FHN Complementary Medicine Monthly Newsletter November 2008
Lungs/Immunity
Last month we looked at the spleen function from a Chinese medical point of view. This month we will look at the lungs. With “cold and flu season” on the way immunity/ lungs play a huge role. The lungs connect to the outside environment from the very first breath we take. In TCM the lungs and skin are all part of the same system in that they shield you from environmental influences. Therefore sweating (skin) and fevers are part of the way the lungs use to expel the pathogens they come in contact with. One of the ways that TCM deals with early onset of pathogens is to expel them by diaphoresis using herbs. We have a product called Essential Defense that does exactly that. Many times if taken at the initial stages it stops the progression of the pathogen and the symptoms abate within a day.
Tonifying the lungs is one of the best ways to prevent cold and flu’s and allergies. Chi Gong exercises have specific breathing and movements designed to do exactly that. Other ways of tonifying include acupuncture and diet therapy to reduce inflammation and mucous, such as curcumin, ginger, asparagus, broccoli, artichokes, etc.
So as winter approaches start tonifying your lungs with diaphragmatic breathing, eating right and moving the rib cage and lungs….you will be surprised.
Sincerely,
Drs. Glenn and Julie Smith
