"The Lung Official"
The Lung is known as the "Official Who Receives the Pure Chi From the Heavens". The act of breathing in, known as inspiration, brings oxygen into the body from the atmosphere. Each exhalation, or expiration, removes and releases carbon dioxide, a waste product of the body, into the atmosphere. This exchange of gases is essentially a process of taking in the new and discarding the old – which is precisely the function of the Metal element – the Lung and its brother Official, the Large Intestine.
We replenish our vital energy by the food and drink we consume, as well as the air we breathe. While we could survive weeks without food and days without water, we could not survive without air for more than mere minutes.
The Physical Level
The lungs are a pair of spongy organs situated in the thoracic cavity. Their main function is to oxygenate venous blood by the air drawn through the windpipe (trachea) into its tubular branches (bronchi), which divide into smaller branches, ending in microscopic air sacs (alveoli). In the alveoli, oxygen is absorbed into the blood. The oxygen is carried by the red blood cells throughout the body. Oxygen is essential for every cellular process. Carbon dioxide, a waste product of metabolism in animals, travels from the blood to the alveoli to be released by exhalation. Plants, in turn, "inhale" carbon dioxide to metabolize into energy through the process of photosynthesis, and "exhale" oxygen.
When the Lung is physically imbalanced, its functions of drawing breath, dispersing and descending of energy and body fluids may be impaired. Thus, we may find symptoms such as coughing, accumulation of phlegm, asthma, bronchitis, wheezing, and emphysema to name a few. The skin, also an organ of respiration, is called the "third lung". The skin is constantly interacting with and exchanging substances with our exterior surroundings. Thus, the skin is said to "breathe." Toxic substances are eliminated via the skin, and may also be absorbed. Skin diseases such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis may point to imbalance in the Lung Official.
When healthy, the Lung Official infuses every part of the body with pure, life-giving Chi, which we feel as physical vitality.
The Time and Season
Autumn, the season of Metal, is a time of letting go of the old and taking in the new. The air in autumn takes on a new crispness. Waking up on a brisk fall day and filling our lungs with clean, cool autumn air is a breath of inspiration indeed. It is no accident that in ashrams and monasteries, practitioners often wake at 3:00 AM (peak time for the Lung, according to the Chinese 24 hour clock) to do breathing and meditation exercises – to be most receptive to the inspiration, cleansing, and transforming power of the purest and most refined Chi.
In Autumn, leaves turn color and drop. The old leaves go back to the earth, enriching it to promote the coming of new leaves and, in time, a new harvest. Metal also gives value to the earth with the precious minerals and trace elements that are formed within it. Nature instructs us about our own cycles of creating and letting go. Trees in autumn don't stubbornly hold onto their leaves because they might need them next year. Yet, many of us defy the cycle and hold onto what we've produced or collected - those decayed leaves, that old negativity.
The Mental Level
Without the ability to take in new and fresh, it is difficult to let go of the old. We tend to cling to the past. Conversely, without letting go of the old, stale waste, anything new and fresh will become tainted and polluted. Nothing new can truly enter.
Just as Metal gives richness and value to the earth, it also grants us our sense of self worth. The air we breathe inspires the mind, as well as the body. Proper functioning of the Lung Official allows us to receive more than mere physical oxygenation. It allows us to absorb new experiences, fresh ideas, concepts, and to feel mentally inspired. Consider the spontaneous, innocent curiosity of a child. Everything is a fascinating exploration, a new discovery - full of wonder, unhindered by the toxic clutter of the past.
When Metal is healthy, it gives quality and essential goodness to every mental function. We make quality plans and decisions; we hold to standards of quality in what we consume, in how we honor and care for our bodies, in how we attend to our intellectual life, with whom we choose to interact, in the work we choose to do, and the boundaries we set and uphold. Such a healthy mind orients us to bring forth our very best, to be of service to others, and to fully express our unique gifts, talents, and abilities.
An imbalanced Lung Official, at the mental level, can manifest as a mind that is full of old judgments, assumptions, beliefs, prejudices, stubborn positions and opinions - rigid, closed, and inflexible. Anything new that is presented is often dismissed as unworthy, essentially a "load of crap". Such a mind is often dirty and cynical, seeing the bad in everything, envisioning the worst possible outcomes.
