Our Lungs are our first defense to the exterior world. They keep out pollen, bacteria, pollution or anything else that’s not great for the inside of our body.
In TCM, the Lungs are the Element of Metal, paired with the Large Intestines and the season of Fall/Autumn.
The Metal Element is like a sword of protection, as the lungs help to filter toxins in the air we breathe. Paired with the Large Intestines, we rid toxins that would otherwise accumulate in our body system.
Our Lungs aren’t just the wet mossy organs in our chest, they actually begin with the air pathways from our nose and mouth.
You may notice when it’s really cold out, if you breathe through your mouth, the air seems to go directly into your chest. But if you breathe through your nose, the hairs in our nose & sinus passages help to slow down and warm the air before it hits our chest.
This actually helps to guard against all the things in the air, as well as the air temperature itself to protect the functioning of our Lungs.
There is also a direct connection from the Lungs and Large Intestines and the health of our skin.
The skin is the largest organ of our body. When we sweat and the pores open, we allow toxins to be released from our lymphatic and capillary system.
Do you notice a change in your skin moisture & texture in the summer vs. winter?
This is because the interior of our body fluids directly impacts our skin and pores.
In the summertime, it’s critical to get enough water and fluids in our body, otherwise our skin gets all crinkly and dry.
Then in the winter, most of us heat our houses with warm dry air, which pulls moisture out of our largest organ, the skin.
Noticing our skin in different environments can give us great clues on monitoring & adjusting our fluid intake and internal balance.
Join us Saturday Jan. 25th for our final session of Chinese 5 Elements and you ~ learn more about protecting Lungs & hydrating your skin with food, lifestyle and herbs!
I hope to see you there!
In health,
Dr. Alan Chang
