Lungs, Heart, & Kidney Health

Lung, Heart & Kidney in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Overview, Diagnosis, Acupuncture, Herbs, Q&A, Safety

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Lung, Heart, and Kidney are more than individual organs, they form an interdependent network that governs breath and immunity (Lung), blood circulation and mental-emotional balance (Heart), and growth, reproduction, and fluid/warmth regulation (Kidney). When these systems are harmonious, Qi and Blood flow smoothly, fluids are properly transformed, and the Shen (mind/spirit) is calm and clear.

At Eastern Medicine Center, we diagnose the pattern rather than just the symptom. Care typically blends customized acupuncture and herbal formulas to tonify or clear as needed, practical lifestyle guidance (breathwork, sleep hygiene, and circulation-supporting movement) for support your Lung, Heart, and Kidneyfunction.

What These Organs Do in TCM

Lung (Fei)

Governs Qi and respiration, controls skin & body hair, disperses/descends fluids, opens to the nose, paired with Large Intestine. [1]

Heart (Xin)

Governs Blood and vessels, houses the Shen (mind/spirit), manifests in the complexion, opens to the tongue, paired with Small Intestine. [1]

Kidney (Shen)

Stores Essence (Jing), governs birth/growth/reproduction, rules Water, grasps Lung Qi, opens to ears, manifests in hair, paired with Bladder. [1][2]

Root Causes & Lifestyle Factors (TCM Perspective)

Emotions & Stress

Grief/sadness injure the Lung; excessive joy/excitement or shock can unsettle the Heart; fear or chronic stress can deplete Kidney Essence and Yin/Yang. [1]

Overwork & Sleep Debt

Tax Qi and Essence, predisposing to HT/LU/KD deficiencies. [1]

Dietary Factors

Sweet/greasy and dairy-heavy diets generate Damp/Phlegm; spicy/alcohol can generate Heat; chronic under-eating or blood loss may lead to Blood deficiency. [1][2]

Aging & Chronic Illness

Naturally consume Kidney Essence; long illness can weaken Lung Qi/Yin and Heart Blood/Yin. [1]

Environment

Dry climates aggravate Lung Yin deficiency; cold/damp environments challenge Yang. [1]

Treatment Approach at Eastern Medicine Center

We tailor each plan to the individual pattern after a full TCM intake (tongue, pulse, history):

Acupuncture: Harmonize LU–HT–KD, move Qi/Blood, resolve Phlegm, and anchor/rest Yin as needed. Point selections adjust by pattern (see table). [3]
Herbal Medicine: Classic formulas are refined for modern stress, diet, and environmental exposures, often combining Qi/Blood/Yin/Yang support with Phlegm/Heat management. [2][4]
Breathwork & Lifestyle: Gentle breath training to help Kidney “grasp” Lung Qi, sleep hygiene for Heart and Kidney communication, diet to reduce Damp/Phlegm and nourish Blood/Yin. [1]

When to Seek Immediate Medical Care (Safety First)

New or severe chest pain/pressure, especially with radiation to arm/jaw/back [13]
Shortness of breath at rest or sudden worsening, fainting, blue lips [13]
Coughing blood, leg swelling with breathlessness, or new heart rhythm changes [9][10]

References

[1] Maciocia G. The Foundations of Chinese Medicine, 3rd ed. Elsevier; 2015.

[2] Bensky D, Clavey S, Stöger E. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas & Strategies, 2nd ed. Eastland Press; 2009.

[3] Deadman P, Al-Khafaji M, Baker K. A Manual of Acupuncture, 2nd ed. Journal of Chinese Medicine Publications; 2007.

[5] World Health Organization. International Standard Terminologies on Traditional Medicine in the Western Pacific Region. WHO; 2007.

[6] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Understanding Your Risk for Blood Clots with Travel. Updated May 15, 2024.

[7] CDC Yellow Book 2026 (online early update Apr 23, 2025). Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism (Travel).

[8] Silva KLS, et al. The impact of exercise training on calf pump function in patients with chronic venous insufficiency: a systematic review. 2021.

[10] Johns Hopkins Medicine. Pulmonary Embolism Symptoms and Causes.

[11] Kent DM, et al. Patent Foramen Ovale and Stroke: A Review. JAMA. 2025.

[12] Sposato LA, et al. Patent Foramen Ovale Management for Secondary Stroke Prevention: A Scientific Statement From the AHA/ASA. Stroke. 2024.