In Traditional Chinese Medicine, we consider that Fall is the season of lung. The element of fall is metal and metal is associated with lung. Fall is the season of contraction, moving inwards and retrieve. During this season, the lung is at its most vulnerable state and most likely to be affected by the dryness, cold air and dampness from rain. Many of my patients who suffer from asthma and chronic cough come in to see me during this reason to restore their lung’s health. Basically, we want to help the lung to expend its capacity and descend its rebellious energy/Qi to reduce wheezing, coughing and short of breath symptoms.
A couple of interesting facts about the Lung in Traditional Chinese Medicine: The most important function of Lung is in its ability to governs Qi and respiration and in particular are in charge of inhaling air. Lung is connected to emotions such as grief, worries and sadness. The lung’s ability to distribute body fluids and spread defensive Qi (the Qi protects superficial layers of our body) all over the body confirms its physiological relation to the skin. Lung also partners up with large intestine and they are called the interiorly-exteriorly related organs, meaning that the lung’s ability to regulate body fluids can help the large intestine to stay moist and not dry.
What is Gua Sha?
Gua Sha is a technique used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to help improve blood and energy circulation. It is considered a very effective technique for reducing inflammation, boost circulation, invigorate blood flow and relieve pain.
How to massage the lung meridian:
To support your lung’s health during the fall season, you can use a Gua Sha tool to scrap along the lung meridian. See image below. You must apply massage oil first. Make sure you follow the direction of the arrows to scrap down the arm. If you happen to notice bruise marks showing up, it is a good sign that detoxification is achieved. The bruising marks are not actual bruises but Sha, which means toxic substances in Chinese language. So, you would want to see Sha being released to the surface of your skin. Remember to start at the corner of your shoulder, then scrap down along the lung meridian, and finally end at the tip of the thumb.
