Purifying the Lungs

Since the days of the great Chinese healer, Sun Simiao (581-682 CE), there has been extensive use of six sounds to energize, purify, strengthen, and heal the body. 

One sound is used to energize, purify, strengthen, and heal the lungs.  This sound is variously translated into English as "ssss" or "tzzz" or "shhhh."

Here is one version of the method used:

Lie on your back on a comfortable and flat surface.  [Others recommend doing the exercise while seated or standing, but try it lying on the ground in this version.]
Close your eyes. 
Relax the entire body.  Be comfortable and warm. 
The room should be quiet and you should be undisturbed. 
The room should be clean, dust free, incense free, and pollution free. 
Healthy plants in the room contribute to better air. 

Keep your tongue down on the bottom of your mouth. 
Extend your lower jaw somewhat. 
Either let your arms relax on the floor at your sides, or rest your hands on your upper chest. 
Inhale slowly and deeply through the nose.  Relax your abdomen and let it rise as you inhale.
As you exhale make the "ssss" or "tzzz" or "shhhh" sound. 
You should be able to hear and feel this healing sound as you make it. 
Vibrate the sound in the throat.
Imagine the buzzing sound descending, vibrating, and buzzing in your chest and lungs. 
Imagine your lungs being energized, purified, strengthened, rejuvenated, healed. 
The abdomen falls down as you exhale. 

1. Audibly repeat the inhalation and exhalation pattern eight times. Take your time, go slowly, concentrate, and focus on energizing the lungs. 
2. Silently, inaudibly, with your imagination, repeat the inhalation and exhalation pattern eight times.  Take your time, go slowly, concentrate, and focus on energizing the lungs. 
3. Audibly repeat the inhalation and exhalation pattern eight times.  This time, as you exhale, imagine and mentally concentrate on and try to feel the Qi (bodily energy) moving from both big toes (Liver 1 point Dadun) upward, up through the inside of the legs (Liver Channel), up into the abdomen, up into the chest and lungs, then down the inner arms (Lung Channels) moving to the tips of the middle fingers (Lung 11 point Shaoshang).  [Accupressure and medical qigong books explain these inner energy systems in more detail). 
4. Silently, inaudibly, with your imagination, repeat the inhalation and exhalation pattern eight times.  Take your time, go slowly, concentrate, focus on energizing the lungs. 

Relax quietly for a few minutes. 
Imagine your lungs being energized, purified, strengthened, rejuvenated, healthier and healed. 
Return to normal, relaxed, and natural breathing.  Rest for awhile. 
Place your hands gently on you abdomen (right hand over left hand for men, women the opposite) and move your hands in a circular manner around your abdomen for 36 circles clockwise, then 36 circles counterclockwise.  Enjoy this self-massage. 
 Remain quiet, relaxed, and calm.  Meditate.