As we approach each season, I will introduce the TCM organ that is associated with the respective season that we are in the midst of or nearly approaching. So we are in the midst of fall. And the Lung’s energy (qi) is predominant in this season.
Before we jump ahead, let’s do a brief introduction to how the organs are viewed from TCM theory and what organ and organ systems we look at in TCM.
In TCM, we look at the organs a little differently from the Western anatomical place and physiological function. In TCM, each organ has an inter-related function or relationship with the body and with our external environment. Each ’organ’ in TCM :
- is responsible for at least one, if not more than one, function for the body.
- has a tissue in the body that it controls.
- has a sense organ that it ‘opens’ into.
- has a part of the body where it reflects it’s state of health.
- is associated with an emotion.
There are yin organs and yang organs. The yin organs are the organs that hold onto what we need for health and vitality. The yang organs are the organs that fill up, transform what is healthy for the body, and then empty what is not needed for the body. Each yin organ has a yang paired organ with which it has a relationship with. Below, I am going to pair the organs. When you look at these pairs, think about the yin being the ones holding onto what’s necessary and the yang transforming what is important and letting go of what is not necessary.
FEATURING THE YIN AND YANG ORGANS IN TCM
lung – large intestine
kidney – urinay bladder
liver – gall bladder
heart – small intestine
spleen – stomach
Okay, now for our first yin organ of the Autumn Season
THE LUNG ORGAN
The lung is the most external organ because it has the closest interaction with the outside world — the air. It is the organ that is most predominant and susceptible in the autumn season.
it’s functions are to :
- Control breathing. – It is this consistent exchange of inhaling and exhaling that renews qi in our body. If the lung qi maintains a healthy balance, then the rest of the body will as well.
- disperse and spread the defensive qi. – The defensive qi is the lung’s ability to keep pathogens (germs) out. When there is weak lung qi, our bodies become more susceptible to colds and flus affecting our respiratory system.
- descend the qi. — lung qi has to descend for healthy breathing function. When the qi doesn’t descend properly, asthma, coughing, shortness of breath are symptoms that occur.
- control sweating. — The lung qi opens and closes the pores of the skin. The lung’s job is to open the pores when there is fever to release the pathogenic influence when we are ill. If we sweat too much or not enough, then we look at the state of the lung qi. Spontaneous sweat tells us that the lung qi is not strong enough and letting go and if we lack sweat, it tells us the lung qi is holding on too tight.
- regulate the water passages. — We say the lung mists or distributes fluids evenly throughout the body, especially the the upper portion of water circulation. When there is edema in the upper body, we ‘open’ the lungs with acupuncture and/or herbs to resolve the edema.
The tissue the lungs control and where it reflects it’s state of health :
- the lungs control the skin and hair — The lungs disperse the body fluids in the space between the skin and the muscle to keep the skin and hair nourished and moisturized. So when the skin or hair is dry and lacks luster, we look at the lung in TCM.
The sense organ the lungs open into :
- the nose and throat. – Air enters our lungs via the nose and throat. When the lung qi is healthy and strong, we can breathe easily through our nasal passages, our sense of smell will be normal and our voice will have strength and clarity. Our lung qi can be weakened or compromised by having a cold, chronic alleries and sinus issues.
The emotion the lung is associated with :
- grief. — grief can weaken the lung qi and constrict breathing. (Think about how your respiratory system from nose to lungs feels after a good cry.)
What can we do in the fall to keep our lungs healthy and support our immune system? :
- The lung’s loathe dryness — keep your body well hydrated and keep your nasal passages moistened. Attempt to drink 1/2 your weight in ounces and then some, if you exercise. Consider using a neti pot to keep your mucous membranes moistened and to help loosen up old phlegm in the sinuses. Here is a link with some info and instructions : http://www.webmd.com/allergies/sinus-pain-pressure-9/neti-pots
- Try to keep warm and dry. Especially the back of the neck, the upper back and the feet. These are areas of the body that we considerable vulnerable to the cold wind and moisture of autumn.
- Take herbs that support your immune system. I suggest you see a qualified herbalist to discuss safe herbs for you to take. That could be me or stop by your local herbal apothecary and talk with someone who knows their herbs.
- Try acupuncture. Research is beginning to recognize that it can boost the immune system. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11245083
So, this might be a little lengthy. But, I hope it is informative and helps you begin to understand how we look at the organs from a TCM perspective. Thanks for reading. Keep your ‘lungs’ healthy and don’t forget to breathe deep.
As winter nears, the kidneys will be featured next month.
