What Do the Lung, Skin and Large Intestine Have in Common?

Lung

The Lung Network refers to the whole respiratory system and includes the nose and sinuses, nasopharynx, bronchi, skin and mucous membranes, body hair, and sclera of the eye. Since most human energy is derived from air, it is the activity of respiration that drives Qi throughout—providing vitality for the body, mind and spirit. The lung is YIN in nature and considered the source of inspiration.

• Boundary – The Lung Network’s task both physically and spiritually, is that of making a boundary between the inner and the outer world. The Lungprovides rhythm, structure, and defense.
• Breath – We take in air from the environment in the form of oxygen (Pure Qi) which supplies cells to the blood to circulate throughout the body. We breathe out oxygen-poor air in the form of carbon dioxide (Impure Qi). The lung guides this refined essence downward from the head, to the chest and abdomen and outward to the muscles, skin and extremities. This constant exchange in the cycles of breathing maintains the correct function of all the body’s processes that need Qi
• Barometer of Health – Shortness of breath, inflammation, prolonged coughing, chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, high blood pressure, hoarseness or weakness in the voice, and headaches are indications of Qi weakness associated with the lungsystem.

Skin

The skin is an integral part of the Lung Network and is often referred to as the “third lung”. The pores of the skin are seen as the ‘doors of Qi’ allowing energy to flow into and out of our body. The health of the skin is a direct reflection of the strength of the Lung Qi. When the Lung Network is vigorous and strong, the skin is smooth, supple, and vibrant.

• Boundary – Our skin functions as the outermost surface of the self both protecting us from the outer environment and containing us. The sensory function of the skin helps us react quickly to dangerous situations such as extreme warm, cold, or sharpness.
• Breath – The Lung Networkmanages external security through the skin – opening and closing the pores to adjusts the moisture and temperature of the body. It thickens or thins the skin to help us rid toxins from our body in the form of sweat, and it seals in valuable internal resources. Our skin sloughs off the outer layer (epidermis) and removes harmful pathogens in the process.
• Barometer of Health — many underlying health conditions first appear as skin problems in the form of dryness, rashes, discolorations, inflammations, indentations, changes in color or texture and more. If our Lung Qi is weak, our physical and emotional protection is reduced— making us vulnerable to illness and negative thoughts.

Large Intestine

The Large Intestine is the Yang partner of the Lung Network; both are externally-internally related. The Large Intestine continues the process of refining that begins in the Lung Network through the processes of digestion and metabolism. By letting go of stale air and expelling bodily waste, both the Lung Networkand Large Intestine separate out that which we no longer need- promoting the processes of distillation, individuation, and elimination.

• Boundary – the Large Intestine Networkmaintains the integrity of the digestive system so that invaders do not penetrate into the blood. The Colon has the function of eliminating what is unnecessary or toxic from our bodies.
• Nutrition – the main function of the Large Intestine-is to take in food from the small intestine, absorb fluids and let go of the waste. Like breathing, the Large Intestine takes in and lets go, separating the pure from the impure both physiologically and spiritually- helping us to define what is us and not us, what is useful and useless, beneficial and harmful, right from wrong.
• Barometer of Health – The color, size, shape, texture, and odor of our waste speaks volumes about the overall state of our health and wellbeing. When Large Intestine Qi doesn’t flow properly, we have digestive disorders – constipation or diarrhea, distinctions become unclear and the mind becomes cluttered. Letting go of unnecessary thoughts, feelings, and attachments is made easier when the Lung and Large Intestine function optimally.