Breathe Easy: Supporting Respiratory Health with TCM During Wildfire Season

As wildfire smoke from Canada continues to drift into Minnesota, many of us are feeling the effects—scratchy throats, shallow breathing, coughing, and overall fatigue. For those with sensitive lungs, asthma, or seasonal allergies, the air quality challenges can be overwhelming. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers time-tested tools to support and protect your respiratory system when environmental stressors are high.

In TCM, the Lung system is more than just a physical organ—it governs the breath, immune defense (Wei Qi), and even the health of the skin. The Lungs are considered delicate and are directly affected by dryness, heat, and environmental toxins. When smoke fills the air, it's seen as an invasion of external "Dry Heat" that can compromise Lung Qi and cause symptoms like dry cough, nasal congestion, sore throat, and fatigue.

Here are several TCM-inspired strategies to protect your lungs and breathe easier during wildfire season:

1. Moisten the Lungs with Food Therapy

Incorporate foods that nourish Lung Yin and help counteract dryness:

• Asian pears

• Snow mushroom

• Almonds

• Lotus root

• Honey (in moderation)

Drink warm, gentle herbal teas such as licorice root, chrysanthemum, or mulberry leaf to soothe and moisten the respiratory tract. Steaming sliced pears and drizzling honey over them is a great, easy snack to support the lung yin.

2. Avoid Overexertion and Preserve Qi

The Lungs are easily taxed by excessive activity, talking, or stress. Take extra rest, stay hydrated, and minimize exposure to poor air—stay indoors with filtered air if possible.

3. Use Acupressure to Support Lung Function

Gently press or massage:

• LU 1 (Zhongfu) – Located on the chest, near the shoulder crease

  
  

  

  
  
  
  

• LU 7 (Lieque) – On the inner wrist, helps release the exterior and open the lungs

These points help open the chest and support immune defenses.

4. Practice Gentle Breathwork to Breathe Easy through Wildfire Season

Even short periods of deep, mindful breathing (indoors with clean air) can help regulate Lung Qi and reduce emotional tension—especially grief or worry, which are associated with the Lung in TCM.

By nurturing your Lung system with intention and care, you not only protect your respiratory health today—you also build resilience for the seasons ahead. Here at EastWest Acupuncture, our providers can help support your body to breathe easy through the wildfire season with acupuncture, herbs and more! Give us a call or book online today!

Stay well, breathe deeply, and honor the wisdom of your body.