How big are they
The lungs are quite large and span from the root of the neck (around your first rib/collar bone) to almost the bottom of your rib cage. They sit on your diaphragm, which is used to help move the ribs to allow deep inflation of the lungs.
The right lung is the biggest, with three lobes and the left is smaller and has 2 lobes. The left is smaller because it needs to make room for the heart, which sits in between the lungs but mostly in the left side of the chest.
The lungs are not large empty spaces, they are filled with 300 million tiny bubbles called alveoli.
What they do
Lungs provide your body with the oxygen it needs to live by filtering it into your blood. They also respond to sensory receptors in your brain and blood vessels to change the amount of oxygen pressure within your blood cells. In fact, if certain organs of your body transmit information to your brain that it’s not getting enough oxygen, the lungs will respond in kind.
Osteopathy and lungs
As mentioned, lungs play an important role in oxygenation of your body as well as helping remove impurities and carbon dioxide from your blood. Important structures around your lungs such as the ribs and diaphragm must move adequately in order that your lungs function to the best of their ability. In this case, whether you have a completely clean bill of lung health or are managing a lung condition, osteopathic treatment could benefit your lungs by helping them move freely, with the assistance that other muscles such as the diaphragm offers. Good diaphragm and lung function can improve overall vitality and where sustained by regular exercise, can improve muscle strength and function. Good blood oxygenation can also improve brain functionality.
Osteopathic treatment cannot be seen as a cure for any lung conditions but it can aid in the management of them by getting the rest of your body moving effectively. More movement and better lung function will mean better oxygenation of your muscles which can make you feel revitalised with more energy for life.
Shelley James
M.Ost