In traditional Chinese medicine the Lung is viewed as the intermediary organ between our body and the outside world(1). It is called "a delicate organ" vulnerable to attack of external influences(1)(2). External pathogens such as viruses and bacteria as well as climatic factors such as wind, damp, dryness, hot, cold are first met by the Lung. Because the Lung is delicate and vulnerable on one hand, yet protects and shields the body from external pathogens on the other, some TCM teachers call it "the umbrella organ".
The Lung governs the respiration(1)(2)(3)(4). Through the Lung we inhale “pure Qi” and exhale “dirty Qi”(1)(3). The pure Qi is then mixed with the Qi extracted from the food forming the so called Zong Qi (translated as "pectoral" or "gathering Qi")(1)(2)(3). This combination of "pure Qi" and "food Qi" is then distributed throughout the body for nourishment and protection(1)(2)(3)(4). Thus the Lung both unifies/gathers and disperses Qi.
When the Lung disperses the Qi it sends it to the exterior of the body in the space between the skin and the muscles(1). Here a new type of Qi is formed called Wei Qi - Defensive Qi. Its function is to warm the skin and the muscles and to protect the body from external attack(1). Thus this the Defensive Qi has a protective function.
Beside governing the Qi and the respiration, the Lung together with the Spleen and the Kidney(1), is also in charge of the body's water metabolism(2)(3). The Lung receives refined fluids from the Spleen and distributes/disperses them to the body’s hair, skin(1)(2)(3)(4) and mucus membranes(5). Creating a protective coating of the mucus membranes is essential in protecting the body from external pathogens. This Lung function of moistening the muscles, the skin(3) and the coating of the mucus membranes(5), together with the above mentioned function of the Defensive Qi, determines the state of a person’s overall immunity. If these Lung functions are weak one will be prone to frequent colds and have either dryness or excess mucus. As the Lung opens into the nose such disharmony will manifest in nasal congestion(1)(2)(3), sinus problems, and all types of Lung and bronchial conditions. As the Lung controls the skin and the hair this disharmony will manifest in dry, rough or dull skin(5) and hair. On the other hand people with healthy Lungs have strong immunity, radiant skin, and shiny silky hair.
Since the Lung is the uppermost organ in the torso the Qi of the Lung needs to constantly flow downwards(1). Thus beside a dispersing function the Lung has also a descending function(1)(2)(3)(4). A symptom of Lung Qi not flowing downward is cough(1)(2)(3)(4). The downward flow of Lung Qi is also essential for the Lung's partnership with the Large Intestine - it aids the Large Intestine in moving out the waste. An imbalance in this healthy function may result in constipation(1).
On a mental/emotional level the emotions associated with the Lung are grief and sadness(5). A long-time unresolved or repressed grief contracts the Lung, interfering with its function to disperse Qi, nutrients and water mist throughout the body. Thus the Lung becomes congested with undistributed material, while the body remains undernourished(5).
Since the Lung is responsible for unifying and dispersing of Qi and nutrients the emotional equivalent of this healthy physical function would be gathering and letting go. People with healthy Lungs are unified, centered and effective at what they do but also have the ability to let go of everything that is unpractical and needless. On the other hand people with weak Lungs have difficulty letting go and manifest attachment(5) to other people, objects, the past, etc.
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(1) Maciocia, Giovanni (1989). The Foundations of Chinese Medicine. Edinburgh: Harcourt Publishers Limited
(2) Zhang, Enqin (1990). Basic Theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Shanghai: Publishing House of Shanghai College of Traditional Chinese Medicine
(3) Deng Liangye, Gan Yijun, He Shuhui, Ji Xiaoping, Li Yang, Wang Rufen, Wang Wenjing, Wang Xuetai, Xu Hengze, Xue Xuiling, Yuan Jiuling (1987). Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion. China: Foreign Languages Press
(4) Yang Weiyi, Meng Fanyi, Jiang Yuanan(2002). Diagnostics of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Beijing: Beijing University of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacology
(5) Pitchford, Paul (2002). Healing with Whole Foods. Berkeley: North Atlantic Books
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