The Lungs — Breath, Grief, and the Space Between

The autumn is the season of the lungs.

In Chinese medicine, the Lungs are called the delicate organ. They sit high in the body and bridge the inner world with the outer one — taking in air, releasing what’s no longer needed, and keeping our boundaries clear.

They’re also home to po, the corporeal soul — that part of spirit linked to instinct, presence, and grief. When the Lungs are strong, we breathe easily and adapt gracefully. When they’re out of balance, we may feel breathless, guarded, or heavy-hearted.

When the Lungs Are Deficient

Lung Qi deficiency is one of the gentler but most persistent imbalances in TCM. It often arises after prolonged stress, illness, or emotional strain — especially grief that hasn’t had room to move.

Common signs:

• Shortness of breath or weak voice

• Fatigue, low immunity, frequent colds

• Spontaneous sweating

• Dry skin or a pale complexion

• Sadness or a feeling of disconnection

Support it by:

• Breathing deeply and slowly. Gentle walks or qigong in fresh air nourish Lung qi.

• Warming foods and teas. Ginger, garlic, and miso broth can strengthen the system.

• Moistening foods. Pears, honey, sesame seeds, and white mushrooms soothe dryness.

• Acupuncture and herbs can strengthen the Lung’s defensive qi (wei qi), helping you resist illness and recover faster.

When the Lungs Are Excess

An excess pattern usually means heat, phlegm, or external invasion. In plain terms: the system is overworked, congested, or inflamed.

Signs of Lung Heat or Phlegm:

• Cough with thick yellow mucus

• Chest congestion, sore throat, or fever

• Irritability or dryness in the mouth and nose

• Red tongue, rapid pulse

Support it by:

• Cooling and clearing foods. Radish, daikon, pear, chrysanthemum tea, and mint help release heat.

• Avoiding mucus-forming foods. Dairy, sugar, and fried foods can worsen phlegm.

• Herbal medicine is often key here — to clear the heat or transform phlegm safely without weakening Lung qi.

The Lungs and Emotion

In TCM, each organ resonates with an emotion. For the Lungs, it’s grief — the ache of letting go.When qi is stuck, tears may come easily. When qi is deficient, it can feel like the tears can’t come at all.

Breathing practices, journaling, singing, and time in nature all help the Lungs release and receive again. Healing often starts simply — with one full breath.

A Healing Perspective

Whether the Lungs are tired or congested, the goal is the same: restore flow and rhythm. Acupuncture and herbs help the breath return to its natural state — soft, full, and steady.

When the Lungs are balanced, the body feels lighter, emotions move freely, and vitality returns with every inhale.