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Exercises for Lung Health in the Autumn

YUAN LIREN

THE weather turns cooler when autumn begins. In the  changeable climate people are liable to catch colds and there are more occurrences of cough and asthma. Those who have had asthma for long often have attacks in this season. Traditional Chinese medicine observes the weather's influence on human health and believes that in autumn the qi (vital en­ergy) of the lungs is liable to be injured. It recommends paying attention to the changes of the weather, protecting the qi of the lungs, and thus avoiding colds and coughing.

There are many ways to protect the lungs. For example, going to bed earlier and getting up earlier, the former to avoid colds and the latter to enjoy fresh air; wearing suitable clothing according to the changes of weather; and eating more warm food with enough fluid and less spicy food. Here are some ex­ercises to help keep the lungs healthy.

1. Sit straight in a relaxed way. Breathe evenly. Cross the
legs naturally, bend the waist, use the hands to support the
body and raise the body 5 times without stopping. Repeat the
exercise 3 times.

Points to remember: Exert enough force on the arms. Hold the breath while raising the body. Bend the waist as much as possible. Crossing the legs is aimed at avoiding using the legs to support the body. Use the strength of the arms instead of the legs.

This exercise can regulate the qi of the lungs, promote the operation of the lung channels, and reinforce the function of the lungs.

2. Sit still.   Relax the waist and back.   Close the eyes slightly. Make hollow fists and strike the middle and two sides of the back 5 times. When striking, hold breath. At the same time, clamp the teeth together 10 times, then slowly swallow saliva several times.
Points to remember: Strike the back in two directions: up-down and down-up. Strike the middle of the back first, then the sides.

This exercise can regulate and remove obstructions in the flow of qi in the lungs, promote normal operation of the chan­nels and collaterals of the back, and prevent colds. It is good for the stomach and lungs.

3. Sit straight or stand. Raise the head and stretch the neck. Use the hands to rub the throat down to the chest. Re peat 20 times, using the hands alternately. Repeat the exercise 3 times without interruption.

Points to remember: Separate the thumb and the four fin­gers, press the part between the thumb and index finger on the throat and rub downward. Exert proper force.

This exercise is beneficial to the throat and can relieve cough and reduce phlegm.

4. Use the thumb to press the tiantu point 15 times. This can relieve cough and asthma.

5. Breathing exercise. Sit or stand in a place with fresh air. Breathe evenly. Inhale slowly through the nose. When the lungs are full, exhale slowly, at the same time pronouncing the sound "sh-h" gently. After exhaling all the air, inhale through the nose again. Repeat the exercise 24 to 36 times. Long prac­tice of this exercise is effective for shortness of breath, cough and asthma. It can also reinforce the lungs and prevent colds.

Doing these exercises regularly in the autumn helps pre­vent colds, relieve coughing, reduce phlegm and strengthen the lungs. Of course, they can be done in other seasons as well. For those with chronic cough and asthma, these exercises help relieve pain and prevent recurrence.