As autumn sweeps in with its cool breeze and falling leaves, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) emphasizes the importance of seasonal health. “Nourish the liver in spring, the heart in summer, the lungs in autumn, and the kidneys in winter, while supporting the spleen and stomach throughout the year.” With autumn's arrival, it’s time to turn our attention to nurturing the lungs. Not only does this align with the rhythms of nature, but it also lays the foundation for robust health throughout the year.
Autumn Dryness and Seasonal Blues: Protect Your Lungs
The transition from the lush vitality of summer to the cooler, drier days of autumn brings significant changes in our bodies. As nature sheds its summer abundance, the human body must also adapt. In TCM, the lungs are considered delicate organs, easily affected by environmental shifts, especially dryness. Supporting lung health in autumn equips the body with the strength needed to withstand winter’s harsher conditions.
Dr. Huo Lili (霍莉莉), a chief physician at the Shanghai Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital, explains that autumn dryness can deplete the body's essential moisture, especially harming the lungs. As the climate shifts from humid to arid, dryness infiltrates our respiratory system, often manifesting as dry coughs, a parched throat, chapped skin, and constipation. To counter these effects, it's crucial to replenish lung moisture and enhance the body’s resilience.
Autumn is also associated with a melancholic emotional state, often called the “autumn blues.” The bleakness of bare trees and the whisper of autumn winds can evoke feelings of sadness and introspection. According to TCM, excessive grief or anxiety can disrupt lung function, leading to symptoms like chest tightness and breathlessness. Therefore, emotional balance is as important as physical wellness, and fostering a calm, positive mindset is a vital aspect of lung care.
Lung-Nourishing Foods: Embrace Gentle Moisture
Since the lungs thrive in a moist environment and are easily harmed by dryness, incorporating hydrating and soothing foods into your diet can work wonders. Yang Zhiming (杨志敏), Vice President of the Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, recommends consuming foods that gently hydrate and nourish the lungs. Pears, Chinese yam, lilies, sugarcane, and Solomon’s seal root are all excellent options to ward off autumn dryness.
Dryness in autumn comes in two forms: warm dryness and cool dryness. When battling warm dryness, herbs like mulberry leaves, loquats, and almonds provide relief. For cooler dryness, ingredients such as Chinese asparagus root, silver ear mushrooms, and carrots work better. Two simple lung-nourishing teas can also be easily made at home. The first, a mulberry chrysanthemum tea, combines mulberry leaves, chrysanthemum flowers, and mulberries to soothe warm dryness. The second, an autumn pear tea, infuses fresh pears with southern almonds and aged tangerine peel, offering gentle relief from cool dryness.
The Key to Healthy Lungs
In TCM philosophy, the lungs are deeply connected to the emotions of grief and worry. Dr. Tan Guangbo (谭光波), a respiratory specialist at the Hunan Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital, emphasizes that excessive worry or chronic sadness can stagnate lung energy, leading to further physical and emotional disturbances. The ancient text Su Wen (素问) describes this connection: “Grief injures the lungs.” Therefore, maintaining an optimistic and serene mindset is crucial during the autumn season.
To combat emotional distress, consider engaging in activities that uplift the spirit. Take leisurely walks in nature, practice deep breathing, or engage in meaningful conversations with loved ones. These practices not only boost lung function but also ease the spirit. Additionally, cultivating hobbies and making time for relaxation fosters a sense of well-being that strengthens both body and mind.
