Herbal Healing & Acupressure for the Lungs

Indigenous people around the world have generally associated health with being in tune with nature. From the ancient Taoists to the Amerindians, individuals strived to align themselves with the elements of nature and with higher forces in order to nourish health and happiness.

Today, this basic idea persists as holistic medicine. Naturopaths, herbalists, aromatherapists, and the like are all biased toward remedies that can be considered natural. They integrate dietary and lifestyle changes into protocol as well, which also tend toward a more "natural" existence: plenty of activity, fresh air, natural organic foods, home cooking, a positive mental outlook, etc. A person who strives for natural health also avoids chemicals in their food and environment, electromagnetic radiation (from television, computers, fluorescent lighting, etc.), inactivity, chemically produced drugs, and unhealthy personal relationships.

Many diseases of today are associated with the modern lifestyle. Inactivity, toxic and excessive foods, various kinds of pollution and radiation in the environment... all contribute to the stagnation that develops in the body, emotions, and mind and manifests as disease. The modern man is out of tune. Central heating and air conditioning has put people out of touch with the seasons. Electric lighting, television, and computers has put people out of touch with the sunset and nature's evening; which, consequently, has also put people out of touch with the morning- the magical "crack of dawn". Modern farming and food preservation has put people out of touch with local and seasonal foods. We are so far removed from the natural world that even "natural remedies" are purchased in bottles; pills that were manufactured who-knows-where(-or-when).

In Traditional Chinese Medicine autumn is associated with the lungs. Special care is given this time of the year to nourishing and protecting the lungs. Licorice, ginseng, elecampane, calamus, and other tonic roots are popular at this time. Roots in general are very good- the energy of autumn drives the plants' vital forces down into the ground.

Carrots, parsnips, rutabagas, burdock, and other root crops are also very good to eat. Other harvest season crops such as grains, beans, nuts, and seeds are also harmonious to consume this time of the year. Aco
s are one of my favorite autumn foods. They also have a long traditional use in the treatment of lung diseases.

It is also important to invigorate the lungs with exercise and perhaps breathing exercises. It is good, too, just to be outside enjoying the autumn air and beauty of the falling leaves.

The lungs are associated with grief. Lung problems can develop from emotional imbalances and working through such imbalances can help to clear and strengthen the lungs.

Acupressure given to the lung meridian and various other acupoints helps to stimulate energy flow that nourishes the lungs and removes stagnation. The lung meridian begins on the chest and goes to both thumbs. Especially potent spots along the meridian include the depression above the breast and below the collar bone, and the pad of the thumb. You can massage these areas yourself or receive an acupressure treatment. Treating the upper back with acupressure is also very good for the lungs.

Herbs like marshmallow, slippery elm, Solomon's seal, and shatavari (asparagus root) help to moisten the lungs. Herbs like osha, ginger, pine, and lobelia help to remove mucus and congestion from the lungs. Mullein is one of the best all around herbs for the lungs. It is very popular and has been used for a wide variety of lung issues. Licorice is also very good. It boosts the vitality of the lungs and of the immune system. It warms and stimulates, while also nourishing and protecting the lungs' precious fluids.

Autumn is also a good time for edible and medicinal mushrooms. Mushrooms help to remove mucus from the lungs. And mushroom hunting is a great way to get outside for a hike.

Such is natural medicine. We do not merely use an herb instead of a pharmaceutical, but we take into consideration the vast array of factors that play into health or the lack thereof.