Lung Meridian: Breathe, Release, Protect (Metal • 03:00–05:00)
Table of contents
Common signs of Lung imbalance
7–10 minute Lung Qi Gong (daily)
Targeted acupressure (2–4 minutes)
Breath that soothes the nerves
Emotional release: making space for grief
Lifestyle & seasonal tips (Metal/Autumn)
How Lung connects to other meridians
The Lung meridian is your first line of defence and your gateway to calm. It governs breath, the skin’s protective boundary, and your capacity to let go. When Lung Qi flows, you breathe deeply, think clearly, and feel safe in your own skin. When it’s stuck, breath shortens, skin flares, and grief lingers. This guide gives you a clear, practical way to restore flow.
See the big picture in the cluster: Meridians & Organ Clock — Complete Guide
At-a-glance
Peak time: 03:00–05:00 (deep restoration and emotional release)
Element: Metal
Yin/Yang pair: Large Intestine Meridian (letting go, elimination)
Opens to: Nose and throat
Manifests in: Skin and body hair
Emotion: Grief and healthy release
Season: Autumn (dryness, refinement)
Core functions: Draw Qi in through breath, distribute defensive “Wei Qi” to skin, descend and disperse fluids/qi, support boundaries
Why the Lung matters
Your lungs draw in the “fresh” and help you let go of the “stale.” On an energy level, the Lung spreads protective Qi over the skin, supports immunity, and sets the tone for your day. In the psyche, it teaches healthy boundaries, self-respect, and the art of release. If you want steadier emotions and a calmer nervous system, start with breath and posture.
For the wider map, read Meridians & Organ Clock — Complete Guide and the partner channel, Large Intestine Meridian.
Pathway (plain-language)
The Lung channel begins in the torso, surfaces near the outer chest (LU-1), travels down the inside of the upper arm, crosses the elbow crease (LU-5), passes the forearm, and ends at the thumb (LU-11). Its partner, the Large Intestine Meridian, begins at the index finger and travels up the arm to the face. Together they form a loop of “receive and release.”
Daily rhythm: 03:00–05:00
This is the Lung’s peak. Many people naturally wake, cough, or process emotion at this time. If you wake here, keep it kind and simple:
Gentle nose breathing.
A short seated 4-4-6 pattern (inhale 4, hold 4, exhale 6).
One minute of light chest tapping.
Want more context through the day? See Meridians & Organ Clock — Complete Guide.
Common signs of Lung imbalance
Physical
Short breath, tight chest, wheeze
Dry cough, frequent colds, blocked nose
Dry skin, eczema, easy sweating, low stamina
Clear phlegm in the morning, weak voice
Emotional & mental
Unprocessed grief or sadness
Struggle to let go (objects, roles, relationships)
Feeling exposed, thin-skinned, or easily hurt
Self-criticism, slumped posture, low inspiration
If several apply, explore the routine below and cross-reference with Large Intestine Meridian and Spleen Meridian (phlegm and dampness often link).
Quick self-check (1 minute)
Posture: Are shoulders rounding forward? Is the upper back tight?
Breath: Can you exhale longer than you inhale without strain?
Skin: Any dryness or sensitivity?
Emotion: Is there grief you keep postponing?
If you answered “yes” to 2 or more, focus on Lung support for the next week. Add Large Intestine Meridian if you feel “clogged” or stuck in rumination.
7–10 minute Lung Qi Gong (daily)
Set your intention: “I choose to breathe in courage and release what I no longer need.”
Opening bounce (60 sec): Softly bounce on the spot. Let wrists, jaw, and shoulders relax.
Chest tapping (60 sec): Tap around LU-1 area (outer upper chest) and along inner upper arms. Gentle and rhythmic.
Wing-span stretch (2 rounds, 30 sec each): Inhale, open arms wide with the chest lifting. Exhale, hug across the chest and round the back. Slow, smooth, quiet breath.
Lung sweep (60 sec): Brush from collarbones to thumbs along the inside arm path, both sides.
Healing breath (2–3 min): 4-4-6 breathing. Optionally whisper the Lung sound on exhale: a soft, long “ssssss.”
Shoulder fans (60 sec): Inhale, shoulders up; exhale, release and soften.
Close (30 sec): Hands over chest. Inhale appreciation. Exhale release. Smile gently.
Pair this with your elimination ritual and a light morning walk. For a complementary flow, add Large Intestine Meridian or an evening Kidney Meridian calm-down.
Targeted acupressure (2–4 minutes)
LU-1 (Zhongfu): Outer upper chest, below the clavicle, where the chest meets the shoulder line. Gentle circles while breathing out slowly. Eases chest tightness and sadness.
