The Season of the Lung and Large Intestine Channels
Fall or autumn is a favorite season for many people. The weather is getting a little cooler, things are starting to slow down, but for some, it also brings challenges like seasonal illnesses, allergies, and even depression. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), fall is associated with the lung and large intestine meridians, which play a crucial role in immune function. Taking care of these meridians during this season can help boost your health and well-being. Here are some tips to stay healthy in the fall:
Wear scarves: The large intestine meridian runs from the arms up to the neck and face, making the neck a key point for protecting immunity. Wearing a scarf helps keep this area warm, preventing cold pathogens from entering the body through the pores or nasal cavity
Eat seasonally: To support the lung and large intestine meridians, focus on warm, cooked foods rather than cold, raw foods. Seasonal foods like apples, squash, sweet potatoes, carrots, ginger, and warm spices (cinnamon, nutmeg) are great choices. Hot herbal teas with ginger and lemon can act as natural antibiotics, supporting immune health.
Stay hydrated: Proper hydration is just as important in the fall as in the summer. Drinking plenty of water keeps the lungs and skin, controlled by the lung meridian, moist and helps the large intestine meridian expel toxins. Dry skin or constipation can be signs of dehydration, making water intake essential.
Get regular acupuncture: Acupuncture can help strengthen the immune system by targeting key points that boost lung and large intestine function. Regular treatments during the fall can help prevent seasonal illnesses.
By incorporating these TCM strategies, you can navigate the fall season with better health and resilience.
3 Points to Balance Your Energy this Fall
It is best to always have your energy aligned and balanced. To make sure your energy is balanced throughout this fall season, here are three acupressure points you should utilize. Acupressure is a great way to stay healthy and balance energy. Check out these points!
Large Intestine 4 (LI 4) A reliever of headaches and tense muscles, LI 4 is a great point to use to balance energy. In addition to promoting balance, it supports healthy bowel functionality throughout the body. LI 4, referred to as He Gu, or the “Adjoining Valleys,” is where energy cleanses the body and clears out what is no longer needed. This point clears the system and replenishes Qi. To find it, position your left hand flat with your palm down, squeeze your thumb and index finger together, and locate the fleshy mound that appears between the two fingers. Press this point with your right thumb above and index finger below.
Large Intestine 11 (LI 11) To relieve pain in your arm, shoulder, or elbow, use this acupressure point. LI 11 also regulates the digestive tract and blood, and it cools heat while alleviating dampness. LI 11, the earth point of the large intestine meridian, is located at the crease of your elbow. To find it, bend your elbow at a 90-degree angle, place your thumb on the outside of the elbow crease, and press.
Lung 2 (LU 2) Yu Men, or the Gateway of Gathering Clouds, is where we can receive fresh sunshine, rain, and cloudy days. This point is useful for balancing energy when overwhelmed with stress, calming the body. To find LU 2, locate the area above the collarbone where it meets the shoulder blade. There should be a depression at this spot—apply pressure here to harness the balancing powers of this acupressure point.