Lung Health in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Breathing, Immunity, Skin & the Lung–Kidney Connection

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Lungs are far more than organs of respiration. They govern breathing, immune defense, skin health, and the body’s relationship with the external environment.

When Lung Qi is strong, breathing is full, immunity is resilient, and the skin is healthy. When Lung Qi is weak or imbalanced, symptoms often show up as respiratory issues, allergies, frequent illness, or chronic fatigue.

What Is Lung Qi?

Lung Qi refers to the vital energy that powers respiration and immune defense. The Lungs are responsible for:

• Drawing in fresh Qi from the air

• Distributing Qi throughout the body

• Regulating the skin and pores

• Defending against external pathogens

In TCM, the skin is considered an extension of the Lungs. This is why chronic respiratory issues often coexist with skin conditions such as eczema, rashes, or dryness.

When Lung Qi is deficient or obstructed, common symptoms may include:

• Shortness of breath

• Chronic cough

• Asthma or wheezing

• Excess mucus or dryness

• Allergies or frequent infections

• Fatigue and weak immunity

The Lungs: First Line of Defense

The Lungs govern Wei Qi, the body’s protective energy—similar to immune function in Western medicine. Wei Qi circulates at the surface of the body, defending against viruses, bacteria, allergens, and environmental stressors.

When Lung Qi is weak:

• The body becomes more susceptible to colds and flu

• Recovery takes longer

• Allergies and sinus congestion become chronic

Acupuncture, herbal medicine, and diet work together to strengthen Lung Qi and restore immune resilience.

Common Lung Patterns in TCM

1. Lung Qi Deficiency

Causes: Prolonged illness, weak constitution, grief, poor posture, chronic overwork
Symptoms:

• Weak voice or reluctance to speak

• Shortness of breath

• Spontaneous sweating

• Fatigue and pale complexion

• Frequent colds

2. Lung Yin Deficiency

Causes: Chronic illness, smoking, dehydration, dry environments, excess heat
Symptoms:

• Dry cough with little or no sputum

• Dry throat, skin, and mouth

• Hoarseness or voice loss

• Night sweats or low-grade fever

3. Wind-Cold Invading the Lungs

Causes: Exposure to cold, drafts, seasonal changes
Symptoms:

• Chills more than fever

• Cough with clear or white sputum

• Runny nose, sneezing

• Body aches

4. Wind-Heat Invading the Lungs

Causes: Exposure to heat, seasonal pathogens
Symptoms:

• Fever more than chills

• Sore throat

• Yellow nasal discharge

• Cough with yellow sputum

• Thirst

5. Lung Dryness

Causes: Autumn dryness, arid climates, dehydration, smoking
Symptoms:

• Dry cough

• Dry skin and nasal passages

• Hoarseness

6. Phlegm-Damp Obstructing the Lungs

Causes: Weak digestion, excess dairy or cold foods, sedentary lifestyle
Symptoms:

• Copious white or sticky sputum

• Chest congestion

• Fatigue and poor appetite

7. Phlegm-Heat Obstructing the Lungs

Causes: Chronic infection, smoking, long-standing inflammation
Symptoms:

• Thick yellow or green sputum

• Wheezing

• Fever and chest heat

8. Lung & Kidney Yin Deficiency

Causes: Aging, chronic illness, long-term stress, overwork
Symptoms:

• Chronic dry cough or wheezing

• Shortness of breath

• Night sweats or hot flashes

• Weak low back or knees

• Heat in palms and soles

The Lung–Kidney Relationship in TCM

In TCM, the Lungs and Kidneys work together to regulate breathing.

• The Lungs govern inhalation

• The Kidneys grasp the Qi, anchoring the breath deep into the body

When Kidney energy is weak, the breath becomes shallow and labored. This is why chronic asthma, wheezing, or breathlessness often involve both Lung and Kidney deficiency—especially in aging, long-standing respiratory conditions, or after prolonged stress and illness.

Strengthening the Kidneys helps:

• Improve oxygen exchange

• Reduce chronic wheezing

• Stabilize asthma

• Improve endurance and vitality

How Acupuncture Helps Lung & Immune Conditions

Acupuncture works by regulating the nervous system, improving circulation, and restoring balance between organ systems.

For Lung conditions, acupuncture can:

• Strengthen Lung Qi and Wei Qi

• Reduce inflammation and mucus

• Improve breathing capacity

• Calm the nervous system (important in asthma and anxiety-related breathing issues)

• Support immune function

Treatments are customized based on the pattern present and often include points that support both Lung and Kidney function.

Herbal Medicine for Lung Support

Herbal medicine works alongside acupuncture to provide continuous support between treatments.

Herbs and formulas may be used to:

• Tonify Lung Qi

• Moisten Lung Yin

• Clear heat or resolve phlegm

• Strengthen Kidney Yin for chronic respiratory conditions

Herbal formulas are individualized based on constitution, symptoms, and stage of illness.

Supporting Lung Health Holistically

In addition to acupuncture and herbs, lifestyle and diet play a key role:

• Warm, cooked foods support Lung and Spleen function

• Hydration with warm teas helps moisten Lung Yin

• Avoid excessive dairy and processed foods if phlegm is present

• Gentle breathing exercises and posture awareness support lung capacity

• Emotional processing is important—grief and sadness directly affect Lung Qi

Ready to Support Your Lung Health?

If you’re experiencing chronic cough, asthma, allergies, frequent illness, or shortness of breath, acupuncture and herbal medicine can help restore balance and strengthen your immune system from the inside out.

Schedule a New Patient Visit today to begin supporting your lungs, immunity, and overall vitality.