Hey, I'm going to show you How to link the TCM Fundaments of the 2nd Yin Organ - The Lung with The Integumentary System. Incidentally, nothing is difficult in my experience if you would follow closely. So only the Yin energy has to reside in the Lung, in this case, is the 'Soul' in the TCM context. Therefore the spirit (Shen) and Yin Yang Soul are 2 different substances in TCM Fundamentals. I'm not prophesying Taoism or Christianity, it is breaking the word Soul into 2 portions, forming the smaller immortal and larger mortal soul. The classification for the former is Yang and the latter is Yin. Are you still with me, I'm not going further as the rest of it is interesting which will be discussed when necessary.
The original pronunciation of Yin mortal soul is termed as (PO) in the TCM perspective.
2nd Yin Organ - Lung
Permanent Resident: Yin Mortal Soul(PO)
Master of: Qi
Grouping to 5 Elements: Metal
Physiological Function:
- The Lung, the Master of Qi, is in charge of the breathing process mechanism.
- Exhale the bad components of the breathe mainly carbon dioxide and inhale good oxygen to enrich nourishment from other organs downwards to reach all parts of the body.
- Over here the Lung is doing something quite opposite to that of the TCM spleen. It regulates the water metabolism in the body to keep the body with fluid and sweat in equilibrium.
- The Lung act as the centre crisscrossed by every pulse flows. Therefore the Lung actually, assist the Heart to regulate the ebb and flow of Qi, which commands the flow of blood and fluid throughout the body.
Orifice: The Nose
Bodily Association: The Skin
State of Conditions: Manifests in the Hair
Emotion Classification: Worry (Anxiety)
Liquidity State: Nasal Mucus
Correlation Match: Big Intestine
Permanent Resident: Yin Mortal Soul(PO)
Just for the beginning stage here, the Yin Mortal Soul or 'PO' comprising the Happiness, Anger, Sadness, Fear, Love, Evil and Carnage living among all materialism resides in the Lung.
So it is very interesting when we come to discuss this aspect of the Yin Mortal Soul during Pathological section.
Master of: Qi
In the context of the translation of all TCM terminology into English, Qi is the only one that we will maintain as there is none better word to use for the explanation of this vital component in TCM Fundamentals. Qi is also the commander of Blood in the TCM context and turns blood will produce Qi.
So Qi is also the combination of nature basic essential energy resulting from the metabolism of the food digestion and the gasification with the innate Qi to form the energy that characterises the continuous growth and movement of the body.
The Lung, is the Master of Qi, will perform all the Physiological Functions described as above(please roll-up).
Grouping to 5 Elements: Metal
The metallic substance in the 5 Elements is depicted as having the characteristics that can be shaped into a tool to 'chop' into the wood much like consuming the other element.
I'll discuss this in my blogs later on.
Orifice: The Nose
The Lung has its Gateway at the Nose. Then the main functions of the biological nose are:
- the sense of smell and
- to act as a channel to ensure a smooth and clear passage for breathing.
Off course, it's also the opening where seasonal viruses can enter the body.
Bodily Association: The Skin
Here is where the Lung has a direct association with the Integumental System. Again the Integumental System consists of the Skin, Hair, Nails and Exocrine Glands. The Skin acts as the most superficial layer of protection for the body and also to hold everything within the SKIN. The Lung uses this association
- to regulate body temperature
- to defend against illness invasion in which is referring to the 'Wei' Qi in the defence mechanism
States of Conditions: Manifests in the Hair
Have you ever see the hair grey at an early age?
That is a telltale sign of the Lung's Condition. So the condition of the Lung will be determined by how well can the Lung facilitate breathing with the Heart.
The usual type of Hair being observed are:
- Brittle and Dry
- Grow in all directions with 2 mixed Colours
- No Glossy Look or Glamorous
All these are causes telling you how nutrition is being fed to the hair follicles and the amount of sebum to be secreted by the sebaceous gland to lubricate the hair keratin and the skin from the dermis layer. (Diagram)
Emotion Classification: Worry(Anxiety)
The Emotion Classification for the Lung is Worry or Anxiety. Worry or Anxiety usually comes with someone who feels unhappy or even frightened because of some problems or unpleasant things that might happen.
I will discuss further in my blog on clinical studies.
Liquidity State: Nasal Mucus
The Lung has become Nasal Mucus in its liquid state as used in the TCM Fundamentals.
There are a few types of mucus:
I will discuss this in my later blogs.
Correlation Match: Large Intestine
The correlated match for the Lung is the Large Intestine in TCM Fundamentals.
Again this will be discussed in my blog later on.
***Reference:
( Emperor's Interior Sutra is available on sales better known as the esoteric scripture of the yellow emperor in Amazon, it's just a different way of naming the book cover)
Best of all,
Xiong