Lung Health and Chinese Medicine

Why is it so many of us never really talk about "Lung Health"?

Their is abundant information and press on two very prevalent and important lung disorders which effect children and adults both. Asthma and emphysema, related to smoking and allergies pretty much covers most of the news regarding lung health on an daily basis. But, as we have read today, with the death of the infamous Jack Lalanne, pneumonia can be a big player in the demise of the elderly. (according to the CDC 61,777 yearly deaths are pneumonia related).

With this rather stark statistic, it is imperative we do what we can to ensure and optimize the healthy functioning of our lungs.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) sees the lungs as the "spreader of Qi throughout the body" and "the controller of the skin". They relate to the color white, autumn time of the year, 3 to 5 am and the taste of pungent or spicy hot. The overriding emotion which directly effects lung health is grief and sorrow. Excessive sweating can be related to "weak lung Qi" and dryness of the skin, (esp. in the fall and winter seasons) can relate to a deficiency of "Yin energy" or the water/cooling aspect of not only the lungs, but of the entire body.

It's very common for those people who inadvertently wake from sleep between 3 and 5 am, to have issue with the overall balance of the lungs. (These same people may find themselves needing to take a nap from 3 to 5 pm) The lungs are the only internal organ of the body which is directly affected by our external environment, (just as the skin is). Like the skin, the lungs can be attacked by what in TCM we call the "Six External Pernicious Influences". These are Cold, Wind, Heat, Fire, Dryness and Damp.

Some of the factors listed above can also be affected by diet, such as dairy, alcohol and intolerance (allergies) to specific foods. A good food to help resolve an overabundance of mucous in the lungs, are pears. The grain which will assist in enhancing the energy of the lungs is oats.

One last and bit of information and a very important factor which can contribute to overall lung health is, if you wear a gold ring on your ring finger, this seemingly innocuous piece of jewelery can consistently weaken the energy of the lungs and maintain low back pain.

....Think about this one of a moment or two!!

There is much more information about the power and importance of the lungs and as we age this pair must be cared for as importantly as the liver, kidneys and heart. If you are interested in more information regarding the lungs, maintaining their overall health...I'll be happy to take your questions at: 1acudoc@gmail.com