Category Archives: NEWSLETTERS

A TRANSITION INTO THE COOLER MONTHS – WITH CHINESE MEDICINE.

Autumn is here!

The crisper air of Autumn is starting to come through and I feel like the Autumn equinox was a defining pivot into the new season.

Going with the flow of the seasons, we get to appreciate all the goodness that comes with Autumn. Seasonal produce, some truly lovely days where the light is golden and cooler nights which makes sleeping cosier.


In Chinese Medicine, as in nature, Autumn is a time of harvest, but also of letting go of what is no longer needed. And as the weather starts to cool, there can be a sense of agitation and, as our energy starts to move inward it can be difficult to slow down and accept the change.

The letting go process can be challenging, requiring gentleness and sometimes extra support. I find that doing the things that bring you joy and help to centre you can really help navigate this process.

In Chinese Medicine, the Lung and Large intestine are the key organs of Autumn. Together they take in air and nutrients and expel what is no longer useful to us.

An imbalance in these organs can show up in a variety of symptoms.

With the Lungs it is the respiratory system and the skin. There may be an exacerbation of asthma, eczema and seasonal allergies at this time. For the Large Intestine, digestive function may be impaired leading to constipation or frontal headaches and sinus issues.

It is helpful to re-evaluate your diet and routine at the change of season – Add some more cooked and warming foods to help your digestion along. Include plenty of root vegetables and other seasonal goodies. Drop back on the raw salads and cold foods.

In Autumn, the aim is to build our reserves by introducing more nourishing and calming practices into our daily routine to help bolster our immunity and vitality in the cooler months.
Below are some general guidelines – however, if you have a particular concern, please reach out to book a session, or contact your regular health care practitioner.

SOME AUTUMN GUIDELINES:

  • *Soups and broths🍲
  • *Seasonal fruit and veggies, such as root vegetables, pumpkin, pears and figs 🍐
  • *Pungent foods to support the lungs –
  • caraway, thyme, rosemary, turnip, radish, fennel, papaya, watercress and leek 🌿
  • *Breath-work, meditation, yoga, bodywork 💆🏻‍♀️
  • * Journaling, painting, drawing.
  • * Walks in nature.
  • * Protect your neck and lower back from the cold.
  • *Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs.

And.. if the humidity of Summer has left you feeling sluggish or you have some residual phlegm – then adding pungent foods in to help balance your digestive system and open the airways can be helpful. Look at fennel, kohlrabi, radicchio, bitter greens, peppermint and rosemary.

Wishing you a happy harvest season!

Elisabeth

CHINESE MEDICINE SPRING TIME TIPS

It’s Spring! Hence the staged photo of me next to a rosemary bush!
This is the season of green sprouting things and increased energy both in the environment and also within us.

In Chinese Medicine, Spring is the time to start focusing on the Liver. As we come out of the cooler months there can be some feelings of sluggishness. This combined with temperature changes and wind stirring, can lead to symptoms, that in TCM, we may attribute to the Liver needing some extra TLC.

Symptoms may include allergies, itchy skin, red eyes, headaches (especially around the temples, eyes and top of the head), hormonal fluctuations, bloating and feelings of irritability. There may also be tightness in the thoracic region and around the rib cage.

When it comes to the Liver, harsh detoxes aren’t really the Chinese Medicine approach. The focus is more on supporting and harmonising the Liver energy. There are many ways we can give a little extra love to the Liver coming into the Spring. These include dietary changes, exercise and other lifestyle factors.

See below for some general guidelines. However if you are experiencing some particular health care concern – please consult with your health care practitioner.

Chinese Medicine has many different approaches depending on an individual’s symptoms and health history. So, reach out if you need support x

DIET- INCLUDE:
🥦 Cruciferous vegetables – such as cauli, broccoli, brussels and kale
Dark leafy greens, radicchio, fennel, beetroot, carrot.
🍋 Lemons and limes
🌱 Fresh herbs such as rosemary, coriander, mint and thyme.

❌ DIET- LIMIT
Fried foods, fatty/ processed and smoked meats, high fructose foods and trans fats.

LIFESTYLE ☀️
🏌️‍♂️Stretch out the sides of the body – side bends and yoga poses that stretch through the rib-cage are all helpful.
– Practice some deep breathing – pushing the air right down into your belly on the inhale
💃 Move the body to get rid of pent up frustration – whether that’s swimming, dancing, running, long walks in nature or gardening – find the things that make you happy x


#acupuncturist #traditionalchinesemedicine #chinesemedicine #spring #rosemary #naturalhealth

AUTUMN – A TIME TO REFLECT AND EMBRACE THE CHANGE

The harvest season is suddenly here and some of us may be wondering where daylight savings and indeed Summer, has gone!

In Chinese Medicine, Autumn is a season of shedding what no longer serves us and taking the time to replenish our energy reserves.

It can be a struggle to let go. I for one, find it difficult to leave the idea of Summer behind. The longer days and the feeling of freedom that goes along with being outdoors has felt like such a treat.

