5 Simple Ways to Protect Your Lungs from Smoke

Tucked between summer and fall is a high intensity period now known as fire season. A number of factors play in to what causes a bad season: dry woods, higher temperatures, wind, and holiday fireworks. The cause may not always be known, but the effect can be disastrous. And where there's fire, there's smoke.  

We must prepare during times of poor air quality and smoke inhalation. Here are 5 simple ways to protect our lungs, for humans and animals alike.

1. Use an air purifier at home. It's vital that the air you breathe, especially while you sleep, should be clear of particles that will cause inflammation or irritation. An air purifier is an easy way to keep those harmful substances at bay. You can also make your own out of a box fan and 2-4 filters. Click HERE for directions on a DIY air filter. 
2. Wear a mask when you're outside. N95 is the gold standard, but really any mask will do as long as you wear it.
3. Change clothes after being outside.  Putting on fresh clothes once you return home helps to minimize exposure to harmful particles. If the air outside is very polluted, consider taking a shower when you get home. Anything clinging to clothing will also be a point of exposure for others, including pets.
4. Use Chinese herbal formulas to help clear those toxins from the lungs. Consult with your acupuncturist if you have symptoms of smoke exposure to find out which formulas would be best for you.
5. Keep up with your regular self care.  Stay hydrated, move your body to help circulation, and practice relaxation breathing to manage stress. If your body is in a state of reactivity, the smoke will only increase those tendencies. Come in for a therapeutic treatment if you need support.  

Tanya Zhu, LAc - To Tanya, health is about the intersection of mind, body and spirit. She strives to provide the best Traditional Chinese Medicine to patients, incorporating acupuncture, herbs, Asian massage and qigong as a means to balance both the physical and emotional aspects of health. When not working, Tanya enjoys the bounty of the Pacific Northwest, whether it's bathing in the sounds of nature, sampling the gastronomic abundance of the city, or connecting with family and friends.