The TCM Guide to Lung Health

                         
Breath, Emotions & Flowing Energy

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the lungs are far more than organs that help us breathe—they are vital to the body’s Qi (energy) system and play a crucial role in maintaining balance between the internal environment and the outside world.
 

The Role of the Lungs in TCM

The lungs belong to the Metal Element and are considered the “Delicate Organ” because they are sensitive to external environmental changes such as cold, dryness, and wind. Their primary functions include:

• Governing Qi and Respiration: The lungs take in clean, fresh Qi from the air and help distribute it throughout the body.

• Controlling the Skin and Body Hair: Healthy lung Qi ensures the skin and pores open and close properly, protecting the body from external pathogens.

• Regulating Water Passages: The lungs help move fluids through the body, maintaining proper hydration and moisture.

• Controlling the Voice: The lungs influence vocal strength and clarity.
   

The Emotional Connection: Grief and Sadness

In TCM, each organ is linked to specific emotions. The lungs are closely connected with grief, sadness, and the process of letting go. When lung Qi is balanced, we can accept change, release emotional baggage, and experience clarity.

However, if lung Qi is weak or stuck, grief can become prolonged or suppressed, leading to feelings of sadness, withdrawal, or a sense of heaviness. This emotional stagnation can in turn affect lung function, creating a cycle of physical and emotional imbalance.
 

Stuck Energy and Lung Health

When Qi becomes blocked or stagnant in the lungs, it can manifest as:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

• Chronic cough or dry cough

• Fatigue or lack of energy

• Chest tightness or discomfort

• Weak immune function and frequent colds

This stuck energy can be caused by lifestyle factors such as stress, poor diet, lack of movement, or environmental
exposure to dry or cold air.
 

How to Support Lung Qi Flow

To maintain healthy lungs and smooth emotional flow, TCM recommends:

• Breathing exercises: Deep, slow breathing techniques help expand lung capacity and move stagnant Qi.

• Herbal support: Botanicals like astragalus, licorice, and mullein soothe and strengthen lung Qi.

• Moisturizing foods: Pears, white fungus, honey, and other moistening foods help counteract dryness.

• Emotional self-care: Allow space to process grief through journaling, meditation, or talking with supportive people.

• Protect against dryness: Use humidifiers, avoid overly dry environments, and stay hydrated.
   

Conclusion

In TCM, lung health is deeply intertwined with our breath, emotions, and how we process life’s changes. By caring for your lungs physically and emotionally, you nurture your body’s vital energy and create space for clarity, resilience, and renewal.