Our lungs are our first line of self-defense, and come fall, I find myself treating (acupuncture) a lot of people with stagnation in their lungs and large intestine. Each season corresponds to a different element, and each element corresponds to different organs and meridians; which means people are more prone to disorders in these channels during each period. Of the five elements (fire, earth, metal, water, and wood), we are currently in metal—associated with the lungs and large intestine—so those are the areas we need to nourish now.

(Darius Bashar)

Our respiratory systems have been taking a toll as of late with the changing of the seasons as well as the diminished air quality from the fires. Keep your immune system and respiratory health in check with these tips:

1. Play with your breath breath. Sing, practice pranayama, go for a run, dance your heart out—work those lungs!

2. Keep the back of your neck covered. The back of our neck has certain acupuncture points that can compromise our respiratory system if exposed to wind.

3. Do a saline nasal rinse on the daily for at least 10 days.  Even if you don’t have congestion, it keeps the eyes-ears-nose-throat relationship in check.

4. Drink tea with licorice and mint, and add lots of honey to help protect the delicate membranes of your respiratory system.

5. Get a HEPA air filter for your bedroom and make sure to sleep within about six feet of it.

6. Eat copious amounts of green onions and scallions to strengthen your lung channel and protect your respiratory system. Scallions (the white bulb part) induce sweating, treat nasal congestion and abdominal distention by entering our lung and stomach meridians. They also have mild anti fungal and antimicrobial effects. The green part of a scallion is high in vitamin A, while the bulb contains vitamins A, B-complex, and C; it also has some calcium, magnesium, and potassium.

7. Pears are slightly cooling and moisten our lungs, which are directly related to our skin, so by eating this sweet fruit, we are nourishing our skin from the inside out. Pears are also a great source of fiber (particularly pectin), potassium, and boron; reduces serum cholesterol; and cleanses the body of environmental toxins. Below is a simple four step recipe to get in your weekly dose of pears:

(Margot Pandone)

INGREDIENTS

  • 6 organic chopped pears
  • 2 cups of raw nuts
  • 2 tablespoons of ghee, butter or coconut oil
  • Sea salt
  • Vanilla extract
  • Whiskey
  • Cinnamon

DIRECTIONS

1. Melt the ghee in a pan, and place the chopped pears and nuts in.

2. Sprinkle some sea salt and cinnamon and 3 capfuls of vanilla

3. Cook until pears are soft and have turned a golden brown.

4. Add about half a shot of whiskey flambé and voilà you’re done!

Fall, too, is all about purification, elimination, change, and reform. This is a powerful time to purge and get organized to embrace change. Focus on ridding yourself of excess and cleansing. The Metal element is associated with the emotion, grief—fitting considering all that’s going on currently. A good cry can be so healing so don’t be afraid to let it flow!

Anna Lee is a CA licensed acupuncturist, herbalist and aesthetician who has been practicing since 2004. She holds a Master of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine and applied science degrees in both Medical Aesthetics and Clinical Massage. She also has an all-natural, vegan, and organic skincare line called Mee Ra Rituals, that harnesses East Asian medicine for your face.

tagged in lung channel, respiratory health, wellness