Descriptions of the Lungs in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Main Physiological Functions of the Lungs

• Lungs Govern Qi and Control Respiration: They expel impure air from the body and inhale clean air from nature.

• Lungs Govern Dissemination: Through the dissemination of lung qi, fluids and nutrient essence from the spleen are delivered throughout the body.

• Lungs Govern Downbearing: Through the downbearing of lung qi, fluids and moisture produced by the spleen are transported to the kidneys and expelled as urine, thus regulating the water pathways.

Lung Dysfunction

Lungs Control Respiration and Govern Dissemination and Downbearing

• Lung Qi Deficiency: Shortness of breath, weak voice.

• Obstructed Lung Qi: Wheezing, chest tightness or pain.

• Reversed Lung Qi: Coughing, asthma, severe cases may lead to coughing up blood.

Lungs Govern Skin and Hair

• External pathogens often first invade the lungs, causing symptoms such as chills, fever, cough, and sweating.

Lungs as the Upper Source of Water

• Impaired lung qi causes difficult urination and edema.

Pathways of the Lung Meridian

• Diseases of the lung meridian may cause pain in the supraclavicular fossa, shoulder blade, and arm.

Relationships Between the Lungs and Other Organs

• Opening to the Nose: Lung diseases may cause nasal congestion, runny nose, loss of smell, nasal flaring, and sinusitis.

• Throat as the Gateway of the Lungs: Lung deficiency can lead to loss of voice. Cold invasion causes throat itching and hoarseness. Heat causes throat pain and swelling. Phlegm blockage leads to phlegm sounds in the throat and asthma.

Connections Between the Lungs and Other Organs

• Lungs and Large Intestine: Lungs and large intestine are exterior-interior related. Impaired lung fluids lead to difficult bowel movements.

• Lungs and Spleen/Kidneys: The spleen supports the lungs, and the lungs nourish the kidneys. Spleen deficiency can lead to lung deficiency, and lung diseases can subsequently affect the kidneys.

• Lungs and Heart/Liver: The lungs restrain the liver, and the heart (fire) can overact on the lungs (metal). Lung diseases can cause liver qi stagnation, and liver fire can lead to lung heat.

Prevention and Health Maintenance

To maintain the lung's protective and filtering functions, it's essential to be exposed to external stimuli appropriately. Prolonged use of air conditioners or humidifiers can weaken these functions. To prevent lung dysfunction, it's crucial to experience natural temperature and humidity changes and engage in appropriate exercise to build the body's ability to adapt.

Recommended Essential Oils

• 12 Meridian Essential Oils - Lung Meridian: Massage on the back.

• Respiratory Blend Pure Essential Oil: Inhale.