Acupuncture 101
Illuminations of the Lungs
part 4 of a 5 part series
Under the scope of acupuncture as a Traditional Chinese
Medicine (TCM), pathways or meridians of Qi flow traverse
the body and influence specific body regions, organ systems
and functionality. Qi is considered a vital life force loosely
translated as energy. When Qi is obstructed health imbalances
result. The Lung meridian influences respiration and the
production of Qi. This system has an important dispersing
and descending action on Qi and the water qualities in the
body. The Lung system opens to the nose and dominates the
skin and body hair. Coughing, wheezing, post-nasal drip
and mucus are typical signs of the Lung systems inability
to disperse and descend. Some skin conditions, allergies
besides the obvious respiratory ailments are often times
imbalances in the Lung system. Cold constricts the Lungs
ability to disperse and descend. Cold invades the body and
constricts the body's Guardian Qi circulation along the
exterior surface of the skin.
The
common cold or flu translates as wind-cold or wind-heat
invasion affecting the Lungs with typical signs of chills
and fever. Diet therapy based on TCM defines pungent flavors
to be beneficial to the Lung system. Pungent foods such
as ginger, garlic and onions help ventilate the lungs and
help restore the dispersing function. Pungent, warming foods
warms the body, expands the guardian Qi and cause the body
to sweat slightly. This is a sign that the exterior has
been released along with any invading influences. Controversy
stews over the benefits of chicken soup on the prevention
and treatment for the common cold. My two questions in regards
to any research on this matter would be as follows - Did
they add a pungent ingredient to the soup recipe and did
the patient sweat slightly to release the exterior?
Christopher Carlow, D. Ac.
Doctor of Acupuncture
June 20, 2008
