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Chinese Theories Regarding the Lungs

Shin Nong classified the lungs as belonging to the mineral element. Just as the heart controls the blood circulation, the lungs control the air circulation of the human system. The highest note caused by the passage of air from the lungs through the larynx resembles the highest metallic sound that can be gotten from metals, which also belong to the mineral element. Just as air circulates in nature, the lungs send air through the human body. The lungs breathe in air directly through the nose and mouth, and indirectly through the pores. When the lungs exhale cold air, all the pores of the skin also exhale cool air. When the lungs exhale heated air, that exhaled through the pores, which are like the radiator of an engine, is also warm. If the blood of the lungs is in good condition, and the pores of the body are kept clean, while at the same time the lungs are free from inflammation, impurities, and abnormal temperature of foreign origin, the lungs are strong and healthy.

Herbs of white color and of either pungent or insipid taste belong to the mineral element. The former cause the heat of the body to expand and to go down to the limbs and pass outward through the skin. The activity of the lungs extends also to the sub-organs and the intestines. The herbs of insipid taste free the lungs and intestines of fever. :