Supporting the Lungs as We Transition from Summer to Autumn

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), each season is associated with an organ system. As summer gives way to autumn, the Lungs become the dominant organ.

This seasonal transition is important because the Lungs are particularly sensitive to dryness. After the heat and activity of summer, the body can become slightly depleted of fluids. When autumn arrives with cooler, drier air, this can manifest as:

• Dry skin

• Dry cough or throat

• Fatigue

• Increased susceptibility to colds

• Sinus or respiratory sensitivity

From a Chinese medicine perspective, this is known as Autumn Dryness affecting the Lung system.

Supporting the Lungs during this seasonal change helps maintain immunity, healthy skin, and respiratory health.

Why the Lungs Are So Important in Chinese Medicine

In Chinese medicine, the Lungs are known as the “delicate organ.”

They play an essential role in:

• Governing Qi (energy)

• Controlling the skin and body hair

• Regulating fluids in the body

• Supporting the immune system (Wei Qi)

This is why skin issues, allergies, eczema, and dryness often relate to Lung health in Chinese medicine.

When the Lungs are nourished and hydrated, the body is better able to defend against seasonal illness and maintain healthy skin.

A Simple Lung-Supporting Tea for Early Autumn

A gentle way to support Lung health is through warming and moistening herbal teas.

This tea helps to nourish Yin, moisten dryness, and support respiratory health.

Lung Nourishing Autumn Tea

Ingredients

• 2–3 slices fresh pear

• 1 teaspoon goji berries

• 2 red dates (jujube), lightly crushed

• Small slice fresh ginger

• 300–400 ml hot water

Instructions

1. Place ingredients in a cup or teapot.

2. Add hot water.

3. Cover and steep for 10 minutes.

4. Drink warm.

You can drink this tea once daily during the seasonal transition.

Why These Ingredients Work

Pear
Pears are traditionally used in Chinese medicine to moisten the Lungs and relieve dryness.

Goji berries
Nourish Liver and Kidney Yin, helping replenish fluids after summer heat.

Red dates (Jujube)
Strengthen Qi and digestion, helping the body absorb nourishment.

Ginger
Supports digestion and circulation while balancing the cooling nature of pear.

Together, this tea gently supports Lung moisture while strengthening overall Qi.

Other Ways to Support the Lungs in Autumn

In addition to herbal tea, Chinese medicine recommends:

Eat moistening foods

Good seasonal foods include:

• Pears

• White fungus

• Honey

• Almonds

• Tofu

• Sesame seeds

Avoid excessive dryness

Limit:

• Excess coffee

• Alcohol

• Very spicy foods

• Dehydration

Support Lung Qi with breathing

Gentle breathing exercises, walking in nature, and mindful breathing help strengthen the Lung system.

When to Seek Personalised Chinese Medicine Care

If you experience ongoing symptoms such as:

• Persistent dry cough

• Recurrent colds

• Skin dryness or eczema

• Fatigue or breathlessness

A personalised consultation may help address the underlying imbalance.

Chinese medicine treatments may include:

• Acupuncture

• Herbal medicine

• Dietary therapy

• Lifestyle adjustments

These approaches aim to restore balance rather than simply suppress symptoms. If you would like personalised herbal advice or a consultation, telehealth appointments are available.

Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine for Eczema

Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that can cause itching, redness, dryness and irritation. Many people seek acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine as a natural approach to support eczema management and improve skin health.

Chinese medicine takes a holistic approach to eczema by looking beyond the skin to identify internal patterns that may contribute to flare-ups. Treatment may include acupuncture, personalised herbal medicine, and dietary therapy to support overall balance in the body.

Understanding Eczema

What is Eczema?

Eczema (also known as atopic eczema) is a common inflammatory skin condition that can cause:

• persistent itching

• dry or cracked skin

• redness and irritation

• inflamed patches of skin

• recurring flare-ups

Triggers may include environmental allergens, stress, digestive imbalance, immune responses, or skin barrier dysfunction.

How Chinese Medicine Approaches Eczema

In Chinese medicine, eczema is viewed as a skin condition influenced by internal imbalances in the body.

