To nourish the lungs in autumn, the acupuncture points should not be abandoned

Author: Huang Zijuan Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University

Reviewer: Gao Lin, deputy chief physician, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University

The third month of autumn starts at the beginning of autumn and ends before the beginning of winter. The yang energy gradually recedes and the yin energy gradually grows, and the human body adapts to nature and turns to restraining and nourishing the inner self.

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Autumn belongs to the element of metal in the five elements, and the five internal organs correspond to the lungs. Chinese medicine believes that the lungs are delicate organs that like moisture and hate dryness. In autumn, dry air is in season, so autumn health care should focus on regulating lung qi, consolidating lung yin, and preventing dryness from damaging the lungs. Acupoints are special places where the qi of the internal organs and meridians of the human body is infused into the body surface. By stimulating specific acupoints, it can nourish yin and moisten the lungs and regulate lung qi. Here are some commonly used acupoints and operation methods for nourishing the lungs in autumn.

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1. Press Yingxiang acupoint

(1) Location: On the face, near the midpoint of the outer edge of the nose, in the nasolabial groove.

(2) Acupoint location: Yingxiang acupoint is located on the face, right next to the nostril, in the middle of the outer edge of the nose wing. There is a sunken point in the nasolabial groove, which will feel sore and swollen when pressed.

(3) Efficacy: Dispel wind-heat and clear the nasal passages.

(4) Massage method: Place the tip of your index finger or the index and middle fingers of one hand (depending on your personal preference) on the Yingxiang acupoint and rub it in a circular motion. Inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth. Rub outwards and upwards when inhaling, and inwards and downwards when exhaling. Repeat this 8 times in a row, and you can do it 10 to 15 times at most.

2. Tap the lung point

(1) Location: In the spinal column, inferior to the spinous process of the second thoracic vertebra, 1.5 inches lateral to the posterior midline.

(2) Method of acupuncture point selection: Sit or lie prone, first find the most prominent spinous process in the neck, that is, the spinous process of the 7th cervical vertebra. Touch down along the spinous process one by one until you reach the point below the spinous process of the 3rd thoracic vertebra, and 1.5 inches to the side is the Feishu point.

(3) Efficacy: Nourishes yin and moistens the lungs, clears away heat and replenishes deficiency, opens the orifices and invigorates the mind.

(4) Tapping method: This operation requires the cooperation of two people. The subject sits upright on a chair, relaxes the whole body, and places his hands on his legs that are naturally apart; the operator makes a hollow fist with both hands and gently taps the Feishu point 50 to 100 times, then raises his hands and taps the location of the Feishu point with his palms for 5 to 10 minutes.

3. Moxibustion on Chize acupoint

(1) Location: At the elbow, on the cubital crease, in the depression on the radial edge of the biceps tendon.

(2) Method of acupuncture point selection: Extend your arm forward, palm facing up, elbow slightly bent, and select the acupuncture point at the depression on the radial side of the biceps tendon in the transverse line of the elbow. Pressing this point will cause a sore, numb, and swollen feeling.

(3) Efficacy: Clears and promotes lung qi, clears fire and reduces adverse reactions.

(4) Moxibustion method: Hang one end of the burning moxa stick over the Chize point, perpendicular to the skin surface, 2 to 3 cm away from the skin, until you feel a gentle and painless sensation. Repeat for 10 to 20 minutes each time, until the local skin of the acupoint turns red. Repeat twice a day, preferably in the morning or after dinner.

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References

【1】Ma Lieguang, Jiang Lisheng. Chinese Medicine Health Preservation[M]. Beijing: China Traditional Chinese Medicine Press, 2016.

【2】Wang Hua, Du Yuanhan. Acupuncture and Moxibustion[M]. Beijing: China Traditional Chinese Medicine Press, 2012.

【3】Sun Zhiyong. Acupuncture points for health preservation of lung meridian in autumn[J]. Kaijuanyi-Qiuyiwenyao, 2022(10):60-61.