THE LUNGS - A SOURCE OF LIGHT

The etymology of lungs is “light.” We don't necessarily think “light” when we think about the lungs. So this naturally is an exciting suggestion. Obviously the lungs are as essential as the heart. They, along with the heart, are connected through the autonomic nervous system and vagus nerve. The lungs are a light illuminated in part by this neurological wanderer, the vagus.

If we are looking for spirit (which originally means “to blow”) as well, we wind up again at the lungs, for our respiration and for inspiration. The first time I saw the lungs in a cadaver surprised me. First they are shaped like pyramids - actually quite cute! And going along with that is the fact that they were littler than I had imagined and positioned slightly higher in the body than I anticipated.  The apices of the lungs go above the first rib! And they are indeed light, not heavy – as indicated in the etymology, inhabited in many ways, mostly by air and the room for it.  Finally, through air the lungs are connected with the grandeur of planetary respiration, sharing the oxygen, carbon-dioxide and other essential gas-nutrients with all plants and animals.

There are few places in the body where vital organs live so thoroughly surrounded by bones: most particularly, the brain in the skull and the lungs in the ribs. And while we have fairly limited impact on the cranial bones, therapists have wonderful access to the moveable ribs, their lives, their gentle embrace, and the ways they offer protection to the lungs and to every breath.

So the next time you work on the back, sides or front of the torso, aim some appreciation and love toward the lungs. See if you can visualize freeing the skeletal and connective tissue environment in which they live and breathe. Through the freer lungs every aspect of life can proceed with greater inspiration and refreshment. May they en-lighten us through every living, graceful movement and moment.