The
Five Elements in Oriental Medicine
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Colds, flu, cough, asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, tonsillitis,
sore throat and loss of voice, sinusitis and rhinitis, hay
fever, nose bleeds, low immunity
In Western medicine, the respiratory system is responsible
for maintaining an appropriate balance between the oxygen
and carbon dioxide levels within the body.
In Oriental medicine the respiratory system is much more
than the mere physical act of breathing. The lungs are seen
as having a sphere of influence that encompasses many functions
that extend beyond the organ itself. The Five-element theory
(LINK at left side of this page), that forms one of the
foundations of oriental medicine, includes a system of correspondences
that links many different and apparently unrelated qualities
under each element, particularly linking mankind and nature.
Within this framework the Lung and Large Intestine systems
are ascribed to the element of Metal, which also corresponds
to the season of autumn (just as the leaves fall from the
trees to make room for the new blooms of spring so must
we let go of old thoughts and beliefs that no longer serve
us to make room for new ways of thinking), climatic dryness,
the colour white, the pungent flavour (this flavour is used
to disperse the pathogens of colds and flu), and the emotion
of sadness (disappointment, sadness, grief, sorrow and despair
are all variations on the theme of the lungs).
Oriental medicine understands the functions of the Lung
energy as:
Governing Qi and Respiration - Respiration involves
inhaling pure qi, via fresh air, from the environment. This
energy is combined with the energy of the food we eat to
form the basis of our defensive and nutritive Qi. Breathing
is a process of expansion and contraction, receiving and
releasing. It is an expression of partaking of life but
without holding on to it.
Controlling Descending and Dispersing - The Lungs
descend and disperse qi and body fluids, directionally this
is likened to the bronchial tree. The lungs send the Qi
down for the kidneys to grasp; when this is dysfunctional
the result is coughing and congestion.
Regulating the Water Passages - The Lungs control
the circulation of the fluids around the body. Dysfunction
of this process may result in fluid retention.
Controlling Skin and Hair - The body surface is moistened
and nourished by the Lungs. Healthy lung energy results
in lustrous skin and shiny hair. The lungs and the skin
are the interface between the internal and the external
world, it is the transmission point across which we can
take in or let go. The skin is as important as the lungs
in the process of breathing and plays a major role in the
immune system. Skin disorders may be related to imbalances
in the lung energy as can be seen in the coexistence of
Eczema and Asthma.
Governing the opening and closing of the pores -
The lungs govern normal perspiration.
Controlling the Channels and Blood Vessels - the
lungs govern Qi and one of the functions of qi is to propel
or move. 'Qi moves the blood and blood nourishes qi'. The
connection between the Lungs and qi is similar to the connection
between the heart and circulation because of the connection
between the qi and the blood.
Opening into the Nose - this is the gateway of the
breath.
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