Each of the Five Elements in Chinese Medicine has a corresponding organ system.  Each of the Elements and their organs are connected very closely with all four of the other Elements.  Together, they make up the ecosystem of the body, mind and spirit.  These Five Elements are what Zen5′s Chinese Medicine practitioners use to make a diagnosis of our clients.  We then use the information to make a treatment plan that helps get the client’s body, mind and spirit back to optimum balance and health.  By creating internal balance using the Five Elements, we help to establish harmony in body, mind and spirit.

In Chinese medicine, the Lungs are considered to be the storehouse of fluid for the whole body.  They are the primary organ in the Metal Element.   Lung energy is fed by the “Zong”(gathering) Qi, which helps to maintain the function of the energies in the chest.   Air enters and exits the body through the Lungs, and exhalation of air is part of the reason that the ancient Chinese believed that the Lungs were in charge of Grief and letting go emotionally to resolve it.  Working with the Stomach, they are responsible for immunity – via the Wei (or protective) Qi, because both Lung and Stomach are the closest of our internal organs to the outside – Stomach absorbs things directly through the mouth, Lung absorbs things directly through the nose.  The Lungs also rule the skin, and the opening and closing of the pores – part of what happens when the immune system is compromised – in the form of normal and abnormal sweating.  The skin is seen in Chinese Medicine as an external reflection of the Lung as an internal organ.  The Lungs can be affected by environmental factors like Wind (Hayfever or dry cough), Cold or Heat (colds and flu, all year round), Damp or Dryness (Chronic cough and/or Asthma).