Lung qi: respiration & Grief
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, lung qi refers to the energy or vital force associated with the lungs. The lungs are considered one of the most important organs in TCM, as they are responsible for breathing and the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body.
Lung qi is responsible for the proper functioning of the lungs and the respiratory system, as well as the immune system. It is also associated with the skin, which is considered an extension of the lungs in TCM.
When lung qi is strong and balanced, a person will have healthy breathing, good immunity, and clear skin. However, when lung qi is weak or imbalanced, a person may experience respiratory problems such as asthma, allergies, or frequent colds and flu. They may also have weakened immunity and skin problems such as dryness or rashes.
TCM practitioners may use various techniques to help balance and strengthen lung qi, such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and dietary therapy. They may also recommend lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, stress reduction, and avoiding environmental toxins that can weaken lung qi.
The lungs are especially sensitive to grief, loss and sadness. Disturbances in lung qi can result from prolonged grief, or the inability to “let go” of someone or something. Some signs and symptoms of deficient lung qi are:
-weak cough
-spontaneous daytime sweating
-shortness of breath
-dry skin
-dislike of speaking
-low or soft voice
-feeling tired
The lungs govern respiration and take in the air from the outside and assimilate it into the body. In TCM, the lungs govern the voice and the clarity of ones voice hinges on the health of the lungs.
The lungs also play a significant role in the immune system. The lungs influence the Wei Qi of the body, which is very similar to the protective defense mechanism of immune function. If the lung qi is weak, the lungs are susceptible to outside pathogens and frequent colds, flus, sore throat and runny nose may result.
Acupuncture, herbs and dietary recommendations strengthen lung qi and wei qi (immune function). Deep breathing can nourish lung qi as well as cardiovascular activity.
Herbal formulas like Bai Hu Gu Jin Wan and Ren Shen Bu Fei Tang are supportive of lung qi. It is important to consult an licensed herbalist when taking TCM herbs.
Acupuncture supports the lung channel by sending direct feedback into the lung’s, supporting respiration, voice, integration of grief or loss and a robust immune system.
