Functions of the Lungs
The emotion of the Lungs is sorrow.
Commentary: Powerful or long-lasting emotions can damage the Qi. Sorrow is an emotion that causes Qi to disperse. Sorrow affects the Qi of the Lung. It is a healthy process to experience sorrow, for example, when we lose a loved one. Separation causes sorrow and it is necessary to experience it in order to let go. If we are not able to grieve, or if we have no time to grieve, this emotion affects the Lungs and disperses the Lung Qi. This can manifest in a hoarse voice, a faint voice or breathing difficulties. If the practitioner treats a patient with repressed sorrow, and the Lung Qi is moved and tonified, the patient may respond with crying. This is a very important and healthy reaction, which is needed in order to dissolve the suppressed sorrow. The Lungs are also the organ responsible for the contact with our environment. If the Lungs function is harmonious, we are able to have close relationships and we are also able to protect ourselves, if needed. It is particularly important for a practitioner to protect himself in a healthy manner from his patients' problems.