LUNG (Zang-Fu Pathomechanisms)

Question 1

Important LUNG features:

Answer 1

• Opens through the nostrils
• Controls throat & voice (=/= speech)
• Vulnerable to external evils** (“delicate Zang”)
• Interconnects w/m SKIN
• Moves the Qi around the whole body
• Helps create Original Qi.
• Easily accumulates phlegm & becomes dry

Question 2

Primary LUNG symptoms:

Answer 2

Coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath

Question 3

The LUNG’S 2 ACTIONS:

Answer 3

“DIFFUSION & DOWNBEARING”

DIFFUSION: powered by EXHALATION, moves qi outward from chest (to skin surface) & circulates fluids

DOWNBEARING: powered by INHALATION, energy sent down to Kidney Yang/Ming Men which absorbs and “draws it deeper”

Question 4

Diffusion & downbearing can be impaired by:

Answer 4

• External evils
• Phlegm
• Lung Qi deficiency
• Kidney Yang deficiency

Question 5

The LUNG is the “Upper source of _____.”

Answer 5

WATER

Diffusion: sends fluids throughout the body and sweat to skin’s surface. [ Pores can become blocked ]

“Depurative downbearing”: water purified & conveyed downward to bladder

Question 6

“The LUNG governs the ____ of the whole body.”

Answer 6

QI.

Supplies Da Qi/Great Qi for the creation of Original Qi

Impaired Lung function can weaken the Qi of the whole body.

Question 7

“The LUNG governs the _____.”

Answer 7

SKIN (and surface hair).

• Movement of Wei Qi and SWEAT (sweat ducts)
• BUT very few skin diseases involve the Lung