Lung Cancer: Breath, Resilience,
and the TCM Approach
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related death in both men and women in the United States. It is responsible for about one in five cancer deaths. The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 230,000 new cases will be diagnosed in 2025, with over 125,000 deaths. Although smoking is the major risk factor, a growing number of patients—especially women—are being diagnosed despite having never smoked. Advances in screening with low-dose CT scans and targeted drug therapies have improved outcomes, especially when the disease is caught early. Yet survival rates for late-stage lung cancer remain low.
Western treatments may include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapies based on specific genetic mutations. While these have extended life for many, side effects are common: breathlessness, fatigue, dry cough, poor appetite, anxiety, and susceptibility to infections. For patients who have had parts of the lung removed, respiratory capacity may be permanently reduced.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Lung system is viewed not only as a respiratory organ, but as the master of Qi, responsible for distributing energy and protecting the body from external pathogens. The Lung also governs the skin and is closely linked to the immune system (called wei qi), emotional grief, and the delicate balance of fluids. In TCM, lung cancer may result from a combination of depleted Lung Qi, invasion of pathogenic heat or dryness, accumulation of phlegm, and unresolved emotional strain—particularly grief or sadness.
Support during treatment begins with strengthening Lung function and supporting overall vitality. Acupuncture can help reduce coughing, ease breathing, and support the immune response. Key points such as LU9 (Tàiyuān) or BL13 (Fèishū) are often used. For fatigue or breathlessness, points along the Conception Vessel and Kidney meridian may be added. Some herbal formulas aim to moisten dryness or resolve phlegm, using herbs like chuan bei mu (川贝母, fritillaria bulb) or mai men dong (麦门冬, ophiopogon root), though these must be adjusted with care during active oncology treatment.
Radiation and some chemotherapy drugs may cause inflammation of the lung tissue, known as pneumonitis. In TCM, this is interpreted as heat damaging Lung yin, leading to a dry cough, sore throat, or chest tightness. Cooling and yin-nourishing therapies, such as gentle teas made with pear and lily bulb, may be recommended alongside professional care.
Breath training, including Qigong or gentle meditative breathing, is encouraged in the recovery phase. In TCM, grief is said to “knot” the qi of the Lungs, and healing must include emotional release and rebuilding inner strength. Practices that reconnect breath, mind, and body can be vital for long-term adaptation and peace of mind.
Though TCM does not cure lung cancer, its tools can ease suffering, help the body respond more smoothly to treatment, and rebuild resilience for the road ahead.
Vocabulary Guide:
- Qi (气): Vital energy that sustains all bodily and mental functions in TCM.
- Wei qi (卫气): Defensive qi; the body’s outer layer of immune protection, governed by the Lungs.
- Lung qi deficiency (肺气虚 fèi qì xū): A pattern marked by fatigue, weak voice, frequent colds, or shortness of breath.
- Phlegm (痰 tán): Pathological fluids that can accumulate and cause blockages or masses.
- Lung yin deficiency (肺阴虚 fèi yīn xū): A condition where cooling, moistening fluids of the Lungs are depleted, causing dryness and irritation.
- LU9 (太渊 Tàiyuān): A Lung meridian point that nourishes Lung qi and blood.
- BL13 (肺俞 Fèishū): Back-shu point of the Lung; supports respiratory function and immune strength.
- Chuan bei mu (川贝母): Fritillaria bulb; used to clear heat and transform phlegm in the Lungs.
- Mai men dong (麦门冬): Ophiopogon root; nourishes yin and moistens dryness in the Lungs and Stomach.
- Qigong (气功): A system of coordinated movement, breathing, and meditation to cultivate internal energy.
