Which element is associated with the Lung?

The association of the Lung with the Metal element is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and its system of correspondences, which link different elements to specific organs and their functions. In TCM, the Metal element corresponds to the lungs for several reasons.

First, the Metal element is associated with the process of letting go and bringing structure to the body, which mirrors the function of the lungs in respiration — facilitating the intake of life-sustaining oxygen and the expulsion of carbon dioxide, thus maintaining the body's vitality.

Additionally, Metal is linked with the sensation of grief and the skin, which provides an insightful connection to lung health. The lungs are believed to hold emotional energy, and a healthy lung function is crucial for emotional well-being.

The characteristics of Metal, such as its ability to refine and purify, also parallel the lungs' role in filtering and managing the air we breathe. When considering the specific functions of the lungs in both a physiological and emotional context, the symbolism of Metal aligns perfectly with their roles in maintaining balance and health within the body.

In TCM, the other elements each correspond to different organs: Wood is linked to the liver, Earth to the spleen, and Fire to the heart, making