The Animal Metaphor for the Lung: The Tiger 虎

The tiger is the animal metaphor for the lung. It behaves like an arrow on a bow in that it crouches down, ready to “pop” at any moment. This is somewhat similar to the rushing and jutting action of a rabbit (large intestine), though the rabbit does not concern it self with the more complex process of pulling back and aiming. The tiger shows great governance over the throat and voice in it’s ability to roar loudly. Those with lung pathologies will often be deficient in voice, which lacks proper volume.

The lung season, Autumn, often begins with alternating cold and warm days. This is a very easy time to get sick and it is best to remember that the tiger has beautiful and warm clothing. The tiger does not wear ordinary clothing but is dressed completely and in yang (warm) colors. The lung governs the skin and when healthy, ensures it’s lubrication, color and porousness will exude an aura similar to the skin of the tiger.

The tiger is king of the mountain animals and as such, it needs to be robust with healthy claws and teeth. The lung is metal, but is imbued with qualities of wood because of it’s association with the earthly branch, 寅, yin. Because of the aspects of weaponry, the claws and teeth can be associated with metal while the fur of the animal serves as a reminder of it’s wood quality. The tiger carries it’s weapons with it at all times.The etymology of 寅 also brings up the already mentioned qualities of an arrow on a bow, as it is a picture either two hands pulling back an arrow on a bow, or two hands attempting to straighten an arrow (depending on the source).
The tiger has an immense physical presence and aura. It is a symbol of authority. It resides in a lair upon the mountain-side, making a place for itself in the world. A healthy lung element knows how to carve out it’s place in society, while those with weak lung qi often find that their boundaries are constantly being crossed by other people. For those with weak lung qi, aspects of boundary setting in the form of martial arts and breathing techniques can be beneficial.
Tigers are known for their dynamism, independence, curiosity, pride and courage. They are also known for their killing, predatory qualities which go hand in hand with the autumn season, the reaping season. It is this same killing function of the lung which helps maintain balance in the human body. The lung harvests from the air, breaks down old energy and stagnation and is in charge of keeping pernicious qi out. This process maintains the circulation of qi throughout the body.

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I'm a Chinese medicine student who uses this blog as a place to store my thoughts and occasionally rant and rave about things I trip over in life.

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