Tag: herbs

In order for our patients to receive more information on the fundamentals of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and associated western symptoms, we are putting together a series of very basic information of each system.  It is not meant to be all inclusive or include every combination or possibility of a diagnosis from a TCM perspective, that is up to your practitioner to figure out. Your practitioner will help you understand your specific diagnosis.

 

We are also including some common foods that a patient can eat in order to assist in balancing their energy and associated patterns.

Lung Meridian

The Lung Meridian travels from the upper part of the chest down the inside of the arm to the thumb on bilateral. As shown in the picture.

Lung Syndromes

The Lung System in TCM is different in many ways than what we think of as the respiratory system in western medicine.  The lung element has the following correspondences:

• Yin  associated Yang organ is the Large Intestine
• Color: White
• Flavor: Pungent and Spicy
• Emotion: Sorrow, worry, grief
• Tissue: Skin
• Sense: Smell
• Element: Metal

For example: If someone is craving pungent and spicy foods but is never satisfied after eating a little, they might have a Lung associated issue.  If one experiences a lot of sorrow, worry or grief, Lung related symptoms may appear.

 

 

The Lung Qi in TCM has the following etiology and associated pathology signs/symptoms:

• Dominates skin and body hair – Excess sweating, thin dry hair, rough dry skin
• Regulates water passages – Difficult flow of urine, edema
• Dispersing function – Cough, retention of urine, constipation, shortness of breath
• Descending function – Spontaneous sweating, no sweat, edema, constipation and diarrhea
• Controls channels and blood – Cold Limbs
• Dominates Qi and respiration – Lassitude, shortness of breath, spontaneous sweating, aversion to cold, cough, panting, dyspenia
• Opens into the nose – Nasal obstructions & discharge, loss of sense of smell, difficulty breathing

If a person suffers from a Lung Qi deficiency the following western condition might exist:

• Chronic bronchitis
• Emphysema
• Asthma
• Allergies
• Chronic sickness
• Difficulty breathing
• Weak Cough
• Daytime sweating

Dietary recommendations:

Almonds, Carrot, Cherry, Coconut, Ginseng, Goose, Grape, Licorice, Lentil, Oats, Quinoa, Rice, Sage, Squash, Tofu, Yam, Potato

Since every TCM system has a Yin and Yang component, one could experience a Lung Yin Deficiency.  The following western condition might exist:

• Chronic bronchitis
• Chronic pharyngitis
• Diphtheria
• Laryngitis
• Pulmonary TB
• Malar flushing
• Night sweats
• Dry throat and mouth
• Dry cough

Dietary recommendations:

Apple, Asparagus, Banana, Honey, Kidney Bean, Lemon, Mango, Pear, Seaweed, Sesame, Spelt, Spinach,Tofu, Tomato, Wheat, Yam

Another pattern that can occur within the Lungs would be Phlegm in the Lungs or Phlegm and Heat in the Lungs. Signs and symptoms can include the following:

Phlegm only:

• Chronic coughing fits
• Pale sputum
• Shortness of breath
• Stuffy feeling in the chest
• White coat on tongue

Phlegm and Heat:

• Yellow or green phlegm
• Barking cough
• Shortness of breath
• Stuffiness in the chest
• Yellow coat on tongue

Dietary recommendations:

For Phlegm: Almonds, Apple Peel, Celery, Garlic, Grapefruit, Lemon peel, Licorice, Olive, Pepper, Peppermint, Tea, Thyme, Walnut

For Phlegm and Heat add: Apple, Asparagus, Bamboo Shoots, Banana, Celery, Grapefruit, Kelp, Lemon, Mint, Potato, Salt, Seaweed

When external pathogens attack the Lung, the following symptoms might appear:

• Common cold
• Bronchitis
• Influenza
• Pneumonia
• Tonsillitis
• Asthma
• Dry skin, mouth throat, thirst, hoarse voice
• Shortness of breath
• White phlegm
• Stuffiness in the chest
• Cough

For external pathogens, we commonly recommend herbal formulas to help drive them out.  However, there are some basic foods you can add to your diet to help the process.  Most of the foods are warming to the body.

Basil, Black Pepper, Cayenne, Cherry, Cinnamon, Clove, Garlic, Ginger, Onion, Peach, Rosemary, Scallion, Walnut […]