In ancient times, people who understood the way of self cultivation lived with the cycles of nature. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can help you in transitioning from autumn to winter.
In late autumn there is a cold nip in the air. The days become shorter. We find ourselves a little more serious and less carefree than in summer.
Autumn is the beginning of the yin cycle when the daylight lasts less than twelve hours. It is a time of harvest when we gather the colorful fruits and vegetables for winter storage. Pumpkins and squash are the symbols of bounty. We also store wood for the fire and get out our warm clothes for the colder, darker days of winter.
In Chinese medicine, autumn is associated with the element of Metal, which governs organization, order, communication, the mind, setting limits, and protecting boundaries. This is a great time to finish projects that you began in spring and summer. You can harvest the bounty of your hard work. This is the perfect time to begin more introspective, indoor projects.
During the summer, which is ruled by the Fire element, we deal more with the external. Traveling and playing outdoors (Covid19 made this quite difficult in 2020!).
Autumn is for organizing your life for the winter. You should start to move inside your body and mind to reflect on your life.
The lung and large intestine are the internal organs related to Fall and the Metal element. Lung is associated with the emotion of letting go. This is difficult for people who love the summer. Many people find it difficult to give up the long days of sunlight, and warm temperatures. Other people feel differently and love autumn, from the crisper air to the vivid red, orange, and yellow leaves on the trees. If letting go of summer is hard for you, extra support from your licensed acupuncturist may be in order to help you make the transition.
You may find yourself seeking ways to release emotional and physical issues. Acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and Qigong meditation are the perfect solutions!
Many systems teach that by controlling your breath, you can achieve and maintain physical vigor, mental clarity and emotional tranquility.
Correct Qigong practice can increase vitality, extend lifespan, and prevent disease. This is a wonderful skill to learn summer gives way to fall.
Sleep is another important aspect of staying healthy in autumn. The ancient Chinese medical texts advise that you should go to bed early and rise with the sounds of the rooster in autumn.
The body and spirit should be tranquil. To keep the lungs pure, you should not give way to your unfulfilled desires. I think Social Media should be avoided, as it can easily trigger our emotions!
The lungs are considered by Chinese medicine to be the fragile organ. The lung is the uppermost organ in the body and especially susceptible to wind and cold. During the change in temperature, be sure to dress for the weather, and keep your neck covered.
The lungs control the circulation of the defensive Qi that protects you from the invasion of flu and colds (and Covid19!). The defense Qi circulates on the surface between the skin and muscles and works to warm the body. If the defense Qi is weak, the skin and muscles will not be properly warmed. A weakness in the lungs can lead to a weakness in the protective Qi, making you susceptible to frequent colds.
The nose is the opening to the lungs, and you can prevent colds by keeping your nose and sinuses clean and clear. Use a sinus rinse to clean your sinuses of excess phlegm.
If you suffer from a runny nose or sinus infections, acupuncture and Chinese herbs are excellent for alleviating those problems.
What you eat also greatly affects the health of your lungs. Eating excess cold and raw foods creates dampness or phlegm. Dairy products, such as milk, cheese, cream, and butter also create phlegm, while moderate amounts of pungent foods like garlic, onions, ginger, horseradish, and mustard are beneficial.
Now is the time to strengthen your protective Qi to prepare for the long winter ahead. Get a tune-up at Clinic Eight to strengthen your immune system. We can help you in transitioning from Autumn to Winter
Clinic Eight Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine
More info at: https://www.clinic-eight.com/chinese-medicine-and-autumn/