Dry, dull skin, puffy eyelids, or changes around the nose may seem like minor cosmetic concerns. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), practitioners consider these observations alongside breathing, energy levels, and other symptoms to assess the health of the lung system.
Grace Zhang, a TCM practitioner at Northern Medical Center in New York, told The Epoch Times that imbalances in this system may be reflected in the complexion, eyelids, nose, and lips.
In TCM, the lung system encompasses breathing as well as traditional functions involving the skin and the movement of body fluids. Zhang said the lungs help distribute qi—the body’s vital energy—and support the nourishment of the skin. They also help regulate fluid distribution and elimination.
Facial changes alone cannot diagnose lung disease. Their significance depends on accompanying symptoms, how long they persist, and a person’s overall health.
Pale, Dry, or Rough Skin
Zhang considers a pale, dull complexion, dry or rough skin, flaking, and changes in the pores among the observations that may be relevant to a TCM assessment of the lungs.
TCM holds that “the lungs govern the skin and body hair.” Within this framework, the lung system helps nourish and protect the body’s surface. When its functions are weakened, the skin may appear less vibrant or become more vulnerable to dryness.
Persistent skin changes deserve attention, particularly when accompanied by coughing, chest tightness, or unusual breathlessness during activity. These respiratory symptoms should be assessed by a medical professional.
A Warm or Darkened Forehead
A forehead that frequently feels hot or appears unusually dark, blackish, or bluish may also warrant attention, particularly when accompanied by chronic respiratory symptoms.
In TCM, different areas of the face are associated with different internal organs, and the forehead is linked to the lungs.
A warm or darkened forehead may reflect insufficient lung qi or impaired circulation of qi and blood.
Puffy Eyelids
If the eyelids are frequently swollen upon waking and the puffiness cannot be explained by staying up late, allergies, or kidney problems, it may be associated with a reduced ability to regulate fluid metabolism.
TCM holds that “the lungs regulate waterways,” referring to their role in regulating the movement and metabolism of body fluids.
When lung function is imbalanced, fluids may be more likely to accumulate.
However, swollen eyelids can also result from kidney disease, allergies, insufficient sleep, and other causes. When the cause is unclear, it’s best to consult a physician.
Redness or Color Changes Around the Nose
Frequent redness along the sides of the nose or recurring blackheads and acne on the face may also be related to lung function.
In TCM, it is believed that “the lungs open into the nose,” meaning that changes in the nose’s color and condition may reflect changes involving the lungs.
Redness at the tip of the nose may be interpreted as internal heat or “lung heat,” a TCM pattern associated with heat, dryness, or inflammation in the respiratory tract.
A bluish or purplish nose tip is often associated with pain or poor circulation of qi and blood.
Bluish Lips
Lips that suddenly turn bluish or dark purple—particularly when accompanied by difficulty breathing, a high fever, or confusion—may indicate a medical emergency, such as severe pneumonia, and require immediate medical attention.
TCM holds that “the lungs govern breathing,” describing the lungs as the body’s primary site of oxygen exchange.
From the perspective of conventional medicine, bluish lips often suggest that the blood is not carrying enough oxygen.
However, bluish lips are not always caused by lung disease.
Abnormal heart function, poor circulation, and other conditions that reduce oxygen levels may also alter the color of the lips.
Everyday Factors That Can Harm the Lungs
In addition to watching for possible warning signs, people should also pay attention to everyday factors that may adversely affect lung health, Zhang said.
Poor Indoor Air Quality: Keeping doors and windows closed for extended periods can reduce air circulation and contribute to the buildup of carbon dioxide, bacteria, and dust mites indoors.
Air conditioners and fans with filters that are not cleaned regularly may also circulate mold spores when switched on, potentially triggering respiratory allergies and inflammation.
Stress and Negative Emotions: TCM believes that “excessive grief damages the lungs.” In other words, prolonged anxiety, depression, sadness, and stress may affect lung function.
From the perspective of conventional medicine, emotional stress can influence the autonomic nervous system and cause breathing to become faster and shallower. Over time, this may reduce breathing efficiency and lung capacity.
Inadequate Hydration: Insufficient fluid intake can dry out the respiratory mucous membranes and make mucus thicker, potentially increasing the risk of airway obstruction and respiratory infection.
Chemical Cleaning Products: Failing to use appropriate protection when handling chemical cleaners, including bleach, may increase the risk of irritating or damaging the respiratory tract.
Insomnia and Fatigue: Chronic sleep deprivation and excessive fatigue can weaken immune defenses, leaving the lungs more vulnerable to viral and bacterial infections.
