Introduction to TCM Meridians plus Maps of LU & LI Meridians. In this lesson, you will learn about the Composition of the System of Meridian doctrine. You will hear about the names, courses, and connections of the Twelve Regular Meridians and their distribution within the body. Then you will focus on:
- Lung channel of hand taiyin, LU
- Large intestine channel of hand yangming, LI
Practical application: prevention of a headache and cough
In Chinese medicine, the Lung has three major functions. First, governing the Qi. second, governing diffusion and descent. And third, regulating the waterways. First, governing the Qi. The Lung is in charge of Breathing-qi. The Lung is the chief organ for the exchange of air, between the interior and exterior of the body.
The Lung spreads the Qi all over the body by ways of Heart channels, thus warming the viscera, bowels and tissues, and maintaining normal physiological activities. Second, governing diffusion and descent. Diffusion means that the Lung has activity of discharging the air to be exhaled, disseminating Defensive-qi, food Essence, and Body Fluids throughout the body, so as to nourish the body.
Descent means inhaling the fresh air, clearing the airways, and sending down the Qi of the Lung to disseminate Water and Body Fluids. Third, for the function of regulating the waterways. The Lung’s activity of governing diffusion and descent is associated with the diffusion and dispersion of Water. This is the reason for the saying, “the Lung has the function of controlling Water passages.” This activity is mainly included in three processes: sweat, respiration, and excretion.
Of the three, sweating and urination in particular, are the major ways through which Water is released by the body. The Body Fluids absorbed from food and water, go to the whole body to nourish and moisten. It is done through the dispersing function of Lung-qi.
By the descending action of Lung-qi, the Body Fluids go down to the Kidney. The turbid and useless part of the fluid is then turned into urine, which then goes into the Urinary Bladder to be discharged out of the body.
This activity of the Lung promoting Water metabolism is the reason behind “The Lung is the upper source of Water” described in ancient Chinese medicine books.
Citation: Chinese University of Hong Kong
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