How to Protect the Lungs : ways to heal and regenerate

The Lungs are the organs of respiration, responsible for supplying oxygenated blood to every organ of the body and eliminating the waste matter from the cells through our expiration. The word used for breathing in is “inspiration,” which is the main function of the Lung, both physically and spiritually. To be properly “inspired,” we must create space by getting the old stale air out, along with old, preconceived notions of reality.

Psycho - Emotional Aspects

In emotional and spiritual terms, the Lungs balance the ability to yield and demand, give and take, hold on and let go. When the Lung (Metal) energy is out of balance, order and discipline are rigidly maintained, the emotions are kept under tight control, rules and routines become inflexible, and the body begins to stiffen up. Physically we are more prone to bronchial infections, congestion and sinusitis. Our allergies are amplified and issues like asthma and heaviness of the chest can appear.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine the corresponding organ to the Lungs (yin) is the large intestine (yang). 

The Large Intestine is our great reminder of how to expel that which no longer serves us, as well as providing us with enough fuel to enter our next stage of evolution. Metal, which governs organization, communication and our mind, assists the process by helping us set limits and protecting boundaries. This season can be a tough one for most to deal with, as it can deeply tap into our core issues, on an emotional and physical level. Metal provides us the power to refine ourselves, and boost us into the next state of our cycle, with no drama. Meaning it peels the dramatic none-sense (which is often the sadness and grief classic association to the lungs), manifesting situations that demand the sword of truth to rip it open. 

The large intestine (LI) here is a great reminder on how to view the end stages of a cycle. Energetically it is said to be the main energy channel that assists us in letting go of our attachments, as well as mind, body + soul toxicity. The metal tie-in to this reminds us that the actual waste itself carries a major load of energy, that it actually give us strength to evolve. Like compost, we process waste and alchemize a form of fortified soil to nourish our garden. 

With these forces in play, energetically it can certainly provide an existential crisis on a lot of levels, orienting us to really See where we are going and how we are choosing to live our life. Whether it's about our life’s work, our accomplishments as an adult, our ability to sustain our current life, and current friendships that not might be turing out to be what we expected.  

BREATHE

Various systems of self-mastery teach that by controlling your breath, you can achieve and maintain physical vigor, mental clarity and emotional tranquility. The ancient Taoists developed a practical discipline of breathing called Qi Gong to increase vitality, extend lifespan, and prevent disease. This is a wonderful skill to learn as the Summer gives way to Fall. Another example is Kundalini yoga, which is a rigorous practice of many different kinds of breathing techniques to access higher consciousness 

SLEEP

Sleep is another important aspect of staying healthy in the Fall. The ancients advised that people should retire early at night and rise with the crowing of the rooster during the autumn. "Soul and spirit should be tranquil and to keep their lung pure they should not give vent to their desires."

“The lungs control the circulation of the Wei-Qi, which is the defensive Qi that protects you from the invasion of flu and colds. The Wei-Qi circulates on the surface between the skin and muscles and works to warm the body. If the Wei-Qi is weak, the skin and muscles will not be warmed properly. This is why people tend to feel cold when they're sick. A weakness in the lungs can lead to a weakness in the Wei-Qi, making a person prone to frequent colds.”

LET GO

Lets unburden ourselves of old hurts and resentments. A good exercise is to write down the hurts and resentments we feel lingering from the previous year. Don't over think it, just let it pour out. There is something really special that happens when you write it down and observe it. 

ORGANIZE YOURSELF

As you work to organize your life, try to focus on what you have accomplished rather than fretting about all the work that remains to be done.

MAKE SPACE FOR BREATHWORK + TLC

Remember that creating a practice of love and care for yourself actually makes you more efficient. Running yourself down with work and never ending to-do lists (that do not include YOU) actually make you perform poorly. Take the time to meditate, do breath work, and take class  

TAKE HERBS TO CLEAR THE PASSAGE

The nose is the opening to the lungs, and you can prevent colds by keeping your nose and sinuses clean and clear. Using a netti pot with some sea salt and water helps rid the nose of excess mucus. If you suffer from a runny nose, sinus infections, and common colds, I highly recommend aromatic herbs like echinacea, garlic, ginger, comfrey, marshmallow, and fennel. 

What you eat also greatly affects the health of your lungs. Eating excess cold and raw foods creates dampness or phlegm which is produced by the spleen and stored by the lungs. In Chinese Medicine the health of the spleen also correlates to the lungs; for example, if a spleen is weak, there is a propensity for colds and sinus problems. Dairy products, such as milk, cheese, cream, and butter also create phlegm, while moderate amounts of pungent foods like garlic, onions, ginger, horseradish, and mustard are beneficial to the lungs.

 : REISHI :

So many of you have requested our mushrooms to be sold individually, and here we are! Our Reishi is 100% organically grown in Washington by a mushroom whisperer.