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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

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.