Functions of the Lungs
The Lungs controls the body surface.
Commentary: The Lungs nourish the skin and body hair and protect the exterior against invading pathogens. The Lungs send and distribute the Defense-Wei-Qi outward to the body surface. The Lungs nourish the skin and body hair by distributing Nutritive-Ying Qi to the body surface. If the function of distributing Body Fluids is impaired, edema, mostly in the upper body, can develop (for example, face edema in the morning). The Lungs are responsible for opening and closing of the pores and sweating. The Lungs nourish and moisten the skin. Malfunctioning of the Lungs can lead to dry skin. Application of creme doesn't solve the problem, because the cause is internal. Impairment of this Lung function can be a result of Spleen weakness. The Spleen, when weak, produces too much Dampness, which can accumulate under the skin. The pores are no longer permeable; the skin is dry on the outside, but moist internally.