The main function and duty of the lung is to govern the breath and qi in the body. It regulates the exchange of qi in the body with the external environment. When we breathe, the air that we inhale combines with the food qi that is produced by the spleen which then creates gathering qi that is dispersed by the lungs all over the body. Specifically it is spread out to the area between the muscles and the skin to nourish the body. If this is functioning properly there will be good circulation of qi, blood, and body fluids throughout the body. This strong and healthy circulation will create a good defense against external pathogens from entering the body.
The lung is the ‘mother’ to the kidney and the stomach is the ‘mother’ to the lung. The kidneys manage water and if the lungs are functioning properly they will be able to effectively distribute and regulate the water passages. The stomach and spleen provide the necessary qi for the lung to distribute throughout the body as well. The lung’s partner organ, the large intestine, is related to the stomach in that it receives the unusable substances from the stomach and small intestine.
If the stomach and spleen are not functioning properly then the large intestine will not receive the necessary waste materials for its functioning. On the other hand, if the large intestine is not working properly and eliminating the necessary waste, this can affect the digestion process and put more strain on the ‘mother’ stomach.
The emotions that are associated with the lungs and large intestine are grief and sadness if there are disharmonies present. If the lung and large intestine are functioning properly we will have the feeling of reverence, righteousness and self worth. We will have a proper relationship between ourselves and the exterior environment giving us empathy and appreciation. If there is disharmony in our lungs and large intestine our exterior environment might become cluttered with stuff and blocked the same way the large intestine can become constipated if there is not proper elimination.
The season for the lung and large intestine is autumn, the color is white, the taste spicy (the flavor of acrid or sharp/spicy disperses), and the element is metal. Metal is a product of the earth and helps to maintain control of the waterways of the earth just as our lungs are supported by their ‘mother’ stomach and they help to guide and distribute the qi, blood and fluids throughout the body. The season of autumn and the trees letting go of their leaves, offers a beautiful example for us to let go of the old and prepare space for deeper contemplation of the coming winter.