Lacking a sense of self worth, the Lung imbalanced person tends to project this perception outward viewing others, and the outer world at large, as unworthy, inferior, and undeserving of respect. There is often a cutting, dismissive sarcasm, and an air of arrogant superiority present in such people. Lacking self worth internally, the Lung imbalanced person may well crave constant acknowledgement, admiration, and respect from others. He may collect things that outwardly demonstrate quality and accomplishment. Identifying his worth with material things, he may become preoccupied with over-striving for such things as the "perfect" appearance, money, power, prestige, titles, awards, trophies (including "trophy" relationships), straight "A's", insignias of rank, flashy jewelry, cars, houses, and impressive letters after his name. However, as it all stems from an inner sense of worthlessness, the cravings will never be filled by external sources.
In the other extreme, Lung imbalanced people may reject all symbols of value, feeling that since they, and everything outside of them, are worthless anyway, why bother with self-care, cleanliness, behaving decently, or self- improvement? Thus, these may be some of the dirtiest, most uncivilized people we will encounter.
The Spirit Level
The emotion associated with the Metal element is grief, which, perhaps, illustrates the cause of the deepest suffering of the Metal imbalanced patient. When we speak of spiritual suffering or treatment of the Spirit level, we do not imply that the Spirit itself suffers or requires treatment. Spirit itself is pure consciousness, and being composed of nothing but it's self, can neither be balanced or imbalanced. It is innately perfect, eternal, and unchanging – a Divine gift, which cannot be improved. It is what allows us to feel love, compassion, and respect for others, recognizing that whatever their process, the same core Divinity resides in them as in ourselves. However, a person's perception of that Spirit can indeed be compromised. This is what is meant when we speak of treating the Spirit level.
Grief is a normal, necessary, and healthy emotion when appropriately expressed. We all inevitably experience separation and loss, and we grieve at those times. Grief cleanses us of what is past or no longer needed in our lives. Every religious or mystical tradition has specific processes, ceremonies, and rituals to help the bereaved fully process the grief of the loss of loved ones, honor their memories, and ultimately return to the flow of life. When the energy of Metal is blocked or imbalanced, the expression of grief likewise becomes imbalanced and inappropriate. It may be excessive and ongoing – long after the loss has occurred. It may manifest as a continual feeling of regret, stuck in grief over what might have been - all the missed opportunities, sadly viewing life as through a rear view mirror. In the other extreme, grief – even when it should be present - may be strangely absent, unable to be accessed. We call this "lack of grief". In either case, the past remains unprocessed, and the heaviness of its pain is still carried and buried within.
Difficult as it is for a Metal imbalanced person to process grief over material losses, the deepest and bitterest grief is the perceived loss of his or her true essential nature - the internal Spiritual connection. Only the Spirit has real and lasting value, which is completely independent of external processes. It is the Lung Official that grants us the ability to perceive that inspired connection. When we perceive the Divine within ourselves, there is nothing about which to grieve, nothing to prove or fear, and nothing lacking. There is a sense of awe and gratitude for life, knowing that we are a part of something eternal - so much bigger than our individual selves. Connected in this way, we know our true worth with certainty. We have true self-respect and respect for others. Without that connection, life seems empty, void of quality and purpose. Disconnected, we may manifest a quiet and immobile resignation, as if to say, "Why bother"? At the other extreme, we may chase after gurus, religions, and teachers in a desperate quest to fill the spiritual void, but the quests will be in vain as long as the internal imbalance exists: until the Lung Official is able to receive the pure Chi from the Heavens.
The Questions
The following questions are useful for self-observation and can be appropriately modified to inquire as to the state of a patient's Lung Official, particularly at the mental and spirit levels. While any symptom can come from a primary imbalance in any element, as imbalance spreads from one Element to the next, if you suspect a problem in a patient's Metal element and specifically with the Lung Official, here are some questions to consider in assessing its state:
Nourishing the lungs
The Lung is nourished by breathing. The best way to amplify Lung energy is to take plenty of fresh air, develop the physical capacity of the lungs through exercise such as swimming, and to consciously bring awareness into the breath. A few minutes each day of relaxed breathing, learning to breathe with the diaphragm and relaxing the muscles of the chest and shoulders, can be very effective at building the power of the Lung.