Common patterns may include:

• Heat in the blood

• Damp-heat accumulation

• Blood deficiency and dryness

• Digestive imbalance affecting skin health

Treatment focuses on supporting the body's natural regulatory systems while addressing the underlying patterns contributing to skin inflammation.

Eczema Treatment with Acupuncture

Acupuncture for Eczema Support

Acupuncture is used in Chinese medicine to support circulation, immune balance and nervous system regulation.

For people with eczema, acupuncture may help support:

• reduced skin inflammation

• improved circulation to the skin

• reduced itching and irritation

• improved stress regulation

Treatment plans are individualised based on each person's symptoms and constitution.

Chinese Herbal Medicine for Eczema

Chinese herbal medicine is often used alongside acupuncture to address internal patterns contributing to eczema.

Herbal formulas are customised for each individual and may focus on:

• clearing internal heat

• resolving dampness

• nourishing the blood and skin

• supporting digestive health

Herbal consultations can also be provided through telehealth for patients who cannot attend in person.

Benefits of Chinese Medicine for Eczema

Potential Benefits

People choose Chinese medicine as a complementary approach for eczema because treatment is personalised and holistic.

Possible benefits may include:

• improved skin hydration

• reduced itching and irritation

• fewer flare-ups over time

• improved overall wellbeing

Results vary between individuals.

Book an Eczema Consultation

Personalised Eczema Treatment

Eczema can have many contributing factors. Chinese medicine focuses on identifying the underlying patterns affecting your skin and developing a personalised treatment approach.

Treatment may include acupuncture, herbal medicine, and dietary guidance tailored to your needs.

Book a consultation to discuss how Chinese medicine may support your eczema management.

Chinese Medicine vs Conventional Treatment for Eczema

Eczema can be frustrating to manage, especially when symptoms such as itching, redness, dryness and inflammation keep returning. Many people explore Chinese medicine when conventional treatments provide only temporary relief.

Conventional Eczema Treatments

Conventional dermatology treatments often focus on controlling eczema symptoms. Common approaches include:

• Topical steroid creams to reduce inflammation and itching

• Immunosuppressant medications for more severe eczema

• Moisturisers and barrier creams to protect the skin

These treatments can help manage flare-ups and reduce discomfort. However, they primarily focus on suppressing symptoms rather than addressing possible underlying factors contributing to eczema.

For some people, long-term use of stronger medications may also raise concerns about side effects or skin thinning.

The Chinese Medicine Approach to Eczema

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) takes a holistic approach to skin conditions such as eczema.

Rather than focusing only on the skin, Chinese medicine practitioners assess the whole body, including digestion, stress levels, sleep, immune function and internal balance.

Treatment may include:

• Acupuncture to support immune and nervous system regulation

• Chinese herbal medicine tailored to the individual pattern

• Dietary therapy to reduce inflammatory triggers

• Lifestyle recommendations to support skin and gut health

In Chinese medicine theory, eczema may be related to internal patterns such as heat, dampness, blood deficiency or imbalance in the body’s qi (energy). Treatment aims to gradually correct these imbalances.

Key Differences Between Chinese Medicine and Conventional Care

1. Treating the Whole Body

Chinese medicine evaluates the root patterns affecting the skin, rather than focusing only on visible symptoms.

2. Individualised Treatment

Two people with eczema may receive completely different treatment plans, based on their constitution, triggers and symptom patterns.

3. Multiple Treatment Modalities

Care may combine acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutrition and lifestyle support to address contributing factors.

4. Long-Term Skin Support

The goal is to support healthier skin function and reduce flare-ups over time, rather than only suppressing symptoms during active outbreaks.

Can Chinese Medicine Help Eczema?

Many people choose Chinese medicine as a complementary approach when managing eczema, particularly when symptoms are chronic or recurrent.

A personalised treatment plan may help support:

• Reduced itching and inflammation

• Improved skin hydration and barrier function

• Fewer flare-ups over time

• Better overall wellbeing

Looking for a natural approach to eczema management?
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine may offer a gentle, holistic option to support your skin health. Book a consultation to discuss a personalised eczema treatment plan.

