Meridians and Acupuncture Points – by Heather Wisely L.Ac

Meridians and Acupuncture Points – by Heather Wisely L.Ac 

Lungs and Inspiration 

It is not a coincidence that the word inspiration can mean both breathing and to be inspired by an ethereal presence.  The Spirit of the Lungs connects us to a higher power and the emotion of the Lung is grief, which manifests when someone we love is released to that higher power. Much like our lungs are about both bringing in the pure and releasing what is no longer needed. It grants us the inspiration of a breath of fresh air. This manifests physically as breathing in the clean, crisp fall air, filling us with the oxygen we need to think clearly, and our bodies to function optimally. 

But what happens to our mind and spirit if waste keeps building up and doesn’t get released? Then we are unable to take in purity. Instead of tranquility and inspiration, spontaneity and freshness, we feel depression, stubbornness (inability to “let go”), isolation, negativity. When the Lung is stressed, weak or dis-eased symptoms such as bronchitis, shortness of breath, cough, allergies, nasal congestion, emphysema and common colds may manifest. 

                                                        

 

Large Intestine and Letting Go 

The large intestine is responsible for letting go of the waste. It is the last stage in digestion, and takes everything the body doesn’t need, and releases it, only keeping what is vital and important for us to function. This happens not only on a physical level but also on an emotional, mental and spiritual level as well. Think of the daily onslaught of “garbage” directed at our minds and our spirit. We need to eliminate mental and spiritual rubbish as well, lest our minds become constipated, unable to experience the pure and the beautiful that also surround us.  

Often, people with elimination problems like chronic constipation can have problems letting go of things emotionally. Additional symptoms of the Large Intestine being physically or energetically stressed include, diarrhea, spastic colon, and abdominal pain.  

Grief 

In Chinese medicine, every organ is associated with an emotion, and the emotion of the lungs is sadness and grief. We all experience loss, separation, and “letting go,” and we appropriately feel grief at those times. Grief cleanses us of what is no longer needed in our lives. Grief that is expressed fully and resolved is strengthening both physically and psychologically. Therefore, it is not avoiding grief, but rather dealing with it in a healthy way that is the key to being happy and maintaining balance in all aspects of life. 

When the energy of Metal is blocked or imbalanced within us, our expression of grief likewise becomes imbalanced and inappropriate. It may be excessive and ongoing. Or, in the other extreme, it may be absent, as in those who cannot express their grief. The lungs are also associated with attachment, so if you have a hard time letting go of people, objects, experiences or spend a lot of time reliving the past, this can point to a deficiency of the lungs.  

Restoring our Metal
In the season of autumn, the Lungs and Large Intestine are at their peak and particularly amenable to treatment. Fortunately, using the system of Chinese medicine, we can resurrect and rebuild these organs within us – in their physical expression as well as in mind and spirit. Acupuncturists help restore our Metal using needles and their knowledge of energy. We also can help ourselves by learning about the nature of the season and then acting in harmony with its spirit.