Cold, Dry Environments: Spending long periods in cold, dry air may irritate the airways and increase susceptibility to respiratory illness. Respiratory infections may, in turn, aggravate existing lung conditions.
TCM Approaches to Support Lung Health
Pei-Chen Lin, a TCM practitioner and director of Li-xiang Chinese Medicine Clinic in Taiwan, shared several everyday approaches to support and protect lung health.
1. Dietary Therapy
According to TCM, the five internal organs correspond to five colors, with the lungs associated with white. TCM practitioners therefore often recommend white foods such as daikon radish, snow fungus, lily bulbs, and lotus seeds.
TCM also characterizes the lungs as favoring moisture and being vulnerable to dryness. For this reason, excessive fried foods and dry foods such as nuts are generally discouraged.
Moderate amounts of pungent foods, including scallions, ginger, and garlic, are believed to support the circulation of qi and blood and help maintain respiratory regulation. However, these foods should not be eaten excessively.
Lotus Seed and Lily Bulb Sweet Soup
Lin recommends a simple dietary therapy recipe for everyday lung support.
Servings: 1 to 2
Total Time: 1 1/2 hours
Ingredients
-
15 grams lotus seeds
-
15 grams dried lily bulbs
-
500 milliliters water
-
Rock sugar or granulated sugar, to taste
-
1 egg, beaten
Instructions
-
Remove the bitter green cores from the lotus seeds.
-
In a clay pot, combine the lotus seeds and lily bulbs with water and soak for about 20 minutes.
-
Add fresh water and simmer over low heat for 40 to 60 minutes, until the lotus seeds are tender.
-
Add the sugar and beaten egg, and continue cooking until the egg is fully cooked.
A 2025 systematic review found that lily bulbs contain polysaccharides, saponins, and other active compounds with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory biological activities.
Some research supports the TCM use of lily bulbs to “moisten the lungs,” although clinical validation remains limited.
Platycodon and Licorice Root Tea
In TCM, platycodon and licorice root are used to support the respiratory tract, while mume fruit is used to support the digestive system.
Servings: 1
Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
-
6 grams platycodon root
-
3 grams licorice root
-
1 dried mume fruit
-
500 milliliters water, boiled
Instructions
-
Rinse all the ingredients and put them into a teacup or mug.
-
Add the boiling water, cover, and steep for 15 minutes.
-
Drink in place of other teas, up to 1 cup per day.
This tea is generally suitable for most people. However, those taking medication should drink it at a different time from their medicine.
Some herbs mentioned in this article may be unfamiliar, but they are generally available in health food stores and Asian grocery stores.
Please note that treatment methods may vary depending on the person. Consult with a healthcare professional for a specific treatment plan.
2. Laughing for Lung Health
In addition to diet, maintaining a positive emotional state may also support lung health, Lin noted. She encourages laughing heartily from time to time.
When a person laughs, the chest naturally expands and breathing deepens. This may increase oxygen intake, promote lung ventilation, and relax both the body and mind.
However, people who have recently undergone surgery or have severely elevated blood pressure should avoid excessive laughter, which could cause physical discomfort.
Walking outdoors, visiting elevated places with open views, and spending time in natural surroundings can also help relieve stress while gently exercising the respiratory system.
3. Acupressure
In TCM, the lung meridian is a pathway associated with lung function that extends from the chest along the arm to the thumb.
Massaging acupoints along the lung meridian can nourish the lungs and ease respiratory discomfort.
Fish Border (Yu Ji, LU10)
This acupoint is located below the thumb, near the midpoint of the first metacarpal bone, in the slight depression on the raised muscular area at the base of the thumb.
In TCM, this area is known as the “junction of the red and white flesh,” referring to the boundary between the skin of the palm and the back of the hand.
Lesser Metal (Shao Shang, LU11)
This acupoint is located at the base of the thumbnail on the side closest to the index finger.
Use a fingernail or the blunt end of a toothpick to apply gentle stimulation. Do not press hard or break the skin.
The acupoint can be massaged repeatedly while resting, riding in a car, or watching TV.
Cloud Gate (Yun Men, LU2)
This acupoint is located in the depression below the collarbone, between the pectoralis major and deltoid muscles.
Gently tapping the area with a loose fist can help expand lung capacity.
Paying attention to changes in the face can encourage greater awareness of the body. Turn that awareness into action: care for the air you breathe, make time for movement and rest, and seek help when breathing changes. Lung care begins with the habits practiced long before a warning sign appears.
Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Epoch Health welcomes professional discussion and friendly debate. To submit an opinion piece, please follow these guidelines and submit through our form here.