To Your Health
August, 2008 (Vol. 02, Issue 08) |
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Immunity - Focusing on the lungs and protection: The lungs serve as our first introduction to the outside environment from the second we take our first breath. Since they have so much contact with the outside world, the lungs often are attacked by environmental factors, leading to colds, flu and shortness of breath.
The immune system is associated with the lungs. Coughing and sneezing to get allergies and irritants out of the body becomes just one of the defense systems with which the lungs are involved.
The lungs and skin (which are related) are represented by the metal element, shielding us from everything outside of the body that can do us harm. Sweating and fevers are seen as ways the lungs try to expel pathogens in the body. This often is why sweating out a fever can be beneficial in early-stage illness.
There are ways to tonify the lungs and build immunity in the body. Dry-brushing the skin before bathing and deep breathing exercises help detox the body and relieve stress. You also can boost your defense system by incorporating forms of preventative medicine into your life. Classic medical textbooks discuss treating patients for health conditions a season or two before they begin. The body becomes stronger before it is attacked by illness. This is especially useful for people who are prone to seasonal health conditions.
For example, many people suffer from springtime allergies due to the change in the weather or the growth of new plants that produce pollen. Boosting the lungs and preparing the immune system by using acupuncture, diet therapy to decrease inflammation, and creating a home environment that limits outdoor and indoor allergies in the fall and winter integrates this concept into your health.
Detoxification - Focusing on the liver and life goals: The liver has many functions in both Western and Eastern medicine, as it detoxifies the body by processing and changing one substance into another. It also works to store excess nutrients to be used later. The liver represents the wood element. It grows and constantly changes. It often is associated with our ability to move forward in life and set measurable goals for ourselves.
In Western medicine, the liver is one of the most tested and analyzed systems because of its importance to overall health. As it detoxifies the substances in our physical body, it also cleans the mental and emotional aspects we place on ourselves to achieve our goals, dreams and ambitions.
We all are aware of the benefits and curses of stress we face every day that can impact our health in many ways. When stress provides us with a chance to prove ourselves, it can be good. When it becomes too much, our health takes a hit, leading to physical and emotional changes. Problems quickly can arise when the liver becomes imbalanced, and people tend to turn to stimulants and other substances to help them compensate.
Harmonizing the liver involves creating realistic goals for oneself, examining how we respond emotionally to situations, and detoxifying the negative aspects of our lives. Short-term cleansing, changes in environment and organizing clutter may not seem like medically proven health suggestions, but don't underestimate how a clean outside environment can help the inside soul.
Stephanie Pina, NMD is a licensed naturopathic physician who incorporates both Western and Eastern medicine in her private practice in Tempe, Ariz. She is also currently working on completing a Master in Oriental Medicine degree.
