What organ is responsible for controlling qi and respiration?

The lungs are primarily responsible for controlling qi and respiration in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In TCM, qi is regarded as the vital life force or energy that flows through the body, and the lungs play a critical role in its distribution and regulation. They are considered the "tender organ" that not only governs the process of respiration, taking in fresh air and oxygen, but also help to disperse and descend qi throughout the body.

Moreover, the lungs are associated with the "wei qi," or defensive qi, which helps to protect the body from external pathogens. This connection underpins their fundamental role in maintaining overall health and vitality. By regulating the breath, the lungs also directly influence the flow of qi, which is essential for sustaining life and supporting the functions of other organs.

In contrast, the liver is primarily associated with the storage and regulation of blood and the smooth flow of qi but does not directly control respiration. The large intestines are mainly involved in digestion and elimination rather than in qi control. The kidneys are vital for storing essence and managing water metabolism but are not the main organ for regulating qi and respiration. Thus, the lungs hold a unique and paramount position in the realm of qi dynamics and respiratory function in TCM.