There are many measures of beauty in today’s society. Pharmacy and beauty supply store shelves are filled with a multitude of options: skin creams to smooth out wrinkles and firm skin, topical serums to clear up acne and redness, and peels to exfoliate and reveal a youthful glow. While these treatments may work temporarily, whatever is visible on our physical body is a reflection of what’s happening deep within.

Your skin is your body’s largest organ. In TCM principle, the skin is governed by the Lung. When your Lung energy is strong and functions optimally, it’s reflected on your physical body. Healthy Lung function translates to skin that is beautiful, supple, and wrinkle-free. It does not dry and crack in cold, winter weather. In addition, your bowels are able to flow freely. Yes, we’re talking about elimination. Your Lung and Large Intestine are partners. This pair takes in the good and easily releases what the body no longer needs. And interestingly enough, when the body is able to release, it does not hold on to toxins, thereby creating that youthful, glowing skin you’ve been longing for.

So, is what we put on our skin as important as what we put into our bodies? Absolutely! Would you massage your Lung with a long list of chemical ingredients? Or would you give it only the absolute best of what it needs to function at its highest level? Forgo the expensive creams and go within. By boosting your Lung function, you’ll see an improvement in your skin as well as your elimination habits.

Here are some Lung-boosting tips:

1. Cover up! Keep your skin covered in cold and windy weather.

2. Moisturize: Bake pears and honey, then sprinkle them with almonds. These three foods help to moisturize the Lung and support its function.

3. Energy Gate 1: Energy Gate #1 is located where the bones of the thumb and index finger meet. Find the spot where the index finger bone forms a “V” with the thumb bone. Massage this point with your opposite thumb and continue to gently massage the entire index finger bone, moving toward the first knuckle.

Join Us for Qi Thursday!

Join us tonight—and every Thursday night—for a free, virtual Qi tune-up!

A certified Dragon’s Way Qigong instructor will lead the group in our most powerful standing meditation, The Dragon Stands Between Heaven and Earth.