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AUTUMN AND PUMPKINS!

A lovely client gave me this pumpkin from her garden the other day. I thought it was a perfect image for an Autumn post and a chance to share some Chinese Medicine tips for the change of season 🍁

Whilst many of us are still steadfastly holding on to the Summer feels (👋), there has been a definable shift in the seasons here in Melbourne over the past week. The morning air is crisper and the pink and orange sunrises even look Autumnal!

Thankfully there is still some warm weather to come. However, it is important in Chinese Medicine terms, to start changing up our diets in preparation for the cooler months ahead.

Chinese Medicine tips for Autumn:

In Chinese Medicine, Autumn is the season to focus on the Lungs and Large Intestine. With this in mind, some foods to help benefit these organs can be helpful during this season.

For many people, including myself – immunity has taken some battering over the past three years. At change of season, this can increase susceptibility to many health conditions. These may include respiratory issues, allergies, skin conditions and digestive problems.

Warming, nourishing foods can be beneficial at this time to build energy levels as they are easy on the digestive system, allowing better absorption of nutrients.

Seasonal produce such as root vegetables, pumpkin and pears all have a moistening effect which can counteract the dryness of Autumn. And if the random humidity has left you feeling sluggish or you have some residual phlegm – 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.

Miso Pumpkin

Of course, when it comes to immunity, soaking up some sunshine where possible and eating foods naturally high in zinc -such as pumpkin seeds, almonds, oats and oysters – are a good idea too ❤️

For a yummy and easy to prepare Miso Pumpkin dish, please click on this link to view the recipe on my site.

Now, I’m going to take this pumpkin and make a big batch of pumpkin soup for the freezer!

Elisabeth x

#acupuncture #acupuncturist #traditionalchinesemedicine #chinesemedicine #pumpkin #seasonal #naturalhealing #holistichealth

WINTERTIME – A REPAIR AND RESET

Here we are midway through Winter already.. and it’s been pretty chilly!

However, one thing I have found for myself, during this time of uncertainty around movement and travel, is just how good it feels to be outdoors, rugging up in beanies and scarves and going for walks – cold, rain, wind, whatever.. I’ll take it!

Winter in Chinese Medicine, is a time to focus on the Kidney Qi. In TCM theory, the Kidneys are often referred to as the ‘gate of life’ and are the source of our energy reserves and the foundation that we draw strength from.

With the colder weather comes a feeling of contraction as we naturally want to move inwards. And whilst it can be tempting at this time, to try and push ahead with all our regular routines around diet and exercise, going with this natural flow, can yield great benefits.

The Kidney energy benefits from quiet time, reflection and rest. Therefore, taking some time out for more gentle activities, offers an opportunity for repair and nourishment. This is also a good counterbalance for the outward expansion of the warmer months, providing a necessary reset.

Food wise, it’s the time to add more warming and slow cooked foods into your diet. Think root vegetables, legumes, soups and stews.

It’s important to find the things that ‘fill you up’ and that you enjoy. Whether that be nature walks, journal writing, reading, drawing, painting or making a yummy slow cooked meal for yourself or to share with others. These are all ways to boost the Kidney energy and also warm the heart, in the Wintertime.

  • Here are a couple of Winter recipes from the recipe section of my website. To view full details – just click on the text over images xx

THE ENERGY OF SPRING

The arrival of Spring, brings with it some welcome sunshine, new growth and optimism.

The energy of Spring is one of upward expansion and movement. This is a time when we naturally want to expend more energy and become more active.

It can be a particularly challenging time health wise, as we emerge from the colder months feeling sluggish and fatigued. There can also be chronic health issues carried forward from the previous season. Particularly this year, as many have had to forego their regular exercise routines and health care practices that usually sustain us over the Winter time.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, this is the season of the Liver and the Gallbladder. An imbalance in this area can show up as allergies, anxiety, insomnia, digestive issues and muscle and tendon tightness – particularly through the diaphragm, thoracic area and across the top of the shoulders.

When the Liver energy is out of balance, we can feel pent up, irritable and generally out of sorts. To move some of this stagnation, it is helpful to stretch through the sides of the body, rolling and shrugging the shoulders to release tension, breathing deep into the belly and finding an activity that brings you joy, such as dancing, singing or whatever it may be for you.

Whilst many think of undertaking an extreme Spring detox at this time, in Traditional Chinese Medicine we focus instead on gently harmonising the Liver to aid its cleansing and detoxifying function.

A good way to support the Liver in Spring is to make some simple changes to the diet.

To view recipes – click on link in the images above or go to the ‘Recipes’ section of my website.

To compliment the dynamic energy of the season, add some lighter foods into your meals. Seasonal green veggies such as asparagus, broad beans, watercress and small amounts of sour flavors, such as lemon or lime can help move the Qi.

In addition, foods that are naturally bitter or pungent can be beneficial during Spring. These include foods such as broccoli, cabbage, papaya, watercress, cardamom, dill, radish and also the use of fresh herbs such as mint, chamomile, rosemary and coriander.

We all have different needs depending on our health care concerns and constitution. During a TCM consultation, dietary and lifestyle advice is tailored specifically to the individual’s particular circumstances and health requirements.

If you would like to discuss how Chinese Medicine may be of help to you, feel free to send me a message through the contact form or phone the clinics: Williamstown 93999 659 Yarraville 9689 7901. I would be happy to discuss treatment options with you.

Elisabeth