This book begins with a look at the second chapter of the Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic, Neijing Suwen chapter 2, and discusses the movements of heaven and earth in autumn, and the lung's need for clarity and abundant qi at this time.

The five phase resonances of metal and lung as set out in Suwen chapter 5 are examined in detail, showing the movement of condensation and concentration through the west, dryness, acrid and so on, right up to the diffusion of qi and fluids at the level of skin and body hair.

The description of the lung as minister and chancellor in Suwen chapter 8 is discussed, as are its relationships with the seven po and the jing. The lung's mastery of qi is discussed fully with particular reference to the sea of qi in the chest, and to ancestral (zong), nutritive (ying) and defensive (wei) qi. Its roles as a 'canopy', as a leader, and as a judge are also presented,

An appendix summarizes the lung's functions and pathology, and an index is given for all Chinese characters and main concepts.