How Traditional Chinese Medicine strengthens the lungs when the weather turns dry and cool – NaturalNews.com

• In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), autumn is when the lungs are most active yet most vulnerable, as dry air depletes moisture and irritates the respiratory tract, making the body more prone to illness.
• Supporting lung health during fall helps strengthen wei qi—the body’s natural protective energy—through practices that harmonize the body with the season, such as breathing exercises, self-massage and nourishing foods.
• Deep breathing exercises expand lung capacity, improve oxygen exchange and clear stagnant air; practicing between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m. is considered most beneficial for lung function.
• Gentle patting along the lung meridian helps regulate energy flow, ease chest tightness and promote better breathing, while reversing the motion helps clear congestion or stagnant energy.
• Moist, white foods like rice porridge, Chinese yam, white fungus, pears and apples nourish and hydrate the lungs, support immunity, aid digestion and even improve skin health during the dry autumn months.

As fall’s crisp, dry air settles in, many people find themselves battling scratchy throats, dry coughs or shortness of breath. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this is no coincidence. Autumn is the season when the lung system is most active—and most vulnerable. The dryness of the season can strip the body of essential moisture, irritating the respiratory tract and leaving it more susceptible to illness. Supporting lung health during this time not only promotes easier breathing but also strengthens wei qi, the body’s protective energy and first line of defense against seasonal colds and flu.

TCM emphasizes balance between body and environment. As the air becomes cooler and drier, practices that moisten and nourish the lungs are especially beneficial. Experts recommend a combination of mindful breathing, gentle self-massage and nutrient-rich foods that harmonize with the season’s energy.

Deep breathing is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to care for the lungs. It not only calms the mind but also expands lung capacity, enhances oxygen exchange and helps clear stagnant air where pollutants and pathogens can linger. To practice, sit upright with your back supported and hands resting on your thighs. Slowly inhale, raising your hands above your head, palms facing upward. Exhale with a soft “sss” sound, letting your chest expand and the vibration resonate within your body. Repeat this 20 times daily—ideally between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m., the hours TCM identifies as optimal for lung activity.

In TCM, the lung meridian runs along the inner arm from the chest to the thumb. When energy, or qi, flows freely through this pathway, the lungs function at their best. Gentle patting along the lung meridian can help regulate this energy flow, improve circulation and relieve chest tightness. To nurture lung energy, pat gently from the shoulder down to the wrist five times on each arm. To release excess or stagnant energy—useful when dealing with a cough or congestion—reverse the direction, patting from wrist to shoulder.

Nourishing the lungs with white foods

Diet also plays a crucial role in lung health. In TCM’s five-element theory, the color white corresponds to the lungs. Naturally moist white foods help replenish body fluids, soothe dry throats and protect the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.

One of the most traditional remedies is white rice porridge, a simple, warming dish that nourishes the lungs, supports digestion and helps conserve body energy during colder weather.

Another revered ingredient is Chinese yam (shan yao), known for its ability to moisten the lungs, reduce chronic coughs and enhance immune resilience. It also supports the spleen and kidneys, which play key roles in energy transformation and vitality. Chinese yam pairs beautifully with rice, red dates and goji berries in porridge—a gentle, comforting meal that restores strength and hydration.

White fungus, or tremella mushroom, is another fall favorite. Rich in plant-based gelatin, it helps moisten both the lungs and intestines—addressing the dryness that often leads to sluggish digestion and constipation. It also hydrates the skin and improves elasticity, a reflection of the TCM belief that “the lungs govern the skin.” Modern studies confirm white fungus’ antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it an ideal food for both respiratory and skin health.

Lastly, fruits such as pears and apples are excellent natural remedies. Studies show that regular consumption of these fruits is linked to a lower risk of chronic respiratory diseases. Pears, in particular, soothe sore throats and relieve coughs, while apples replenish lung energy and support immunity.

As autumn invites a slower pace, it also calls for mindfulness in caring for the lungs. Through deep breathing, gentle self-care and nourishing foods, you can align your body with nature’s rhythm—strengthening your respiratory system and building resilience for the colder months ahead.

“To maintain lung health, engage in regular physical activity to enhance lung capacity and function, and avoid exposure to environmental toxins, including air pollution and secondhand smoke,” said BrightU.AI‘s Enoch. “Additionally, incorporate lung-supportive herbs and foods into your diet, such as turmeric, ginger and garlic, which possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.”

Watch and learn about the importance of breathing properly.

This video is from the Natural Health Quincy IL channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

TheEpochTimes.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com