How to Protect Your Lungs from Smoke and Anxiety During Wildfire Season (TCM Tips)

As wildfire season intensifies across Canada, many of us are feeling the effects—irritated eyes, scratchy throats, coughing, fatigue, and even anxiety. But what’s happening beneath the surface, especially when it comes to our lungs and overall vitality? In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Lungs are one of the most vital organs, not just for breathing, but for circulating Qi—the vital energy that sustains life. When the air becomes thick with smoke, our Lung system takes a hit, and that can ripple through the entire body.

The Lung's Role in TCM

In Chinese medicine, the Lungs are considered the "delicate organ." They are the highest and most external of the Zang organs, directly exposed to the outside world through the nose and skin. Their main functions are to govern Qi and respiration, regulate the water passages, and control the skin and pores. But their role doesn’t stop there—they are closely connected to other organs in the body:

  • Spleen: The Spleen creates Qi from food. The Lungs distribute this Qi throughout the body. If either organ is weak, Qi can’t flow properly.

  • Kidneys: The Kidneys grasp the Qi sent down by the Lungs. If this interaction is disrupted, breathing can become shallow or laboured.

  • Heart: The Lungs help the Heart circulate blood. Poor Lung function can lead to poor blood oxygenation and fatigue.

  • Liver: The Liver ensures smooth flow of Qi. If Liver Qi becomes stagnant due to stress or toxic air, it can invade the Lungs and disrupt breathing.

So when wildfire smoke fills the air, the Lungs become overloaded—not only physically from the toxins, but energetically as well. This can weaken Qi circulation, compromise immunity (Wei Qi), and exacerbate issues like allergies, asthma, dry skin, anxiety, and fatigue.

How Acupuncture Can Help

Acupuncture is a powerful tool to support the Lungs during smoke season. By stimulating specific points along the Lung, Kidney, and Spleen meridians, acupuncture can:

  • Strengthen and regulate the flow of Lung Qi

  • Boost immunity to protect against external pathogens (like smoke and allergens)

  • Open the chest and relieve tightness or shortness of breath

  • Reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract

  • Calm the nervous system and reduce stress-related Liver Qi stagnation

Many clients report deeper breathing, clearer sinuses, and more energy after just one session.

Moistening the Lungs Through Diet

In TCM, dryness is considered one of the six external pathogens, and wildfire smoke brings a strong dose of it. The Lungs are particularly susceptible to dryness, which can show up as dry cough, dry throat, dry skin, or constipation. One of the best ways to protect and nourish the Lungs during summer is through seasonal, moistening foods.

Foods that Moisten and Protect the Lungs:

  • Pears: Juicy, cooling, and known in TCM to nourish Yin and moisten dryness in the Lungs.

  • Cucumber: Hydrating and cooling, cucumbers help clear heat and support fluid balance.

  • Watermelon: A summer favourite that clears heat and replenishes fluids.

  • Honey: Especially local raw honey, which moistens dryness and soothes the throat.

  • Almonds: Known in TCM to support Lung function, especially sweet almonds (not the bitter medicinal ones).

  • Snow peas and asparagus: Both lightly cooked, these vegetables help strengthen Lung Qi while also supporting the Liver.

Be sure to cook your foods lightly—steaming or sautéing—rather than eating them raw during periods of smoke exposure. Warm, moist foods help the Spleen and Lung work together to generate Qi and fluids. Cold and raw foods can weaken digestion and create internal dampness, which makes it harder for the body to adapt and recover.

Additional Tips for Lung Protection

  • Hydrate well: Add a squeeze of lemon or a slice of pear to your water.

  • Use a HEPA filter at home and avoid unnecessary outdoor exertion.

  • Try gentle Qigong breathing exercises to expand the lungs and circulate Qi.

  • Rest: Don’t underestimate the power of adequate sleep and downtime—especially when your body is working harder to deal with poor air quality.

Final Thoughts

Wildfire smoke affects us all, but in TCM, we view this not just as a respiratory challenge but as a whole-body issue. The Lung is not an isolated organ—it’s part of a beautifully connected system that needs care and balance. Acupuncture, mindful eating, and rest are more than just nice-to-haves right now—they're vital tools to support your Qi and protect your health this season.

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