Lung Meridian: Supporting Healthy Breathing and Allergies

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Lung Meridian is closely tied to respiratory health, immune function, and the emotion of grief. When the Lung Meridian flows smoothly, it helps maintain clear breathing, assists with managing allergies and asthma, and supports the ability to process and release grief. However, imbalances in this meridian can manifest as shortness of breath, frequent colds, allergic reactions, and difficulty letting go of emotional pain or sorrow. By working with the Lung Meridian, TCM practitioners aim to strengthen respiratory function, fortify the body’s defenses against external irritants, and foster emotional resilience.

Lung Meridian: Pathway and Function

• Begins in the Upper Chest
  Travels down through the lungs, then moves along the inner arm, ending at the thumb.

• Oversees Respiration
  Plays a central role in inhaling oxygen and exhaling waste gases, ensuring the body receives the necessary fuel for energy production.

• Influences Skin and Immune Response
  TCM links the Lung Meridian with surface defenses against pathogens; skin, nose, and mucous membranes are all seen as protective barriers under the Lung’s domain.

• Connected to Grief and Letting Go
  Emotionally, the Lung Meridian is tied to processing sadness, grief and death.

• Susceptible to Dryness and Irritation
  Imbalances can lead to dry cough, dry skin, or sensitivity to allergens—all signs that the Lung function may need support.

The Lungs are an essential barrier to the external world. They filter air and Govern Qi (pronounced Chee) which is translated as energy or physiologically as gas. This barrier is represented in the Lungs external manifestation, the skin and thus are prone to colds, flu’s, allergies and skin disorders.

Lung Meridian & Movement

• Aids in Deep, Clear Breathing
  Balancing this meridian can help open the chest, reduce tightness, and improve airflow in conditions like asthma and allergies.

• Supported by Proper Posture
  The lungs and diaphragm work together in breathing. Maintaining good posture can facilitate better lung function, reducing chest and upper back tension.

• Related to the Skin
  Being the most external of the organs, it corresponds to our largest barrier to the outside world; the skin.

• Improves Overall Vitality
  As the lungs draw in fresh oxygen, the body becomes better nourished, enhancing energy levels and immune strength.

Key Functions of the Lung Meridian

1. Respiratory Health

   • Facilitates oxygen intake and carbon dioxide elimination, essential for overall vitality.

2. Immune Defense

   • Plays a protective role by moistening and shielding nasal passages, throat, and skin from allergens and pathogens.

3. Fluid Regulation

   • Helps disperse fluids throughout the body, preventing dryness and maintaining healthy mucous membranes.

4. Emotional Processing

   • Connected to grief, sadness, and letting go; keeping the Lung Meridian balanced supports healthier emotional transitions.

5. Skin and Boundary

   • Regulates the skin, seen as the body’s outer boundary supports healthy supple and elastic skin.

Supporting the Lung Meridian—through acupuncture, breathing exercises, herbal remedies, or mindful movement—can help address breathing difficulties, reduce allergy symptoms, and cultivate emotional resilience.

We look forward to supporting you.