FAQ Chinese medicine for eczema

Can acupuncture help eczema?
Acupuncture is commonly used in Chinese medicine to support the body's natural regulatory systems. Some people use acupuncture as part of a holistic approach to help manage eczema symptoms such as itching and inflammation.

How does Chinese herbal medicine support eczema?
Chinese herbal formulas are traditionally used to address internal imbalances that may contribute to skin conditions. Treatment is tailored to the individual and may focus on reducing heat, clearing dampness, and supporting overall skin health.

How long does Chinese medicine take to help eczema?
Because Chinese medicine focuses on restoring balance in the body, treatment is often gradual. Some people notice improvement within a few weeks, while chronic eczema may require longer-term care.

Is Chinese medicine safe for eczema?
When prescribed by a qualified practitioner, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are generally considered safe. Treatment plans are individualised and adjusted according to each patient's needs.

Can Chinese medicine be used alongside conventional eczema treatments?
Many people choose Chinese medicine as a complementary approach while continuing conventional care. It is important to inform all healthcare providers about treatments being used.

Personalised Eczema Care

Every case of eczema is different. Treatment focuses on identifying the underlying patterns affecting your skin and creating a personalised treatment plan using acupuncture, herbal medicine and dietary support.

Book a consultation to discuss a tailored treatment approach for your eczema.

Seasonal Allergies

It is the time of the year where hay fever or seasonal rhinitis is the hot topic for those that suffers from it.  This year spring has started earlier.  You may have noticed more sneezing, runny nose, blocked nose and itchy eyes starting to creep up on you.  In addition, you may find, if you suffer from skin problems such as eczema, urticaria (hives) or psoriasis, are flaring ups more often and itching is intensified.  You may also noticed more TV, radio and social advertisements on the sales of antihistamines.  This is when you begin your preparation, both mentally and physically for the incoming festival of hay fever.

I am an advocate of preparing the body now, taking or using any preventive methods to reduce the exacerbation of symptoms during spring.  From Chinese medicine perspective, spring can be quite a chaos transition from winter.  As you can gather from the weather pattern, some days are warm and freezing cold the next.  You will also noticed more windy days which carries with it pollen and dust.  There may be heavy rain to warm sunshine the next.  This is quite typical of Melbourne weather and also why it is knows for the highest seasonal allergic state in Australia.

Here are some advice on how to manage the coming hay fever season

• Build up your immune function

• Improve on sleep quality

• Avoid sugar and dairy – they both generate inflammation and mucous

• Rinse your nose to clear out blockages, pollen and dust – you can get sinus rinse at the chemist

• Vacuum your living and bedroom often

For those that have skin issues, here are some links to that may be helpful

• Eczema - An Approach from Chinese Medicine

• Psoriasis - A Chinese Medicine Perspective and Approach

If you need any help in tackling your hay fever or any skin issues that may be a problem especially in spring, BOOK ONLINE for an acupuncture and herbal medicine consultation. Both acupuncture and herbal medicine are very effective in managing season allergies and also skin issues.

Eczema - An approach from Chinese Medicine

Eczema, also known a dermatitis is a debilitating skin condition that affects 1 in 3 Australasian (Eczema Association of Australia). Eczema can occur in any stages of life starting as young as early childhood from the ages of 2 to 6 months and in adulthood. There are many types of eczema ranging from atopic eczema, to phomphylox eczema, seborrheic eczema and so forth.

Eczema can present in many different forms and symptoms. There may be -

• Moderate to severe itchy skin

• Red rash occupied by either dry, patchy, weepy, thicken, cracked skin, bleeding and/or scales

• Papules, vesicles, crusting

• Areas that are commonly found are on the flexors of the knees and arms however, it can occur on the hands, feet neck, face and any parts of the body

Accompanying symptoms are -

• Fatigue

• Stress, irritability and mood swings

• Depression and Anxiety

• Thirst

• Poor digestive and bowel function

• Insomnia

• Poor concentration and focus

Chinese medicine perspective -

• What cause eczema?