As the weather starts to cool, there can be a sense of agitation. Our energy starts to move inward and it can be difficult to slow down and accept the change.

But by going with the flow of the seasons, we get to appreciate all the goodness that comes with Autumn. Beautiful seasonal produce, truly lovely days where the light is just golden and cooler nights which makes sleeping somewhat easier!

In Chinese Medicine, the Lung and Large intestine are the key organs of Autumn. Together they take in air and nutrients and expel what is no longer useful to us.

Imbalances in the body may start to show with the dryness of Autumn. These often occur in the areas that these two organs have the most influence.

With the Lungs – it is the respiratory system and the skin. Imbalances may show up as an exacerbation of asthma, eczema and other allergies. For the Large Intestine, digestive function may be impaired leading to constipation or frontal headaches and sinus issues.

Therefore it is helpful to re-evaluate your diet and routine at this time – Add some more cooked and warming foods to help your digestion along. Include plenty of root vegetables and other seasonal goodies. Drop back on the raw salads and cold foods.

And take some quiet reflective time for yourself where you can.

Wishing you a bountiful harvest season x

A SEASON TO BOOST OUR ENERGY RESERVES

There is a contraction of our natural energies in Autumn, as the weather cools and the days become shorter.

A time for gathering stores and re-evaluating what we need to let go of both in our physical environment and also in our ways of thinking – our habits, beliefs and ways of being.

This is kind of a strange metaphor for the times we find ourselves in. Required to limit our movements and stay close to home where possible, we have to dig deep into our reserves and find ways of balancing this inward shift in other ways.

Autumn offers us an opportunity to nourish ourselves and boost our energy reserves for the colder months ahead. Taking time to eat nourishing foods and incorporate mindful breath work and movement can strengthen our systems leading into Winter.

Now is a key time to focus on immunity. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, this is the season of the lungs and large intestine. Both organs function to take in what is necessary and to eliminate what is not. The lungs act as an interface between us and our environment, through respiration, the skin and our immune system. Our large intestine functions to absorb fluids, salts and cellulose and excrete waste and toxins.

Focusing on breathing practices to expand the lungs and release pent up energy is necessary, especially at this time when our movements may be more restricted. During these times of stress, shallow breathing and constraint through the neck, shoulders and diaphragm is common. Walking in nature and spending time each day to stretch our bodies and focus on deep, slow breathing will help to keep the chest open and expanded.

The addition of some pungent foods can also be of benefit to the lungs at this time. Consider adding foods such as spring onion, peppermint, coriander, chives or watercress into your diet.

Eating seasonally with a focus on well -cooked foods with lots of moisture (soups and stews) is a good general rule for this time.

Due to the dryer conditions of Autumn, symptoms such as dry nasal passages, flaky skin, allergies and constipation may occur. Seasonal foods such as pears, mushrooms, pumpkin, pine nuts and root vegetables can be of benefit.

In the recipe section of this site I have included a couple of recipes that are perfect for this time. Congee with Mushrooms and Miso Baked Pumpkin both make use of seasonal produce and are nourishing for Autumn.

For those who would like to book a consultation for Acupuncture or herbal support, I am currently seeing patients but at reduced hours given the current circumstances. To book an appointment please call the Williamstown clinic directly. Alternatively, I am happy to offer my herbal patients phone or online consultations if needed. Please send me a message via the contact page for more details.

Wishing everyone well at this time and hoping you are receiving the support that you need.

Elisabeth

FINDING BALANCE IN CHALLENGING TIMES

It has been a difficult time for many people this Summer. Erratic weather and regional bush fires, have caused widespread challenges.

However, through all of this we have seen such wonderful empathy, connection and generosity.

The current circumstances have lead me to think about Chinese Medicine and its principle of living in harmony with nature.

But how do we do that when things are so changeable?

I think it is about looking for ways to achieve balance where we can. Taking small steps that enable us to adapt where needed.

Pivotal to Chinese Medicine is this aim for balance, by taking into account a person’s constitution, environment and individual circumstances. It’s a principle that can be helpful in these current times.

Summer is known as the season of the ‘Heart’ in Chinese medicine. A time for expansion, reaching out and connecting with others. The ability for us to do this, has been demonstrated in the most incredible ways these past few weeks.

But with this, can come fatigue and depletion. So we need to ensure that we are looking after ourselves and replenishing where we can.

Allowing some time for meditation and reflection is so important.

The extremes in temperatures can contribute to many health concerns. These include insomnia, skin rashes, headaches, respiratory issues and digestive upsets.

Where circumstances allow, include as many seasonal and whole foods as possible into your diet and add some nourishing foods to support the heart. These include blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, oats, lettuce, adzuki beans and mungbeans.

In Summer, there is a natural inclination to increase our cold and raw food intake, however this does not suit everyone.

If you suffer from bloating, loose stools or have phlegm congestion, then lightly cooking vegetables may improve your ability to assimilate these foods better.

For congestion, try adding some pungent foods into your diet. Fennel, radish, spring onion and fresh herbs such as peppermint and coriander can be helpful.