LU-5 (Chize): Elbow crease, thumb side of the tendon. Press-hold 10–15 seconds per side. Helps cough and phlegm.
LU-7 (Lieque): One thumb-width above the wrist crease, on the thumb side. Excellent for neck tension, nasal issues, and releasing grief.
LU-9 (Taiyuan): Wrist crease at the base of the thumb. Tonifies Lung Qi and supports circulation.
Use light to moderate pressure. Always breathe out through sensations. If pain or dizziness appears, ease off.
Breath that soothes the nerves
4-4-6 is your baseline. Longer exhales favour parasympathetic tone.
If anxious, try 4-7-8 (inhale 4, hold 7, exhale 8) for only 3–5 rounds.
If you feel heavy or foggy, take 3 rounds of sniff-in, long sigh out to re-set the rhythm.
For a bigger picture on timing and pairing, see Meridians & Organ Clock — Complete Guide, then practise with Large Intestine Meridian and Kidney Meridian.
Emotional release: making space for grief
Grief is not an error; it is a movement of love. Give it form.
Write one page: “What I’m ready to release is…”
Speak aloud: “Thank you for what you gave me. I let you go with kindness.”
Place hands on chest and hum gently for a minute.
If tears arise, let them. Then ground with a few slow exhales.
If phlegm is heavy or energy feels boggy, explore Spleen Meridian and Stomach Meridian alongside Lung work.
Lifestyle & seasonal tips (Metal/Autumn)
Warm, moistening foods: Pears (stewed), radish, onion, leek, ginger, white soups.
Hydration: Small, frequent sips.
Nose care: Steam or saline rinse in dry weather.
Skin boundary: Light oil after showering; short cool rinse to tone the surface.
Environment: Fresh morning air; fewer synthetic fragrances; keep rooms aired.
Posture habit: “Chest soft, crown tall.” Set reminders.
If frustration rises or the ribcage feels tight, soothe the Liver Meridian. If breath won’t descend, nourish the Kidney Meridian.
How Lung connects to other meridians
Large Intestine Meridian: Letting go physically and emotionally. Work these as a pair.
Kidney Meridian: Kidneys “grasp” the breath. If breath won’t descend, support Kidney.
Liver Meridian: If frustration rises, the chest tightens. Soothe Liver to free the ribcage.
Spleen Meridian: Phlegm/dampness can burden the chest; strengthen Spleen.
Dive deeper via Large Intestine Meridian, Kidney Meridian, Liver Meridian, and Spleen Meridian.
When to seek medical advice
New or worsening shortness of breath
Chest pain or tightness at rest
Persistent cough over three weeks
Wheeze with fever or coloured phlegm
Night sweats, weight loss, or coughing blood
Qi Gong complements, not replaces, medical care. If in doubt, contact your GP or 111.
7-day Lung reset (simple plan)
Daily: 7–10 minutes of the Lung sequence above. 4-4-6 breath sprinkled through the day.
Day 1: Posture check + chest tapping.
Day 2: Add LU-7 acupressure before bed.
Day 3: Journal one page on letting go.
Day 4: Morning walk in fresh air.
Day 5: Add “ssssss” healing sound on each exhale, 2 minutes.
Day 6: Pair with Large Intestine Meridian routine.
Day 7: Reflect: What changed in my breath, mood, or skin?
Repeat or progress to Kidney Meridian for calmer nights.
FAQs on lung meridian
Why do I wake at 03:00?
It aligns with the Lung peak. Your body may be processing emotion or clearing the airways. Keep lights low, take three 4-4-6 breaths, and return to rest.
Can I train hard with a Lung imbalance?
Favour steady, nasal-dominant cardio and gentle Qi Gong. Over-pushing often tightens the chest. Build gradually.
What if breath practices make me anxious?
Shrink the dose. Two or three rounds only. Or focus on shoulder mobility and chest tapping first, then add breath later.
Which point is best for blocked nose?
LU-7 is a strong choice. Combine with gentle neck release and a few long sighs.
What pairs best with Lung work in autumn?
Large Intestine Meridian for letting go, plus Spleen Meridian to prevent dampness and phlegm.
Related guides in the cluster
Meridians & Organ Clock — Complete Guide
Next steps
If this guide helped, deepen your practice with our live sessions and full routines: Bright Beings Academy Memberships. To integrate emotional healing with movement, start at Meridians & Organ Clock — Complete Guide and then practise the paired Large Intestine Meridian.
I look forward to connecting with you in my next post.
Until then, be well and keep shining.
Peter. :)
