The Lung Meridian: Navigating Mid-November’s Bitter Cold
Focus: Acupuncture, Chiropractic & Functional Medicine
By mid-November, Minnesota is officially flirting with winter. The air around White Bear Lake has turned sharp and biting, frost covers the grass every morning, and indoor heating systems are running full blast. This sudden drop in temperature and humidity creates a double-whammy for your body: bone-dry indoor environments combined with freezing outdoor winds.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, late autumn and mid-November are governed by the Lung meridian. The Lungs are considered the most "delicate" organ system because they have a direct connection to the outside world through your nose, throat, and skin. They control your Wei Qi (your body’s protective immune shield). When mid-November’s dry, freezing air weakens the Lung meridian, you might notice physical symptoms like dry skin, scratchy throats, sinus pressure, and a lingering dry cough, alongside emotional feelings of grief, melancholy, or seasonal blues.
Physiologically, breathing in dry, frigid air causes the mucous membranes of your respiratory tract to dry out and shrink, making it much easier for seasonal viruses to take hold. Furthermore, as we instinctively hunch our upper bodies against the biting November wind, we restrict the rib cage and thoracic spine. This shallow "chest breathing" deprives the body of full oxygenation and keeps your sympathetic nervous system stuck in a state of high alert.
By integrating acupuncture, chiropractic adjustments, and functional nutrition, we can protect your lungs and keep your nervous system resilient through the mid-November freeze. Acupuncture points along the Lung and Large Intestine meridians help moisten the airways and boost Wei Qi. Meanwhile, chiropractic care releases the tight rib heads and upper back vertebrae, allowing your lungs to fully expand so you can breathe deeply and stay grounded.
Hippie Tip: Upgrade your mid-November self-care routine with "steam therapy." Add a drop of eucalyptus or pine essential oil to a bowl of steaming water, place a towel over your head, and inhale deeply through your nose for 5 minutes every evening. This simple ritual moistens your delicate Lung membranes, clears sinus congestion, and expands your chest. Pair this with warm, bone-broth soups and regular spinal adjustments to keep your immune barrier strong and your breath flowing freely all winter long.
