Skin and body hair
pí máoTissues & Senses
Overview
Skin and body hair (pifu) constitute the body's exterior surface, including the skin, sweat pores, and fine hairs, serving as a barrier against external pathogens. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, they are closely connected to the Lungs, which nourish and protect them through the diffusion of Wei Qi and fluids.
Theoretical points
- Skin and body hair are collectively known as the exterior of the body and are considered one of the 'five body constituents' (wu ti), acting as the first line of defense against external pathogenic factors.
- The Lungs govern the skin and body hair (fei he pifu): the Lung's diffusing and descending function transports Wei Qi (defensive Qi) and body fluids to the body surface, warming, moistening, and nourishing the skin and hair.
- The Lung also regulates the opening and closing of the sweat pores (han kong), which are also called 'qi gates' (qimen) or 'mysterious mansions' (xuanfu), thereby participating in temperature regulation and respiration.
- When Lung Qi is abundant, the skin and hair are firm and compact, resistance to pathogens is strong, and sweating is moderate and controlled.
- When Lung Qi is deficient, the skin and hair become loose and unprotected, leading to susceptibility to colds and spontaneous sweating.
Common patterns
- External pathogenic factors often invade the body through the skin and hair, and because the Lungs govern the skin, these pathogens first affect the Lungs, manifesting as cough, sneezing, or nasal congestion.
- Deficiency of Lung Qi weakens the defensive barrier, causing the skin and hair to lose their compactness, resulting in frequent colds, spontaneous sweating, and a tendency to be invaded by wind-cold or wind-heat.
- Disorders of the sweat pores can impair the regulation of body temperature and respiration, leading to abnormal sweating patterns or aggravation of respiratory symptoms.
Daily care
- Maintain a balanced lifestyle to strengthen Lung Qi, such as regular moderate exercise and adequate rest, which supports the defensive function of the skin and hair.
- Avoid excessive exposure to wind and cold, and keep the skin clean and dry to preserve the integrity of the body's exterior barrier.
- Practice deep breathing exercises or qigong to enhance Lung function and promote the proper diffusion of Wei Qi and fluids to the body surface.
Educational content on traditional medicine; not a substitute for a qualified practitioner.