Expansive movements which physically open the chest are also helpful. The intention is to stretch, to bring tone and release contraction in the muscles that surround the rib cage. It is also possible to develop the Lung through voice work such as singing or learning to project the voice. This can be an emotionally charged process for some people, bringing them face-to-face with all the inhibitions which have been allowed to constrain self-expression.
The skin, as part of the Lung system, can be nourished by brushing. Rubbing with a good cotton towel or scrubbing the skin with a brush will maintain the skin’s health and support the immune system. Wearing natural fibres will allow the skin to breathe freely; going naked from time to time when weather and circumstances allow will also help the skin to breathe. Moderate sunbathing will nourish the skin, although overexposure may be damaging.
A Lung-supportive style of eating attends to the aesthetics of food and gives food a high value in daily life. A quality of respect for the importance of food and a delight in the simple rituals of eating set the tone for supporting the Lung.
The Lung governs Qi, so a Lung-nourishing approach to food will include many foods known as ‘Qi tonics’ and fresh foods alive with Qi. A diet high in fresh organic vegetables with some sprouted seeds and grains is helpful. The Lung also needs protein, and a craving for protein often indicates Lung Qi Deficiency. However, the best protein for the Lung is generally low fat such as tofu, beans and white meat.
When tolerated, dairy produce is strengthening for the Lung but in many cases causes congestion and the build-up of Phlegm. If this is the case, use goat or sheep products, or minimise dairy. Some pungent-flavoured foods are helpful to open the lungs and stimulate Lung function. Foods to keep in check are all those which cause congestion, i.e., rich fatty foods and any food which is processed or denatured.
Lastly, white and light-coloured foods resonate with the Lung, so foods such as radish, white meats and white mushrooms tend to have some benefit.
Source: Professor Neil R. Gumenick
M.Ac. (UK), C.T. (Adv.), L.Ac., Dipl.Ac.
http://www.meridianpress.net/articles/thelung-chinesemedicine.html
The Lung is known as the "Official Who Receives the Pure Chi From the Heavens". The act of breathing in, known as inspiration, brings oxygen into the body from the atmosphere. Each exhalation, or expiration, removes and releases carbon dioxide, a waste product of the body, into the atmosphere. This exchange of gases is essentially a process of taking in the new and discarding the old – which is precisely the function of the Metal element – the Lung and its brother Official, the Large Intestine.
We replenish our vital energy by the food and drink we consume, as well as the air we breathe. While we could survive weeks without food and days without water, we could not survive without air for more than mere minutes.
The Physical Level
The lungs are a pair of spongy organs situated in the thoracic cavity. Their main function is to oxygenate venous blood by the air drawn through the windpipe (trachea) into its tubular branches (bronchi), which divide into smaller branches, ending in microscopic air sacs (alveoli). In the alveoli, oxygen is absorbed into the blood. The oxygen is carried by the red blood cells throughout the body. Oxygen is essential for every cellular process. Carbon dioxide, a waste product of metabolism in animals, travels from the blood to the alveoli to be released by exhalation. Plants, in turn, "inhale" carbon dioxide to metabolize into energy through the process of photosynthesis, and "exhale" oxygen.
When the Lung is physically imbalanced, its functions of drawing breath, dispersing and descending of energy and body fluids may be impaired. Thus, we may find symptoms such as coughing, accumulation of phlegm, asthma, bronchitis, wheezing, and emphysema to name a few. The skin, also an organ of respiration, is called the "third lung". The skin is constantly interacting with and exchanging substances with our exterior surroundings. Thus, the skin is said to "breathe." Toxic substances are eliminated via the skin, and may also be absorbed. Skin diseases such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis may point to imbalance in the Lung Official.
When healthy, the Lung Official infuses every part of the body with pure, life-giving Chi, which we feel as physical vitality.
The Time and Season
Autumn, the season of Metal, is a time of letting go of the old and taking in the new. The air in autumn takes on a new crispness. Waking up on a brisk fall day and filling our lungs with clean, cool autumn air is a breath of inspiration indeed. It is no accident that in ashrams and monasteries, practitioners often wake at 3:00 AM (peak time for the Lung, according to the Chinese 24 hour clock) to do breathing and meditation exercises – to be most receptive to the inspiration, cleansing, and transforming power of the purest and most refined Chi.
