03/11/2026
Why Is Protecting the Lungs So Important This Autumn and Winter?
If you ask me which part of the body deserves the most attention as we move through autumn and winter 2026, my answer would be:
The Lungs.
This year is associated with Yangming Dry Metal residing below (陽明燥金在泉).
In TCM Five Element theory, the Lungs belong to Metal. They are also described as a delicate organ system that prefers moisture and is easily affected by Dryness.
This is why TCM emphasises that:
“Dryness can injure the Lungs.”
In autumn, some people may first notice a dry nose, dry or itchy throat, dry cough, or dry skin.
People with pre-existing Lung Qi or Lung Yin deficiency, as well as those with chronic respiratory conditions, may be more sensitive to dry air and changes in temperature.
Older adults and children also deserve particular attention.
So protecting the Lungs this autumn and winter should not begin only after a persistent cough develops.
Simple daily habits can help: getting enough sleep, avoiding excessively dry indoor air, drinking adequate fluids, and dressing appropriately for the weather.
Preventive care means looking after your body's vulnerable areas before problems develop.
今年秋冬,為什麼我最想提醒大家保護「肺」?
如果問我:2026年秋冬,身體哪一個系統最值得提前保護?
我會首先想到——肺。
今年是陽明燥金在泉。
中醫五行裡,肺屬金;而肺又被稱為「嬌臟」,喜潤而惡燥。
所以中醫有一個很重要的認識:
「燥易傷肺。」
到了秋天,有些人首先出現的就是鼻乾、咽乾、咽癢、乾咳、皮膚乾燥。
如果本來肺氣不足、肺陰不足,或者有慢性呼吸道問題,對外界乾燥和氣溫變化可能更加敏感。
老人和兒童也值得特別留意。
所以今年秋冬的「護肺」,不要等到咳嗽很久才想起來。
少熬夜、注意室內空氣不要過度乾燥、適當補充水分、注意保暖,都是很簡單的日常保護。
治未病,很多時候就是在疾病還沒有真正形成以前,先保護自己的薄弱之處。
#中醫 #五運六氣 #2026秋冬 #肺部保健 #秋冬養生 #燥易傷肺 #順時養生