By Harry Chrissakis, Herbalist, Natural Medicine
When I am working with a client I think in 2 different paradigms. One is the physiologic/anatomical model of the west and the other is the energetic model of the east. In my head, these cultural paradigms function as 2 distinct languages with minimal overlap. In this case I would start with the energetic model. In TCM the 2 organ systems involved with lung function are the Kidneys and the Lungs. Spleen channel is involved as well but for simplicity’s sake in description I am leaving it out. When treating the lungs, the Heart has to be brought into the picture because of its physical proximity and physiologic relationship to the lungs. In the energetic theory, the Kidneys energy system has to do with breath inhalation and the lungs with exhalation. In TCM the kidneys are our battery that sets up the basic energy for organs to function. When we breathe in, the energy from the air combines with the much deeper energy of the kidneys. Digesting air is the responsibility of both Kidney and Lung organ systems. If the Kidneys are weak so is the Neuro-Endocrine system. Fear really drains the Kidney energy and we certainly have plenty of fear going around these days. The Kidney/ Neuro-Endocrine system weakens with age as well. Long term stressors (life on earth) takes its toll. This can be slowed down with plant medicine, supplementation and a good diet. Adaptogens and tonics are premier in helping the Kidney energy. Two herbs that come to mind are Ginseng and Cordyceps. The capacity to breath deep into the lungs is increased with use of these 2 herbs. With that deeper breath comes the ability to properly digest the air. The term used in TCM is that the Kidneys anchor the breath. The lungs stand on the Kidney energy.
Besides taking in air, the lungs have the responsibility of creating and distributing a defensive energy (known as Wei Chi in TCM) to the surface of the body in order to act as a protective defense against pathological invasion. Wei Chi also has to do with the health of the skin as well as regulating the pores of the skin in its ability to sweat and cool us down. Part of translating Wei Chi to a western model means it has to do with innate immune response. One of the best herbs for strengthening first line lung immune defense is Echinacea. How it is used under these conditions is different than how it is understood by the general public. Historically,(all throughout the 1800 in the U.S.) Echinacea was used year round to prevent colds/flues and to strengthen the lungs. It was one of the leading herbs of both the Eclectics and the Physio-Medicalists who along with Homeopaths constituted the majority of medical practitioner is the U.S. at that time. It was not used to treat colds. Echinacea sharpens and strengthens immune response by modulating interferon and something called compliment. Both of these are part of innate immune response. It also encourages the maturation and attack capacities of Natural Killer cells which is our last line of defense against virally infected cells and cancer cells.
When Wei Chi is low, the body and lungs in particular are open to attack. Easily acquired colds and flus are the results. The lungs are also subject to drying which also imparts vulnerability. Along with tonifying the kidney energy it is also necessary to tonify Wei Chi and moisten the lungs. Astragalus is historically used this way along with moistening tonics like Licorice. Although Astragalus is not an Adaptogen, it is still a superb tonic with broad actions on the Lungs, Bone Marrow, Liver and Heart. It is probably the singular best herb for increasing the Lung’s Wei Chi. Licorice has a complex array of constituents that both moisten and heal tissue as well as help tonify our adrenal glands. Astragalus and Licorice are prominent in Fu Zhen therapy. Fu Zhen therapy, developed by TCM, involves the use of plant medicines to help protect the body from the downsides of both chemo and radiation. One of the great shortcomings of Western Oncology is the lack of interest in applying these proven ideas in its approach to cancer.
When working with the Lungs longer term, it is necessary to look at its detoxification system, improve oxygenation as well as insure blood quality (so the flow and perfusion into the lungs is up to par).Many of the same plant medicines and supplements that are used to help the liver detox, help the lungs detox as well. This is born out of the fact that they share a somewhat similar detox system based on a group of enzymes known as the Cytochrome P 450 group (about 100 different enzymes) and that the lungs are also dependent, for its safety, on the endogenously produced anti-oxidant Glutathione. Much of lung health is also dependent upon having the right nutrients in the right amounts. Some simple ones are Vit D, Zinc, Vit C, Quercetin, and Essential fatty Acids. TCM says that vegetables and fruits white in color are beneficial to the lungs. Modern science says so are things that are high in carotenoids (yellow, orange and red) and chlorophyll. Keeping lung health up is even more important in our contemporary world. Air pollution has become a significant factor in the development of Lung Cancer in Non- smokers. Due to this, Lung Cancer in Non smokers has become one of the leading causes of Cancer deaths in the U.S. Smoking tobacco is still by far the leading cause of Lung cancer which kills about 350,000 people a year in the U.S. Lung cancer constitutes half of all cancer deaths in the U.S.
As an aside, Vit D given in high dosage levels via injection ( i.e. 50,000 units at a time) is not a good strategy. Results are not the same (sub-optimal) as letting the body adjust to lower dosage, given orally, over a longer period of time i.e. 5-10,000 units over periods of weeks or months. Also measuring Vit D levels through lab work should include both forms; 1,25OH (which is rarely looked at) as well as the 25 OH which is the final form commonly measured by Standard Practice. Difference being some people do not convert the 1,25 oh into the 25 oh leaving them vulnerable to joint and vascular problems, due to calcium precipitation in the long run. These are not expensive tests.
Helping the heart bear some of the weight put on it by weakened lungs can be done in conjunction with the rest of the approach. Once again Astragalus comes up. It is not well recognized as a heart tonic, but in fact is an excellent one. Add Hawthorn and Arjuna and the supplements CoQ10 along with Alpha Lipoic Acid. This would be a good foundation to build on in order to assist the heart.
It is interesting to note that the Sars 2 Covid virus finds its entry into the body through the Ace 2 receptor. This receptor is central to the Kidney , Lung, and Heart blood pressure maintenance system. By the results of what the virus does to the blood quality and flow it is suggesting it is a blood borne disorder (Theory put forth by Dr. Miller). Because of this possibility and a few other anomalies, Covid is not behaving as a seasonal flu would. That being said and by the fact of breakthrough cases, it is ever more important that our immune system and lungs in particular stay strong.
Harry Chrissakis Herbalist, Natural Medicine
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