In Autumn, leaves turn color and drop. The old leaves go back to the earth, enriching it to promote the coming of new leaves and, in time, a new harvest. Metal also gives value to the earth with the precious minerals and trace elements that are formed within it. Nature instructs us about our own cycles of creating and letting go. Trees in autumn don't stubbornly hold onto their leaves because they might need them next year. Yet, many of us defy the cycle and hold onto what we've produced or collected - those decayed leaves, that old negativity.
The Mental Level
Without the ability to take in new and fresh, it is difficult to let go of the old. We tend to cling to the past. Conversely, without letting go of the old, stale waste, anything new and fresh will become tainted and polluted. Nothing new can truly enter.
Just as Metal gives richness and value to the earth, it also grants us our sense of self worth. The air we breathe inspires the mind, as well as the body. Proper functioning of the Lung Official allows us to receive more than mere physical oxygenation. It allows us to absorb new experiences, fresh ideas, concepts, and to feel mentally inspired. Consider the spontaneous, innocent curiosity of a child. Everything is a fascinating exploration, a new discovery - full of wonder, unhindered by the toxic clutter of the past.
When Metal is healthy, it gives quality and essential goodness to every mental function. We make quality plans and decisions; we hold to standards of quality in what we consume, in how we honor and care for our bodies, in how we attend to our intellectual life, with whom we choose to interact, in the work we choose to do, and the boundaries we set and uphold. Such a healthy mind orients us to bring forth our very best, to be of service to others, and to fully express our unique gifts, talents, and abilities.
An imbalanced Lung Official, at the mental level, can manifest as a mind that is full of old judgments, assumptions, beliefs, prejudices, stubborn positions and opinions - rigid, closed, and inflexible. Anything new that is presented is often dismissed as unworthy, essentially a "load of crap". Such a mind is often dirty and cynical, seeing the bad in everything, envisioning the worst possible outcomes.
Lacking a sense of self worth, the Lung imbalanced person tends to project this perception outward viewing others, and the outer world at large, as unworthy, inferior, and undeserving of respect. There is often a cutting, dismissive sarcasm, and an air of arrogant superiority present in such people. Lacking self worth internally, the Lung imbalanced person may well crave constant acknowledgement, admiration, and respect from others. He may collect things that outwardly demonstrate quality and accomplishment. Identifying his worth with material things, he may become preoccupied with over-striving for such things as the "perfect" appearance, money, power, prestige, titles, awards, trophies (including "trophy" relationships), straight "A's", insignias of rank, flashy jewelry, cars, houses, and impressive letters after his name. However, as it all stems from an inner sense of worthlessness, the cravings will never be filled by external sources.
In the other extreme, Lung imbalanced people may reject all symbols of value, feeling that since they, and everything outside of them, are worthless anyway, why bother with self-care, cleanliness, behaving decently, or self- improvement? Thus, these may be some of the dirtiest, most uncivilized people we will encounter.
The Spirit Level
The emotion associated with the Metal element is grief, which, perhaps, illustrates the cause of the deepest suffering of the Metal imbalanced patient. When we speak of spiritual suffering or treatment of the Spirit level, we do not imply that the Spirit itself suffers or requires treatment. Spirit itself is pure consciousness, and being composed of nothing but it's self, can neither be balanced or imbalanced. It is innately perfect, eternal, and unchanging – a Divine gift, which cannot be improved. It is what allows us to feel love, compassion, and respect for others, recognizing that whatever their process, the same core Divinity resides in them as in ourselves. However, a person's perception of that Spirit can indeed be compromised. This is what is meant when we speak of treating the Spirit level.
Grief is a normal, necessary, and healthy emotion when appropriately expressed. We all inevitably experience separation and loss, and we grieve at those times. Grief cleanses us of what is past or no longer needed in our lives. Every religious or mystical tradition has specific processes, ceremonies, and rituals to help the bereaved fully process the grief of the loss of loved ones, honor their memories, and ultimately return to the flow of life. When the energy of Metal is blocked or imbalanced, the expression of grief likewise becomes imbalanced and inappropriate. It may be excessive and ongoing – long after the loss has occurred. It may manifest as a continual feeling of regret, stuck in grief over what might have been - all the missed opportunities, sadly viewing life as through a rear view mirror. In the other extreme, grief – even when it should be present - may be strangely absent, unable to be accessed. We call this "lack of grief". In either case, the past remains unprocessed, and the heaviness of its pain is still carried and buried within.
