A healthy spleen for strong lungs
In the Five Elements theory, Earth (Spleen/Stomach) nourishes Metal (Lung/Large Intestine). This means that good digestion is the foundation for strong lung and skin energy.
The Earth: Source of Postnatal Qi
The spleen and stomach draw energy (qi) and blood from food and drink. If this function is weak, the following occurs:
Little “fuel” for all other organs.
Tendency to dampness/dampness (heavy limbs, lethargic feeling).
Fewer building materials for the lungs and skin.
The Metal: Border and Exchange
The Lungs regulate:
Breathing (exchange with the outside world).
The skin and pores (bodily boundary).
The distribution of Wei Qi over the surface.
When the Earth is weak, the Metal has less material to work with: the “wall” becomes thinner, breathing less efficient, and resistance more fragile.
Clinical application
Rather than looking directly at the Lungs when there is sensitivity to external influences, a TCM therapist will often first support the Spleen:
Eat warm, light and regularly.
Less cold drinks and raw foods.
Formulas or foods that strengthen Spleen energy.
In this way the base (Earth) is strengthened, which causes the Metal (Lungs, skin and resistance) to recover automatically.