Although the five organs are independent, they are closely related to each other, and a lesion in any one organ will involve the other organs, so the focus of TCM treatment of disease is on whole-body conditioning. In recent years, the incidence of lung diseases has increased year by year, especially bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer. In treating lung diseases, the basis of TCM’s regimen is to strengthen the spleen and stomach.
Why is strengthening the spleen and stomach related to lung health?
According to TCM, the spleen is the source of phlegm production, and strengthening the spleen and stomach can remove the source of phlegm. When wind and cold invade the body, the pores of the whole body are closed and it is difficult to expel wind and cold and turn into heat, resulting in a runny nose, dry nose, and throat, sore and heavy limbs, and easy sneezing. According to TCM, acute exacerbation of chronic respiratory diseases is often accompanied by external factors, as well as chest tightness, shortness of breath, and phlegm, so the basis of treatment is to strengthen the spleen and stomach. In the treatment of lung cancer, especially for radiotherapy and chemotherapy, the principle of strengthening the spleen and protecting the stomach, and supplementing the attack is the principle of conditioning, to alleviate the side effects brought by radiotherapy and chemotherapy, thus enhancing the appetite and improving the quality of survival.
What are the points to be achieved in Chinese medicine for lung health?
1. Scientific use of drugs
When using the medicine, it is necessary to clear the lung in moderation, focusing on clearing lung heat and not using too cold drugs to avoid harming stomach qi. In case of persistent cough, itchy throat, dry and itchy nasal cavity, or diarrhea and skin rash after receiving targeted drug therapy, lung cancer patients need to use heat-clearing and wind-eliminating herbs, such as raw lotus leaf, raw acacia flower, groundnut, etc. The right medicine should be selected according to the accompanying symptoms, which can improve the efficacy of treatment. For tumor patients who are weak after radiotherapy and chemotherapy and have reduced white blood cell count, they need to choose Radix et Rhizoma Ligustrum and Radix Astragali to achieve double tonicity of Qi and Yin; Fructus Anemarrhena and Fructus Suspensa have the effects of resolving dampness and stomach, pungent and warm to relieve the symptoms; Cynanchum and Bletilla can assist in treating coughing up blood.
2. Drink more water
The lungs are delicate and simply cannot withstand the invasion of external bacteria or harmful substances, so they should be conditioned and made strong. Increase or decrease clothes according to weather changes, and wear a mask when going out to avoid contact with flu patients. Stay away from cold and spicy foods, drink more plain water to lubricate the lungs as well as the respiratory tract; eat foods with nourishing and moistening effects on the lungs, such as white radish, almonds, and snow pears, etc. appropriately.
3. Tonics
Under the guidance of traditional Chinese medicine practitioners, the herbal ingredients include Chen Pi Fu Ling, Xia Ku Cao, Fried Atractylodes Macrocephalae, Fried Wheat Sprouts, Aconite Bone, Fructus Anemarrhenae and Radix Platycodon, as well as Fritillariae, Mulberry Bark and Scutellariae, which help to clear lung heat.
Warm Tips
Hot water-soaking feet can also nourish the lungs, the water temperature is about 40 ℃, while soaking feet, while massaging the heart of the feet, helps to relax the tendons and activate the chakras. 7:00 to 9:00 in the morning is the golden period of lung health, maybe outdoor aerobic exercise, such as walking, cycling, and jogging, etc., to help strengthen lung function.