Lungs - the Airways to our health and Vitality. Breathing is vital to feeding oxygen to every cell to the body and eliminating the waste matter from the cells through expiration. Our lungs are like filters that work all day to protect us from outside pollanants, dust & allergens. From an emotional perspective the lungs rule our processing of grief, loss and trauma. They are also responsible for ensuring we are "inspired" and adaptable, changing, moving, getting the old stagnant air out and the new fresh air in. When we suffer with depression, or sadness there is often a link to our lungs as held on emotions or "not letting go" of the old stagnant things that no longer serve us. When you Europe I was surprised to see how many people smoke, and its allowed everywhere, in cafes, train stations, hotel rooms , I couldn't escape it! And being conscious of the importance of healthy air and lung health, I couldn't wait to get to clean air to detox my lungs.
Since being back I can't help but notice in my consultations the link between a current health condition and that of poor lung health. Often times there's signs in the iris that represent a damaged lung, or potentially weakness in the lung zone. At yet its an organ that can often get overlooked and dismissed.
Nevertheless with this toxic world we live in (from many aspects not just environmental) it's imperative we support our lungs, keeping our filters clean and working in proper order is essential for health and Vitality. Here are a few ways you can support and clear your lungs -
-Herbal remedies - fenugreek, astragalus, elecampane, mullein, ginger, green tea - all these herbs help to break down mucous in the lungs, making it easier to expell air.
-Essential oils - peppermint, eucalyptus, lemon, rosemary - making a mix of these oils in a roller bottle or mixed with FCO then rubbing over the chest area is great way to heal the lungs and support them in times of grief. A steam inhalation using these oils is also a great way to clear & heal the lungs.
-Foods & spices - apples, blueberries, tea, garlic, ginger, lentils, leafy greens, cherries & turmeric all are rich in the nutrients specific for lung health as well as being anti inflammatory to the body.
-Water - essential for moving oxygen throughout the body as well as ensuring toxins are removed.
-Activities - so exercise is the ultimate way to clear the lungs but breathing techniques are also vital to ensure happy, healthy lungs. Also ensuring you keep a good posture to assist in breathing and circulation of oxygen throughout the body. Clearing stagnant emotions and letting go is the mind - body link to healing our lungs.
Your lungs hold the connection from the external world to the internal via our breath. It's a vital organ, one of the 5 organs of elimination, thus its important we keep our lungs healthy clearing out the old, in with the new!