Po has its root in the Lung Ki and is the bodily aspect of Shen – for this reason Po is also called the corporeal soul. It reflects our physical existence into our consciousness. Po mirrors Hun. While the etherea soul Hun (Wood Element) is of non-material, spiritual nature and is assigned to the Yang, the Yin part of Shen is embodied by the corporeal soul Po.

Just as there are three Hun souls, according to ancient Chinese tradition there are also seven corporeal souls. These in turn are closely related to the “seven passions” (anger, joy, fear, sorrow, hatred, love and desire).

7 is the number assigned to the Po. Joy and lust in excess damages the Po soul. In very horrible accidents, through surgery and medication, parts of the soul can get lost and cause parts of the body to lose their vitality. Po souls can be brought back through body awareness and breathing (e. g. Shiatsu treatments, breathing exercises, Makko Ho exercises, Yoga. . . )

Po represents the realm of physical, emotional and instinctive forces in the human being that have a close relationship with the body. These forces correspond more to the animalic level, since one reacts reflexively via Po.

Our innate ability of Ki exchange with the universe via breathing is given to us by Po. Breathing can also be understood as the pulsation of the corporeal soul. Po sets the limits in space and the rhythm in time. Po collects its experiences through our senses (e. g. sense of smell or touch). These experiences are extraordinarily vivid and alive because through them we make a connection between the inherent Ki and the Ki of the universe.

Also the tactility of a person, any pain or itching on the skin is the experience of the Po-soul; also the ability of the kinaesthetics – to move, to keep the balance and to coordinate the body in its movement.

Po souls belong to the earth and die with physical death.

In the Chinese view, the feeling of deep, persistent grief is associated with the functions of the Lungs and Large Intestine (Metal Element).

Like any other feeling, grief is a natural, healthy process. If the Metal Element is weakened, grief can depress a person and it will be difficult for him to let go of feelings of grief and loss. Also an inability to mourn indicates an imbalance in the Metal Element.

A balanced Metal Element is adaptable and able to absorb changes and allow losses – to create space for new things in our lives. A grief lived through can give a person the valuable experience of self-knowledge and maturation of personality.

The Lung is the main source of our postnatal Ki because it absorbs the Ki of heaven.

Together with the Heart, it forms part of the Zong Ki, the “big Ki of the chest,” which controls the circulation of Ki and blood throughout the body.

The most important task of the Lungs is to facilitate the process of Ki exchange between the individual and the environment. The Lung-Energy connects body and mind via the breath.

The absorption of the universal Ki from outside our boundaries through the breath requires the willingness and openness to make new experiences. New Ki brings new vitality, which is needed for our growth on a physical and psychological level.

As soon as there is an imbalance in the Lung Ki, we try to protect ourselves from painful feelings by restricting our breathing, but this further weakens our connection to the Ki of heaven.

The gas exchange in the lungs symbolizes the Ki exchange that takes place across boundaries, boundaries that define man and distinguish him from the rest of the universe.

In relation to our destiny, our first and our last breath mark the boundaries of our life span.

Our skin is assigned to the Lung System and represents a further aspect of exchange with and boundary to the environment.

The Metal Element creates the density, the strength and gives the necessary structure to give stability to our body and our life. We know that life is a precious gift and gain the ability to form strong yet flexible belief systems to support and align our lives (see Metal Element).

A person whose energy is unbalanced in the Metal must be supported in the reconstruction of the network of conduits which connects all processes within the Body-Mind-Soul- Unit (see the corporeal soul Po).

A balanced Lung Ki is able to cope with changes (job, relationships. . . ) in our life without any problems, we can “take our space”, express our feelings and have a balanced relationship between closeness and distance.

If we have a redeemed Metal-Aspect, we do not live rigidly according to any rules imposed on us by society. We have a very fine sense of justice, have integrity and set ourselves rules according to which we want to live (our own inner authority).

We can feel our own self-worth and gain clarity about what gift we can offer life.

Organ
Lung and Large intestine

Sense Organ
Nose

Orifices
Nose

External, Physical Expression
Skin and body hair

Body Fluid
Mucus

Ability in Times of Change and Excitement
to cough – figuratively, coughing is the rejection of something undesirable. The ability to eject something unwanted – both emotionally and physically

Principle
the free breathing

Releated Chakras

Chakra 5
Chakra 2

Respiratory diseases – colds, asthma, bronchitis, coughing

chr. complaints of the paranasal sinuses – hay fever, sinusitis, etc.

tightness in the chest, laborious breathing, flat breathing, sigh breathing

dry throat, hoarseness, loss of voice

chr. skin diseases e. g. neurodermatitis, psoriasis, eczema

dry skin

tension and pain in the upper back, stiff shoulders

paleness, tiredness, cold hands and feet

Feeling of lack of vitality, extreme exhaustion

Feeling of Overload

depressions

Sadness, sorrow

overweight

excessive perspiration

self-esteem issues

and others

Dry climate – central heating, air conditioners

sorrow

spicy food

and others