In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the lungs are closely associated with the emotions of sadness and grief. These emotions can significantly impact lung function and overall health.
Connection Between Lungs and Emotions
1. **Emotional Influence**:
Grief and sadness are seen as primary emotions affecting the lungs. Prolonged or unprocessed grief can lead to a depletion of *qi* (energy), resulting in symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and a weakened immune system.
2. **Physiological Impact**:
The lungs are responsible for dispersing *qi* throughout the body. When grief is unresolved, it can create a disharmony in the lung meridian, which may lead to physical ailments like asthma or respiratory issues. This is because the lungs also govern *wei qi*, the body's defensive energy, which can diminish during periods of emotional distress.
3. **Healing Approaches**:
TCM offers various treatment options, including acupuncture points like Lung 3 (Tianfu) and Lung 7 (Lieque), which are effective in processing grief and supporting lung health. These points help in expressing emotions and restoring energy balance.