Wondering how Chinese Medicine can help your lung function? Proper lung function is crucial for your best life, so let’s talk about that today. There is lot’s of good information to help you breathe easier so read on to find out more!
What is the importance of the lungs in Chinese Medicine?
The lungs function to inhale life force, also known as Qi. The Qi or energy from the air we breathe circulates around the body helping to push our blood and body fluids. In Chinese Medicine, the lungs connect on a deep level to the large intestines as a pair.
The Large Intestines function is to release and eliminate. If the communication between the Lungs and Large Intestine is not clearly communicating or flowing, symptoms will arise in breath, skin or the stools.
The lungs express themselves on one physical level through the Skin. The skin is our largest organ; an organ primarily functioning to protect and allow breathe in and out through the pores.
When the lung is functioning optimally, the person’s immune state is strong and recovery from illness is quick and effective. The skin will be hydrated and overall complexion colorful and bright.
How someone stands posturally also represents strong lung function.
It too speaks to someone’s energy levels. If you are someone with shallow breathing, poor skin lust or skin problems, you are likely to have poor Lung Qi function and circulation.
It is also important to note that emotions such as sadness and grief can interrupt the function and flow of the Lungs. If you know of someone experiencing consistent emotions like these, their Lung Qi needs some care.
How can Chinese Medicine help care for my Lungs?
Lung health has been a very hot topic in many households and work environments over the past two years with the arrival of different Covid-strains. Each person seems to respond to the Covid-19 virus or similar viruses in different ways, but the underlying theme of the disease is the impact on people’s lung function.
There is also a series of presentations post infection that are being classified as ‘Long-Covid’ which has allowed complementary or allied-health professionals to really step forward and shine.
Long-Covid can present in many ways, but there seems to be an underlying theme of a lurking cough and fatigue. Both these lurking symptoms can be supported through herbal medicine, supplementation and body-work.
Can cupping assist my lung function?
Cupping works wonders to stimulate the B and T cells (critical immune cells) to rush to the site of trauma (cupping marks) to repair the tissue. The cupping marks also gently activate the immune system in a beneficial way that keeps the system moving and flowing to and from different sites of the body.
The lungs are very sensitive to nervous system function and dietary changes (dampness/mucous) which cupping can directly influence by relaxing the nervous system and loosening up fluid and dampness around the lung tissue. You can read more about Cupping here.
Are there specific Chinese herbs that help my lungs?
Two of the most common every day herbs used in clinical practice to support Lung Qi is Ginseng root and Astragalus.
Ginseng is nourishing for the lungs, skin and stomach by moistening the tissue of the lungs, making it highly beneficial for a dry cough. Astragalus is highly beneficial for strengthening the immune system, helping to fight off any external pathogens we may pick up.
It is quite beneficial in the acute stages of respiratory illness. Both herbs can be prescribed by your qualified TCM Doctor, or accessible at many herbal dispensaries and Chemists.
Is there anything else I can do at home to help my lungs become stronger?
Chinese Medicine encourages those with weak Lung Qi to consume enough protein from legumes or white meat like chicken.
Further Lung supporting foods include fermented radishes and white foods like cauliflower, potatoes, turnips, apples, pears, rice, oats, sesame seeds, onion, garlic and white peppers.
Chinese Medicine Doctors also encourage those with weak lung function to avoid the cold air-conditioning as the Lungs loath the cold and to continuously drink warm or hot water/tea.
Sunlight is beneficial to stimulate Yang Qi in the body but over-exposure to sunlight can damage the Lungs as Lung health is expressed through the skin and pores.
Clean air is vital for our lungs to not be burden by chemicals or pollution. One may try an air purifier in their home to assist themselves if they have a lung presentation. Cleaning the space around you helps you to feel clear and quite literally prevents inhalation of dust, further too supporting Lung function!
The Lung Qi responds to discernment and respect.
For one to have healthy Lung Qi function, one must regularly practice boundaries and respect toward themselves. Regular self-care practice such as saying no to things you don’t want to do or learning when to walk away in particular situations can assist someone to feel strong within themselves and experience less grief/frustration.
This then helps place less burden on the persons Lung function. Boundaries also help us to reduce stress levels in our life and therefore supports our bodies to be as strong as possible.
Learning healthy ways to implement these changes can be discussed one-on-one with your qualified TCM Doctor. Please be sure to make any drastic changes under the supervision of your Doctor. Book a personal consultation with Dr Rosey to explore your Lung health further.