Difficult as it is for a Metal imbalanced person to process grief over material losses, the deepest and bitterest grief is the perceived loss of his or her true essential nature - the internal Spiritual connection. Only the Spirit has real and lasting value, which is completely independent of external processes. It is the Lung Official that grants us the ability to perceive that inspired connection. When we perceive the Divine within ourselves, there is nothing about which to grieve, nothing to prove or fear, and nothing lacking. There is a sense of awe and gratitude for life, knowing that we are a part of something eternal - so much bigger than our individual selves. Connected in this way, we know our true worth with certainty. We have true self-respect and respect for others. Without that connection, life seems empty, void of quality and purpose. Disconnected, we may manifest a quiet and immobile resignation, as if to say, "Why bother"? At the other extreme, we may chase after gurus, religions, and teachers in a desperate quest to fill the spiritual void, but the quests will be in vain as long as the internal imbalance exists: until the Lung Official is able to receive the pure Chi from the Heavens.
The Questions
The following questions are useful for self-observation and can be appropriately modified to inquire as to the state of a patient's Lung Official, particularly at the mental and spirit levels. While any symptom can come from a primary imbalance in any element, as imbalance spreads from one Element to the next, if you suspect a problem in a patient's Metal element and specifically with the Lung Official, here are some questions to consider in assessing its state:
- When have you felt inspired or awestruck?
- Who do you respect and admire, and why?
- What do you need to grieve about?
- With what material objects have you identified your self worth?
- How important are titles to you?
- When have you been so intimidated by another that you couldn't speak?
- When have you tried to impress others by your flashy clothes, car, or house?
- When have you felt superior and arrogantly dismissed another person?
- When have you tried to intimidate others by your flaunting your intelligence?
- What is truly unique and special about you?
Nourishing the lungs
The Lung is nourished by breathing. The best way to amplify Lung energy is to take plenty of fresh air, develop the physical capacity of the lungs through exercise such as swimming, and to consciously bring awareness into the breath. A few minutes each day of relaxed breathing, learning to breathe with the diaphragm and relaxing the muscles of the chest and shoulders, can be very effective at building the power of the Lung.
Expansive movements which physically open the chest are also helpful. The intention is to stretch, to bring tone and release contraction in the muscles that surround the rib cage. It is also possible to develop the Lung through voice work such as singing or learning to project the voice. This can be an emotionally charged process for some people, bringing them face-to-face with all the inhibitions which have been allowed to constrain self-expression.
The skin, as part of the Lung system, can be nourished by brushing. Rubbing with a good cotton towel or scrubbing the skin with a brush will maintain the skin’s health and support the immune system. Wearing natural fibres will allow the skin to breathe freely; going naked from time to time when weather and circumstances allow will also help the skin to breathe. Moderate sunbathing will nourish the skin, although overexposure may be damaging.
A Lung-supportive style of eating attends to the aesthetics of food and gives food a high value in daily life. A quality of respect for the importance of food and a delight in the simple rituals of eating set the tone for supporting the Lung.
The Lung governs Qi, so a Lung-nourishing approach to food will include many foods known as ‘Qi tonics’ and fresh foods alive with Qi. A diet high in fresh organic vegetables with some sprouted seeds and grains is helpful. The Lung also needs protein, and a craving for protein often indicates Lung Qi Deficiency. However, the best protein for the Lung is generally low fat such as tofu, beans and white meat.
When tolerated, dairy produce is strengthening for the Lung but in many cases causes congestion and the build-up of Phlegm. If this is the case, use goat or sheep products, or minimise dairy. Some pungent-flavoured foods are helpful to open the lungs and stimulate Lung function. Foods to keep in check are all those which cause congestion, i.e., rich fatty foods and any food which is processed or denatured.
Lastly, white and light-coloured foods resonate with the Lung, so foods such as radish, white meats and white mushrooms tend to have some benefit.
Source: Professor Neil R. Gumenick
M.Ac. (UK), C.T. (Adv.), L.Ac., Dipl.Ac.
http://www.meridianpress.net/articles/thelung-chinesemedicine.html
