Loss and Grief – Lung and Large Intestine 

It has a tough week for all of us that live in Central Texas.  A lot of lives have been lost, and the images are unbelievable.  Entire houses are seen floating down rivers!!

Nearly everyone knows someone, who knows someone who lost someone, and we are all feeling it as a collective.  We have also lived with torrential rain and its effects for 4-5 days depending on where you lived. 

It has been a lot.  So, for this week’s newsletter I wanted to talk about how our feelings and thoughts can manifest in our bodies so that you have a better understanding of the how to navigate and heal during unprecedented this time.  As we discussed last week it is all connected and as a Natural Medicine Doctor I assess all aspects of your journey and provide natural holistic solutions that can help you be your best.

Loss and Grief – Lung and Large Intestine 

A little background on this ideology of how loss and grief are connected to the Lung and Large Intestine. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the lung and large intestine are considered to have an “exterior-interior” relationship, meaning they are interconnected and influence each other’s functions. This relationship is based on the flow of Qi (energy) and fluids, and it’s believed that imbalances in one organ can affect the other.

Emotions of the Lung and Large Intestine

Grief and sadness are the main emotions of the lungs and rigidity, controlling and a feeling of being stuck are the main emotions of the large intestine. 

These organs are also associated with the metal element and are active between 3am and 5am for the Lung and 5am and 7am for the Large Intestine.  If there is a weakness in one of these areas you will notice that you often wake up during this time. It is one indication that the organ needs support.

The Body Tissue that is most affected by the lung and large intestine is the skin.  While the liver also has a big role to play in detoxification of all the things, having good barrier health of the lung and large intestine is key to a healthy skin barrier.

Symptoms of a Lung and Large Intestine Imbalance

• Low Back pain on one side
• Thumb Pain
• Pouchy lower belly
• Tight joints or “Arthritis”
• Stuffy Nose, Sinus infection, Polyps
• Chronic Cough that won’t go away
• Whole Head Tightness/headaches
• Itchy and Dry Skin 
• Tenderness in the Hip Joint or the outer edge of the Knee
• Difficult of Irregular Bowel Movements
• Allergies
• Asthma as a Kid
• Shallow Breathing
• Chest Tightness 

These are just a few of the symptoms that can occur when the lung and the large Intestine are not working optimally.  Very stressful times like this past week further excerbate these symptoms when one or both of these organs have weakness.

What actions can you take?

• First notice what you are feeling and allow yourself to feel it. It is OK to feel sad and cry it out. As they say it is better than stuffing it down or pretending that life is OK and just carry on like a tough little soldier. 
• If you have been really triggered by these events then look into EMDR or trauma counselling ASAP to interupt the PSTD pattern and reset your nervous system.
• Stressing won’t change the situation. Loving Action toward yourself and others however will. 
• Talk a slow walk and do some slow deep breathing though your nose. (My Breathwork Handout)
• Focus on a clean, fiber rich diet. Nourish your body while you heal from the loss and grief. 
• Present Time consciousness is key to not missing the moment… as we have learned these past few days life can change in minutes. 
• Love and connection offsets loss and grief (LUNG)
• Flexibility and going with the flow supports the (LARGE INTESTINE) 
• Add Stress support to your supplement stack to help your through this challenging period.
• Consider taking Biotoxin Binder to help keep the Detox pathways strong from all the things.
• Stay Hydrated to keep the barrier health strong
• Seek support: An event like this can trigger old wounds….. As they say feelings buried alive resurface when exposed to triggers.

Listen with Compassion and take Nourishing Action Steps

In times like these, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or disconnected — from ourselves, each other, and even our bodies. But the truth is: healing doesn’t happen in isolation. Take time to slow down, breathe deeply, nourish yourself, and lean into connection. Your body is always communicating — and in these moments of loss, it’s more important than ever to listen with compassion.

Our bodies are wise — they hold our stories, our stress, our grief, and also our capacity to heal. If you’ve been feeling out of sorts this week, know that you are not alone, and that your symptoms may be a reflection of something deeper asking for attention.

Let this help to remind you : your emotions are not separate from your health. When you support your lungs and large intestine — physically and emotionally — you open the door to deeper healing, better skin, stronger immunity, and more peace within.

If you’re not sure where to begin, I’m here to help. As a Natural Medicine Doctor I assess all aspects of your journey and provide natural holistic solutions that can help you be your best.

P.S. For supplement support:  We also have the items mentioned on the shelf.  Give us a call or stop by to pick up. 

Have a Healthy Week 

Dr Pia