In Chinese Medicine Theory, the Lung organ includes not only the anatomical lungs, but also the nose, sinuses, and skin. The Lung also has an important connection to the Large Intestine, and together the Lung and Large Intestine provide the strength for the “Wei Qi” or the protective boundary around our body (just underneath our skin) that is akin to the Western idea of the immune system. When the Lung is strong the voice is clear, the skin is bright, and immunity is sufficient to fight off invading pathogens. This is why it is essential to consider how the Lung is functioning when trying to strengthen the immune system, and also when your goal is healthy, glowing skin.
Tips for Maintaining Healthy Lung Function to Optimize Immune system and Skin health
- Dry brushing. Help stimulate lymph flow, and exfoliate your skin with dry brushing. Gently brushing the skin of your whole body with a natural bristle brush can feel very invigorating and is a quick and simple practice to add to any self care routine. Read more about dry brushing here: https://formhealth.centerstreet.dev/blog/dry-skin-brushing-easy-self-care-at-home
- Breathwork. Use the following breathing exercise to open up and strengthen your Lung energy:
- Find a comfortable seated position
- Place a hand on your abdomen and make sure that your belly is expanding as you inhale.
- Focus on the exhale- breathe out fully, pulling in your belly button towards your spine as you exhale all the air in your lungs, so that the next inhale comes naturally and without effort.
- Continue breathing this way for 2-5 minutes.
- Keep it Clean. Imagine your skin as an extension of your lungs that also breathes and exchanges substances with its environment. This means we need to be as aware of what our skin is being exposed to and coming in contact with as we are about what we’re breathing in. Keep the following in mind:
- Wear protective clothing or gear when handling chemicals
- Try to find cosmetic and household products that are as natural as possible. This includes hand soap, dishwashing soap, laundry detergent, shampoo, body wash, sunscreen, lotion, and make up.
- Wear natural fiber clothing when possible to allow your skin to breathe.
- Foods that nourish the Lung. Implement these foods into your diet to support your Lungs. If cow’s milk yogurt does not agree with you try goat or sheep’s milk yogurt. If you are experiencing excess phlegm or mucus in your sinuses or lungs, skip the dairy products altogether.
- Pears
- Almonds
- Yogurt
- Seeds
- Fresh fruits and veggies
- Fish and shellfish
- Herbs. These are a few Chinese herbs that benefit the Lungs and simultaneously boost immunity and contribute to skin health
- Astragalus (Huang Qi)
- Reishi (Ling Zhi)
- White wood ear mushroom (Bai Mu Er)
If you’re looking for a natural (and tasty!) way to nourish and hydrate your skin while also supporting your immune system, try our Shining Skin Tea formula. The formula consists of 5 Chinese herbs, 2 of which are mentioned above:
Wu Wei Zi (Schizandra berry): Contains Vitamin C and E which nourish skin and help protect against UVB induced skin damage. This herb also helps the skin hold in moisture.
Huang Qi (Astragalus root): Full of antioxidants which protect skin from free radical damage. Astragalus has a diuretic effect to help clear toxins from the body, and it also helps speed wound healing.
Long Yan Rou (Longan fruit): An anti-inflammatory herb which nourishes blood to promote a youthful and glowing complexion
Bai Mu Er (White Cloud Fungus): A rich source of collagen, this herb moistens dryness and helps skin to become soft and pliable
Mei Gui Hua (Rose bud): Gently detoxifies the liver and relieves stress, lifts the spirit with it’s soothing fragrance
Contact us at info@formhealthpdx.com to order Shining Skin Tea or to find out more about how Chinese Medicine can benefit you on your wellness journey.
May your Lungs be healthy and strong during this time!
