How fires and smoke affect the Lungs
The Lungs are considered the tender organ in Traditional East Asian Medicine because it’s most prone to being damaged from outside influences. The Lungs are in charge of circulating air and building up our defensive barrier against the outside elements and external pathogens. This defensive barrier is called Wei-Qi and resides on the surface of the body. If our defensive Wei-Qi is weak, then the body is more prone to attack from wind, heat, cold or dampness.
Each organ has an emotion related to it and for the Lungs it’s grief.
Smoke from the fires can create dryness, heat and heat-toxins in the air and can cause patterns called wind-heat or wind-dryness attacking the lungs.
For those that are already prone to upper respiratory issues, or impaired function of the Lung, the hot smoky air can also cause phlegm to build up in the Lung.
3 ways you can protect and strengthen the Lungs
1. Gently press and massage the acupressure point Lu 1
Stimulating this acupressure point can help clear lung heat, relieve cough, and support respiratory function. The Lu 1 point can also help with processing emotions such as sadness and grief.
To find Lu 1, start by placing your fingers at the top of your chest and feel for your collarbone. Move your fingers just below this bone, about two inches out from the side of your breastbone, until you find a soft spot. This is the Lu 1 point.
2. Practice Qigong to benefit the Lungs
Qi Gong involves gentle movements and breathing techniques that enhance lung capacity and clear toxins, supporting respiratory health and overall well-being.
Learn a quick 3 minute Qigong routine to benefit the Lungs and transform your day: Quickly enhance energy and find balance with Qigong and follow along with me in this video.
3. Drink chrysanthemum herbal tea
Chrysanthemum tea helps soothe the lungs and clear toxins by reducing inflammation and cooling the body, making it beneficial for alleviating respiratory discomfort caused by fire and smoke exposure.It also helps with red irritated and dry eyes.
Steep dried chrysanthemum flowers in hot water for 5-10 minutes until the water turns a light golden color, let it cool, then drink.
In the aftermath of the fires, taking care of your lungs is more important than ever. Practices like acupressure, Qigong and herbal remedies offer gentle yet powerful tools to help your body and emotions heal.