emotional Abundance
TCM emphasizes the significance of lung health as being essential to Qi and respiration. Lungs play an integral part in grasping inhaled breath to distribute it throughout our bodies; so taking in plenty of fresh air is vitally important to good lung health.
Grief and sadness are emotions often associated with lung energy. Our lungs play an essential role in receiving and letting go, which allows our inner world to remain healthy as the season of change arrives. If we hold on too tightly to grief or sadness for too long it can shatter lung energy thereby hindering its flow, compromising immunity systems and weakening us further.
When the lungs are abundant, they manifest as strong physical presence with full chest expansion and easy breathing. Lungs play an integral part in respiratory tract health as well as being integral components of cardiovascular system function; additionally, they offer protection from illness and infection.
Signs of weak lung energy include soft, timid voice quality, shallow breathing, poor posture (those suffering from lung deficiency tend to hunch over in protective postures) and general feelings of low energy or lack of vitality. Immune function issues and skin dryness may also indicate lung deficiency.
Chinese medicine identifies the lungs with the Metal element. Metal’s qualities of clarity, structure and refinement can help us cultivate both emotional and spiritual wellbeing, and daily living experiences.
At night between 3-5 am, when your lungs are at their strongest, it is a good idea to support their health by eating nutritious soups or steaming vegetables for dinner, getting adequate restful sleep, and giving yourself enough breathing room. Furthermore, this time may help you let go of summer excesses while letting any grievances pass by without consequence – knowing they will be met by winter darkness as nourishment.
Grief
Grief is an all too real experience that can have lasting repercussions for our physical and emotional well-being. While most commonly associated with loss, grief may also stem from changes within our lives that require adjustments or new beginnings. Changes in relationships, social life and work environments may trigger feelings of sadness and grief that may become overwhelming at first. Over time however, most individuals tend to find relief as the intensity of the sadness gradually fades away. However, if emotions of grief remain unchecked and are allowed to take root in one’s system for too long, they may lead to long-term contraction of Lung energy which alters how nutrients and Qi/life energy is dispersed throughout one’s body. Therefore, regular practice of deep, mindful breathing is recommended for anyone facing grief.
Lung deficiencies make it hard to release emotions, leading to difficulty sleeping and feelings of being overtaken by life events such as being unable to move past an earlier breakup, recalling painful memories or simply experiencing feelings of sorrow that never seem to go away.
Food rich in proteins and vitamins such as pears (particularly when poached with local honey and cinnamon), kale, sweet potato and beans is beneficial in strengthening lungs.
Acupuncture can also help alleviate grief and balance lung function, with Lu 9 known as Heavenly Palace being particularly helpful to this purpose, helping release emotional blockages and promote healing. It’s located directly above the sternum.
Lungs are associated with Metal energy and Autumn season. If you are feeling grief-stricken or experiencing sadness, eating foods that nourish and strengthen lungs are especially important during this transition period towards winter Yin energy. Acupuncture and massage therapy may also help release any blockages within your lungs to enhance lung function.
Seasonal Affects
Autumn is a key time of year to promote lung health and emotional stability. Our lungs connect us with the outside world, but they can be susceptible to pathogenic influences from cold winds and damp conditions, as well as being vulnerable to infections that come through colds or flus. When healthy lungs protect us against illness; when damaged lungs leave us vulnerable for winter respiratory issues such as coughs and congestions.
This season is also an excellent opportunity to strengthen lungs with Chinese herbs and food therapy, such as Huang Qi and Astragalus herbs added to soups and stews as a traditional method to nourish and strengthen them during autumn. One classic autumn formula known as Mai Wei Di Huang Wan uses Huang Qi and Astragalus with Chinese pears to nourish, moisten phlegm and clear the respiratory tract.
Lungs are among the organs most affected by chronic grief. Failure to let go can leave us weak and susceptible to illness and disease; Acupuncture offers an effective method for healing the lungs while simultaneously helping people to express their sadness in healthy ways.
One acupuncture point known to aid lung health is LU9. This point, located on the back of the hand in the depression between thumb and index finger, helps move phlegm from the lungs into the Large Intestine for digestion, providing an important immune support function.
Stay healthy this autumn by prioritizing rest and avoiding cold, damp environments and foods, eating a balanced diet with plenty of exercise, staying hydrated with warm water and taking steps to combat infections early. Acupuncture can provide an effective, natural means of supporting lung health while improving our emotional well-being – it will leave us feeling refreshed, inspired and joyful this fall!
