Grief and the Lungs: An East Asian Medicine Perspective on Emotional & Metabolic Health

Jim Carrey once said: Grief is not just an emotion~it is an unravelling, a space where something once lived but is now gone. It carves through you, leaving a hollow ache where love once resided.

In East Asian medicine, each organ system is not only responsible for physical functions but also linked to specific emotional states. The lungs, associated with the Metal element, are deeply connected to the experience of grief. East Asian medical, views prolonged or unresolved grief as a factor that can weaken lung function, leading to both emotional and physical imbalances.

The concept of the Po, or corporeal soul, is linked to the lungs. The Po is responsible for physical sensations, breath, and the body's ability to process and release emotions. When grief lingers or is suppressed, the lungs can become burdened, resulting in symptoms such as shallow breathing, fatigue, or even respiratory issues like asthma and chronic coughs.

Western medicine also acknowledges the physical effects of grief. Studies show that intense stress (sadness or depression) activates the parasympathetic nervous system, slowing metabolism, reducing immune function, and even altering lung capacity. The stress response triggered by grief can contribute to inflammation, digestive issues, and imbalanced cortisol levels, further affecting overall health.

Supporting Lung Health & Emotional Well-Being

1. Breath-work & Acupuncture – Deep breathing exercises, such as Qigong-diaphragmatic breathing or alternate nostril breathing, can help regulate the nervous system and improve lung function. Acupuncture treatments targeting the lung meridian support emotional release and help restore respiratory health.

2. Nourishing the Lungs Through Diet – In TCM, foods that moisten and support lung function can also help process emotions. Pears, white radish, almonds, and warm soups are recommended. From a metabolic perspective, these foods provide hydration and essential nutrients to prevent respiratory irritation.

3. Letting Go Through Movement & Reflection – Gentle physical activity, such as walking or tai chi, encourages deep breathing and emotional processing. Journaling or speaking with a professional or trusted friend can also support the release of suppressed grief, which aligns with the function of the Po in allowing emotions to move through the body.

4. Supporting Gut Health for Emotional Resilience – The gut and lungs are closely linked in both East Asian and Western medicine. A balanced gut microbiome supports neurotransmitter production, improving mood and immune function. Eating fibre-rich, fermented foods can help stabilise digestion and emotional health.

Can East Asian medicine and/or acupuncture fix grief? No! Allied health does not acknowledge these therapies for treating mental health. Yes, however, to being able to support talk & drug therapies, more commonly used for treating mental health (like grief).

By addressing grief through both Eastern and Western approaches, we can support lung function, emotional resilience, and overall well-being, making it easier to navigate life’s inevitable losses with balance and strength. Dr. Ash Dean, a Doctor of East Asian Medicine & Licensed Acupuncturist at the Misun Wahya Foundation, Toowoomba City, has an affinity for integrative approaches that blend these perspectives, with a keen interest of Immune disorders, Digestive disorders, Mental-Emotional Integrated health, and Pain management. The General-Practice of East Asian and Western medicine approaches, like that offered at the Misun Wahya Foundation, can help tailor support strategies through acupuncture, herbal medicine, and diet & lifestyle guidance from our experienced and professionally qualified team.