Lung opens at the nose

The nose is the outer opening of the respiratory tract, through which air enters the lung. Plain Questions (素问 sù wèn, yīn yáng yìng xiàng dà lùn) states, The lung governs the nose. The sense of smell can function normally only if lung qì is in harmony and breathing is smooth. Thus The Magic Pivot (灵枢 líng shū) states, Lung qì flows to the nose; when the lung is in harmony, the nose can perceive fetor and fragrance. In addition, snivel (nasal mucus) is the humor of the lung. Many lung diseases are the result of the contraction of external evils through the nose and mouthand are reflected in the condition of the nose. For example, colds may be characterized by nasal congestion and a runny nose, attributable to nondiffusion of lung qì and lung qì ascending counterflow, caused by evil heat congestion in the lung frequently leads to rapid breathing and flaring nostrils. Recent treatment of nasal polyps and chronic rhinitis by needling lung points on the ear also demonstrates the principle that the lung opens at the nose.