Spring may be coming, but we look back to the end of autumn and the beginning of winter to November. According to traditional Chinese medicine, in NOVEMBERmost at risk and weakened Lungs. They are a fragile organ, intolerant of cold and heat. They are the highest of all organs, they extend above them as a protection, which is why they were given the nickname „canopy“ in old medical texts. They are the main organ that manages the movement and exchange of qi (the basic life-giving and motive force) throughout the body.
All the blood of the human body passes through the lungs, which is why the lungs are also called the courtroom of all blood vessels. They control the skin and body hair. The nose is the external outlet of the qi of the lungs. The mucus, which is supposed to moisten the nasal cavity, is controlled by the lungs. The lungs also affect the voice, as they control it, they are the gateway to the voice. Of the five basic emotional elements, the lungs are associated with grief and sorrow. The organ clock tells us that the lungs work hardest between 3. until 5 a.m..
The lungs support, supplement and regulate the qi of all internal organs.
How do we know if the lungs are weakened?
The work of the entire respiratory system depends on the good condition of the lungs. If the lungs are not in good condition, neither are the bronchi and trachea. Chinese medicine sees the cause of various respiratory disorders, coughs, bronchitis, asthma, shortness of breath and other problems as a weakening of the lungs and their qi (or even the kidneys, which provide qi). If the lungs' function in controlling the movement of water is impaired, mucus thickens and soft watery swellings develop. Shortness of breath, palpitations, blueness of the lips and tongue are caused by a weakened lung qi, which does not adequately perform the function of controlling blood circulation and replenishing blood. Healthy lungs are manifested by healthy skin and strong defensive qi that ensures the body's defenses. If the qi of the lungs is weakened, the quality of the skin, hair, sweat glands and immunity deteriorates. It also has a great effect on changes in the quality of the voice.
How to get balance and how to strengthen the lungs?
It's very simple, let's be connected to nature, observe it closely, imitate it and our lungs will be strong. It is important to go to bed earlier, get up early in the morning, preferably with the sunrise, to ensure peace of mind. Just as the trees retreat into themselves, let us gather mental and physical energy for the winter months, turning our attention to ourselves, not to the outside world. Let's spend a lot of time in the fresh air, learning proper breathing techniques to ensure that the body gets enough oxygen. The best medicine for the lungs and the colon is exercise. Avoid smoky environments, frequent nocturnal activities. Breathing in and out includes the ability to take and give. Breathing must be harmonious, so must the taking and giving in life.
What foods help lung health?
Autumn is a dry season, so we should moisturize our lungs more. Dryness is bad for the lungs. A good food is whole grain rice, which supplies the qi organs and protects them from drying out. Also, fine white vegetables such as celery, cauliflower and black root have a beneficial effect on the organs of metal. Radishes, leeks, onions, horseradish and hot spices are good helpers. The taste of the Metal element is pungent. These foods strengthen the lungs and increase immunity. To avoid colds, consume meat broths and vegetable soups with legumes, plenty of leeks, onions and spices. Among vegetables, we recommend white cabbage, kohlrabi, carrots, garlic and fermented vegetables. Of fruits, grapes, pear, apricots, apples, dates are suitable. Cinnamon, aniseed, fennel, liquorice, ginger and many others warm us up. Even in herbs we look for helpers, they are plantain, milk thistle, lungwort, nettle, calendula. We try to completely avoid foods that bring coldness into the body and overwhelm us, such as dairy products and white flour. We limit the consumption of coffee and black tea.
This article was published with the kind permission of of the magazine Sphere
casopis-sfera.cz / gnews.cz-HeK
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