How Do My Herbs Know Where to Go?

What does it mean when an herb "enters a channel"? If you are currently a TCM student, especially a student who grew up immersed in the biomedicine paradigm, this might be one of those phrases you take with a grain of salt, or possibly ignore, and just memorize the content to pass the tests. Do the chemical constituents of herbs actually traverse channel pathways to correct the imbalances that exist? Too literal. For me, a clearer way to think about herbal channel classification is to say an herb "affects the channel".

Sometimes, not always, losing the poetry of a translation can help us better understand a meaning or function. Changing "enters" to "affects" transforms channel classification from simply memorizing a bunch of things to seeing and understanding the connections between functions, temperatures, tastes, etc. For example, an herb like Cang Er Zi "affects" the Lung channel because it has antitussive effects, it clears nasal passages, and it can relieve itchiness and skin rashes (the Lung controls the skin). Chuan Bei Mu, an herb from the Transform Phlegm category, has antitussive and expectorant effects. It is bitter, sweet, and cool which helps with dissolving phlegm, moistening the lungs, and alleviating chronic coughs with difficulty expectorating.

Are herb functions informing the channel classification or vice versa? Too linear. Don’t forget, like life and nature, this medicine is cyclical and flexible. Focusing on the connections and how the connections can form a whole picture is a great way to study herbs for long-term retention!

Lung Channel Herbs

Building on the idea of a whole picture, let’s take a literal look at some herbs that affect the Lung Channel across different categories. What physical similarities and differences do you notice e.g. colors, shapes, etc.? Can you guess what other channels the herbs might affect based on color, shape, etc.?

Lung Channel Meditations

Our herbs are “entering” the Lung Channel, but where does the Lung Channel even go??? For a different and (hopefully!) fun way to study, enjoy the guided pathway meditations below!