Please feel free to contact me if you would like further information on how Traditional Chinese Medicine can help with any health concerns you may be experiencing at this time.

Wishing you a safe and peaceful Summer

CHINESE MEDICINE IN THE AUTUMN

It can be a challenging time to let go of the Summer. Embracing the prospect of cooler weather can take a little effort.

Fitting then, that Autumn is a time of letting go. Leaves falling, fresh produce being harvested. A time for gathering reserves.

The Autumnal Equinox is almost upon us, which we can consider the official start of Autumn. Therefore, time to clear and reset. An opportunity to release what is no longer needed and bring in some new and beneficial practices.

In Chinese Medicine, Autumn is the time of the lungs and large intestine. So this is also a good metaphor for these organs and their function.

If our health is out of balance, Autumn is a time when some lung and large intestine symptoms may become more pronounced. For example, respiratory issues such as sinus and hay-fever, can spike at this time. So too can digestive issues.

The dryness of the air, that is typical of this season, can bring about symptoms such as raspy coughs, dry nasal passages, itchy skin and constipation.

Any residual health concerns left over from the heat of summer can become nagging chronic issues, moving into the cooler months.

It is important to stay active and flexible in Autumn. Exercises that combine breath and meditative practices, such as Qi Gong and Yoga are useful at this time. So too, are making dietary changes to support the organs of Autumn.

Harvest season offers a wide variety of fruit and vegetables. Introducing slower cooking methods and slightly warmer foods are beneficial to build immunity.

Chinese Medicine, through diet and lifestyle recommendations, acupuncture and herbal support can help us move through the change of the seasons with more ease.

This is a time to celebrate the Autumn and all the goodness it has to offer.



SUMMER IS ON ITS WAY!

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Summer is the time of outward expansion and movement. It’s the perfect time to get outdoors, exercise more and enjoy lighter, colorful and seasonal foods.

In Chinese Medicine, Summer corresponds to the heart energy and the fire element. Therefore, it is recommended that we do things to nourish the heart in Summer. This includes food choices, but also connecting with loved ones and reaching out to others.

Eating a wide variety of foods and a vast array of color is one of the wonderful things about Summer. The seasonal produce available at this time is often exactly suited to our body’s needs. It’s important to reassess our diet and routine at a change of season to make sure we are getting the optimal health benefits.

Foods that can be beneficial for the heart during Summer, include cooling foods such as oats, blueberries, raspberries, lettuce, celery, cucumber, rose-bud and chamomile tea.

Too many hot spicy foods and caffeine can increase incidences of rashes, digestive discomfort and palpitations.

If you have some health concerns left over from the cooler seasons, this can be a time when they start to resurface and perhaps exacerbate due to the heat. Digestive upset, sleep disturbances, headaches and skin breakouts are some of the symptoms that can occur when your system is out of balance.

Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture treatment can be of benefit in addressing some of these imbalances. During a consultation, we go through your health history and any lifestyle factors that may be contributing to your current symptoms. We work out a treatment plan that is best for you and your needs. This includes Chinese Medicine dietary recommendations based on your symptoms, constitution and lifestyle.

Please contact clinics to make an appointment.

Wishing you a fun Summer season!

Elisabeth

 

HAPPY SPRING!

Photo by Mink Mingle on Unsplash

Spring has arrived! In Chinese Medicine this is the perfect time to shake off the hibernation of winter and bring movement and activity into focus.

As the environment around us changes, so we can experience different symptoms internally as well. It is important at the change of seasons to re-evaluate and take stock of our health practices and see what is working and what no longer serves us.

In Chinese Medicine Theory, the liver and the gallbladder are the organs of Spring.

Breathing exercises and stretches that open the diaphragm and stretch the sides of the body are beneficial for the liver and gallbladder. It is also the perfect opportunity to support these organs by embracing the seasonal foods available and move away from the heavier denser foods of the colder months. We can to start introduce lighter more fragrant foods into our diet, including dark leafy greens, sprouts, fragrant herbs and spices.

Dietary therapy forms an important part Chinese Medicine and depending on a person’s constitution and presenting health care complaint, other foods are often recommended during a consultation to optimise health.

Increased outdoor activities are easier as the weather starts to warm. However, the weather is still temperamental at this time, therefore, it is important to protect the neck and lower back from bracing winds and unexpected chills.

Our immunity can also be tested and Allergic Rhinitis, or Hay fever as it is often known, can be particularly common in Spring as the temperature fluctuates and pollen is madly flying around! The latest research supports the use of Acupuncture in helping alleviate the symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis (Hayfever). (Please follow the links below to read studies).

So if you are feeling a little out of balance coming out of the colder months, booking a consultation can help set you back on track. A consultation includes Acupuncture and other traditional Chinese Medicine modalities such as cupping, moxibustion and gua sha where needed. I will also look at the lifestyle and dietary additions that you can make to help improve your health.

A course of Acupuncture treatment can help you feel re-balanced and refreshed and ready to enjoy the warmer months.

Happy Spring!

Elisabeth

Links to allergic rhinitis research:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25644617

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23099289

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25590322

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25943957

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27156748