Let’s have a look at the Lung and Large Intestine functions from both a Western medical perspective and an Oriental medical perspective. Again, in most cases, they are both very similar; the main difference being that Oriental medicine adds an energetic and psychological component to the organs.
Lung function (Western Medicine)
- Detoxification
- Brings O2 into the body and removes Carbon Dioxide
- Gas transportation
Large Intestine Function (Western Medicine)
- Peristalsis (rhythmic muscle contractions)
- Bacterial digestion
- Absorption
- Defecation
Lung Function (Oriental Medicine)
- Controls respiration
- Contributes greatly to the Immune System by spreading out the Qi (defence Qi, immune system) around your body. (The neck area is weak point)
- Controls dispersing and descending of Qi
- Control the skin and hair
- Detoxification
- Opens into the nose
Large Intestine Function (Oriental Medicine)
- Receive waste from small intestine
- Communicates with the Lungs
- Absorbs fluids
- Defecation
Physical, Emotional & Spiritual Signs and Symptoms
(Oriental medicine)
Lung & Large Intestine In Balance
- Rarely affected by colds and flues
- Wakes early
- Have regular and healthy bowel movements (not too loose or dry)
- Able to let go of the past and grudges
- Prefers structure and organization
- Quality in work, refinement
- Integrity is very important
- Can access and enjoys the ‘present moment’
- Breathes efficiently, deeply and smoothly
- Is affected by grief and sadness but is able to be with it and accept its presence.
- Powerful and pleasant voice
- Healthy skin
Lung & Large Intestine Out Of balance
- Anxiety, shallow breathing, panic attacks
- Self doubt, loss of spiritual connection
- Difficult to relax into the present moment
- Gets cold and flu’s easily
- Very dry or loose, wet stools
- Ongoing constipation
- Structure turns into rigidity and stiffness
- Repressed emotions - especially grief, sadness, bitterness, regret
- Unable to let go
- Hoards too much stuff, doesn’t throw anything out– attachment to stuff, cant let go
- A tendency to be addicted to smoking
- Skin rashes, skin problems, boils, dry skin etc.
- Sinus problems
- Difficult to breath through nose
- Repertory conditions like asthma
- Easy to fatigue
- Sweating (other organs can also involved)