With the current landscape of 5+ fires burning in Colorado and many more popping up in our surrounding western states, our lung health is paramount and addressing lung function is necessary. With every breath taken, the lungs come into contact with the outside world, absorbing the industrial pollutants, ozone, and high levels of smoke and carbon dioxide present.
While these symptoms can affect anyone, patients that already experience asthma, wheezing, COPD, sinus congestion, or seasonal allergies may be feeling an increase in:
Difficulty breathing
Sore/scratchy throat
Dry or cracked/bleeding nose
Post nasal drip
Red/burning eyes
Chest pain
Headaches or dizziness
Nausea
Fatigue
How Acupuncture Supports Lung Health:
The lung acupuncture channel is one of the 12 major energetic pathways in the human body, responsible not only for the lung organs, but also the immune system and our protection from invaders, and the emotion of grief.
The Lungs are said to govern the body’s qi, which is crucial for all metabolic activities. Therefore, lung health and our ability to take deep belly breaths determines our overall well-being. Acupuncture can help to strengthen the lung channel, which increases blood and qi circulation in the body, thereby increasing immune cell activities that are necessary to support proper immune function.
At Onyx, we use specific acupuncture points that regulate breathing, help to open the chest cavity, expand lung capacity to deliver more oxygen around the body. Chinese herbal formulas and specific nutritional supplements are also helpful to complement acupuncture treatments and provide extra assistance in dilating the bronchioles, nourishing dryness caused by harsh smoke and pollutants, and boosting immunity and overall lung health.
Others Ways you Can Support Your Lung Health
Eat Pungent Foods and/or Sweet Cooling Foods
According to Five Element Acupuncture Theory, the lung channel corresponds with the pungent taste. Many of these foods are white in color, including daikon radish, scallion, garlic, and leeks. These foods help to open the airways and nourish the qi of the lungs.
Sweet cooling foods will also help to temper the harsh hot dryness associated with smoke and air pollutants in Denver. Pear, honey, and grapes will moderate the temperature of our internal environments and soothe irritated respiratory tracts.
2. Nasal Irrigation
The Neti Pot allows you to irrigate your nasal passages using saline and distilled water. Nasal irrigation tools help to wash away pollutants that can become lodged in our sinus passages and cilia of the nostril. We suggest patients use a Neti Pot 3-4x/week during wildfire season.
3. Yoga and stretching
Many yoga poses actually stretch the meridian pathways of the Lungs, stimulating the respiratory system. Poses like upward facing dog, fish pose, and camel pose can effectively modulate the energetic pathway of the lung. These poses help to expand the rib cage, widen the bronchial tubes, and enhance deeper respiration. Yoga is a wonderful practice to compliment regular acupuncture treatments.