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 ground 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

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.