A Side Note About The Benefits Of Qi Gong 
QiGong is a way of cultivating internal energy. There are many forms of qigong that can focus on a wide range of health concerns. Here are a couple of short qigong exercises meant to strengthen the energy of the lungs.

Tapping at Lung 1 acupoint: Find the little triangle beneath the collarbone where it meets the shoulder. From that point, jump your fingers down about an inch or two into the muscle belly of the pectoralis muscle. This is Lung 1. Use your fingers to tap this point for about a minute to stimulate lung energy. Notice how your breathing feels after.

Massaging the sides of the nose: Using the base of both thumbs, massage up and down along the sides of the nose. The lungs open up to the nose, so by massaging this area, you are accessing and stimulating lung energy. Do this for about a minute. Notice how your breathing feels after.
Getting started on supporting lung health now will actually help you in the Fall. Fall is the time of year that can be most taxing on the lungs, according to Chinese Medicine. Getting your lungs in good shape for the Fall so that not only will you be able to breathe well; you will also be in a better position to fight off the colds that come with the change of the season.

• Air quality should stabilize around wednesday but until then before leaving the house - check the ever shifting air quality at airnow.gov
• Wear a mask when outside for extended periods.  Although a N95 respirator is ideal, some prevention is better than nothing.
• Use a Neti pot if you have one.  Clearing the build up out of your sinuses daily can help immensely.
• Eating pears can calm a scratchy throat and dry cough, especially when boiled or sautéed with honey.
• Take extra immune support as your body is recognizing the stressors present.  Things like a lingering cough, sinus congestion, and dry, red or watery eyes are examples of ways our immune system lets us know its under stress and trying to rid our body of the junk we're being exposed to. (If you need input here please email us directly)
• Remain indoors. Yeah, you won’t hear me say that very often but especially if there is a preexisting vulnerability, it can be very important to avoid unnecessary exposure to more smoke. There is likely still some amount of particulate matter in the air, but it certainly seems lessened.
• Don’t increase particulate matter in the air – This includes not lighting candles, woodstoves, fireplaces, cooking food at high temperatures on the stovetop and not vacuuming. All of these activities either increase or create particulate density and circulation in the air.
• HEPA filters or even air conditioners with filters and recirculating air can help cut down on particulate matter in the air indoors. Do NOT use an air conditioner or swamp cooler if it doesn’t have air filters or it will only suck in smoke and make breathing conditions worse.
• Avoid unnecessarily exerting yourself. Heavy breathing means you’re going to suck in more smoke. Avoid it if possible.
• Be especially conscious of breathing conditions for children and pregnant women.
• Stay hydrated. Drink detoxifying and cooling teas like dandelion or mint are especially helpful.
• If your system tends towards asthma, respiratory conditions, or you have a chronic health issue or weakened immune system please be extra careful
• There is not one person in the bay area that has not been affected by this fire.  Reach out to all those in your communities that need extra support as well.  KQED has put together a great list of ways to help.

Cupping and acupuncture can be very helpful. We've gotten busy at the office since the fires, we are doing our best to accommodate everyone.  If you've been affected by the fires either physically or emotionally, please don't hesitate to reach out so we can find a time that works for you! 

Don't hesitate to contact us with your specific questions on formulas that would benefit you during this time.