CHAPTER V 

 THE LUNGS AND THE THROAT 



CHINESE THEORIES REGARDING THE LUNGS 



Shin Nong classified the 

 lungs as belonging to the min- 

 eral element. Just as the heart 

 controls the blood circulation, 

 the lungs control the air cir- 

 culation of the human system. 

 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 in- 

 flammation, impurities, and 

 abnormal temperature of for- 

 eign origin, the lungs are 

 The Lungs 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 ex- 

 pand 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 in- 

 testines. The herbs of insipid taste free the lungs and intestines of 

 fever. 



COLDS AND LA GRIPPE 



When one has a cold in any part or in the whole of the body, the 

 passages of the pores are closed. As the internal heat cannot then 

 escape, it forces its way up to the head, which begins to ache. If this 

 heat (fever) reaches the lungs, pneumonia may result. When a cold 

 settles in any part of the body, it stops the circulation both of the 



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