  In Chinese medicine, any skin condition is an indication of an imbalance of yin and yang in the body. The principle of yin and yang is to create an equilibrium between these two polar opposites within the body to function harmoniously. In the case of eczema, there is no one definitive answer to what cause this debilitating skin condition, rather the answer lies within the presentation of the individual itself. The cause of eczema from Chinese medicine perspective are Wind Heat, Damp Heat, Toxic Heat and/or Blood deficiency causing Dryness and Wind.

• How do we diagnose eczema?

  The body, especially the skin is an amazing diagnostic tool. In Chinese medicine, there are four method of diagnosis - observing, questioning, listening and palpating. We observe for signs and symptoms of the skin condition and ask detail questions into the body’s health. This will give us clues to what is out of balance in the body through observation and gathering of information. Therefore, helping us form a holistic diagnosis of the root cause of eczema. For example, itchy skin from Chinese medicine perspective can be caused by Heat, Wind and/or Dryness as a result of an internal imbalance of the body. In addition, we look at what levels the eczema is presented. For example, if the eczema is presented with mild itching with pinkish tones, it would be at a superficial level (Qi level). If the eczema is red, angry, weeping and intense itching with bleeding, it would be at the deeper level (Blood level). We also look at the tongue and perform pulse analysis as part of our diagnostic tool to determine the condition of the body. Thus making it a holistic treatment.

• How do we approach eczema?

  There is no one-size-fits-all approach from Chinese medicine perspective. Each person presented with eczema will most likely be looked at differently in terms of acupuncture and herbal medicine. In eczema, herbal medicine is often prescribed as the symptoms are a result of an internal imbalance. Herbal medicine targets the root cause of the imbalance whilst resolving symptoms derived from it. External application such as ointment or salve made from Chinese herbs may be recommended to aid the skin condition symptomatically.

• When will I see some results?

  Generally, it will take 3-6 months. The duration often depends on the severity of the eczema. However, the skin will see some form of improvements such as reduction of flare ups, itchiness and redness within 3 months of consistent acupuncture and herbal medicine. In addition, accompanying symptoms listed above will greatly improved as well.

• What ingredients do you use in the herbal medicine?

  Majority of the Chinese herbs we use are derived from roots, twigs, leafs and flowers, and occasionally we may use the shells of cicadas which are collected after the cicadas had shed them naturally (the insect is not used).  The shells of the cicadas have a effective anti-itch property. However, if you are a vegetarian or vegan, we have many other anti-itch herbs that are just as effective.

• How does Chinese medicine help with getting off topical corticosteriods?

  We would go through it very gently and slowly. Firstly, the potency of topical corticosteriods will be reduced while taking Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture to help manage the symptoms. Over time, the use of topical corticosteriods will be reduced and, be completely eliminated, then to be replaced with Chinese medicine and acupuncture. Going off topical corticosteriods abruptly will cause an intense flare up therefore, to manage these flare ups a cautious and sensitive approach is adopted.

• What can you do to help yourself?

  Majority of eczema sufferers find that by avoiding certain types of food and using a natural skin care product can help reduce the severity of their skin condition.

  Foods to consider avoiding are gluten, sugar, dairy, alcohol, processed food, deep fried and greasy food. Warming spices such as turmeric, ginger, cloves, cinnamon, cardamon should be used minimally to avoid adding Heat to the body. Part of the approach and strategy to eczema in Chinese medicine is to clear Heat from the body. Redness and inflammation are seen as Heat. Heat can dry out fluids that moisturise the skin, therefore causing dry, cracked and itchy skin.

  Natural skin care are recommended to keep the skin moist. As there are many natural skin products available in the market today, it is important to read the ingredients used in the product. Ingredients such as shea butter, jojoba oils are good at moisturising dry skin. Avoid any synthetic scent which can cause irritation to the skin, this include perfume and cologne. It is best to go scent free if possible however, some essential oils derived from plants such as chamomile and lavender can be added to sooth the skin, which also has a calming affect on the mind.

• Where do we from here?

  Chinese medicine approach and strategy to addressing eczema is to look at each presenting symptoms individually. There is no “one-size-fits-all” approach. If you would like to find out more about how Chinese medicine and Acupuncture can help with your eczema, book in for an initial consultation. We look forward to hearing from you.