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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

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