Lung (traditional Chinese medicine)

In traditional Chinese medicine, the Lung (Fei, 肺) is a central Zang organ responsible for controlling and governing the qi of the body, respiration, and the distribution of fluids, as well as providing defense against external pathogens through the maintenance of “Wei Qi,” often correlated with immune defense in Western medicine[1][2][5][6]. The Lung also regulates skin and body hair, opens into the nose, and is emotionally linked to grief and sadness[2][6][7]. The Lung works in concert with the Large Intestine (its paired organ), the Kidney, and the Spleen to maintain balance in the body’s fluids and qi[4][3]. While the concept encompasses functions that overlap with the respiratory, immune, and some aspects of the integumentary systems, the “Lung system” in TCM is not a molecular entity suitable for conventional pharmacological targeting or biomarker-based patient selection[2][3][5][8]. Not a molecular or pharmacological target—the “Lung system” in TCM is a broad, multi-system functional concept[2][3][5]. Cannot be targeted by drugs as a receptor, enzyme, or protein. No standardized abbreviation, biomarkers, or mechanisms of action in the biomedical sense. This entry is best processed as a theoretical or conceptual target rather than a molecular target for drug discovery or therapeutic intervention.

Other names

LungThe LungFei (Chinese: 肺)Lung ZangHand Taiyin (Lung Meridian)Lung system in TCM

no pharmacological mechanism; TCM interventions, such as herbal formulas or acupuncture, aim to “tonify” or “dispel” lung qi or correct imbalances