Picture this: you step outside, and a crisp breeze greets you, carrying the faint scent of fallen leaves and the promise of cozy evenings. The first day of Fall is just around the corner, and with it comes a shift in the world around us and within us. It’s a season of change, not just in the scenery but in the air we breathe.
It’s a season of transition, not only in nature but also in our daily lives. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at fall from a holistic wellness and Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective. We’ll discuss how to prepare ourselves for the approaching winter, stay grounded in the present, and prioritize our well-being during this unique season.
The Wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) associates each season with specific organs and emotions. This gives us a unique lens in which to view our physical, mental, and emotional states. We can use nature as our mirror to guide our alignment into Fall.
Autumn’s associated organs are the lungs and large intestine, and the emotion is grief.
The Lungs play an important role in keeping you healthy by defending your body against germs and helping energy (qi) and fluids flow properly.
Both physically and emotionally, the Lungs (working with the Large Intestine) help you get rid of things you don’t need, like old feelings, experiences, and waste products from your body. Similar to how leaves drop in the fall, it’s a natural reminder that letting go can be a part of life.
Nurturing Your Respiratory Health
Herbal teas are a wonderful way to add in extra support during this season. Some favorites to support respiratory health and immunity are marshmallow root, licorice root, thyme, ginger, and orange peel.
Marshmallow Root: Marshmallow root contains mucilage, a gel-like substance that can help soothe and coat the throat and gastrointestinal tract. It’s often used to alleviate sore throat and mild digestive discomfort.
Licorice Root: It has anti-inflammatory properties and can help soothe irritated throats and coughs. Licorice root may promote digestive health by reducing inflammation and soothing the stomach lining. It can help support adrenal gland function and combat stress.
Thyme: Thyme is known for its potential to support respiratory health. It can help relieve coughs and congestion.
Ginger: Ginger is well-known for its ability to alleviate nausea and aid digestion. It can help with indigestion, bloating, and motion sickness. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce pain and inflammation.
It can provide a warming sensation when consumed, making it a great choice for cold weather or to promote circulation.
Orange Peel: It contains vitamin C, which can provide a boost to the immune system and support overall health.
Orange peel may aid digestion and reduce bloating.
As your routines shift from laid-back summer to busy fall, remember to make time to pause. Ground yourself with practices like meditation, yoga, acupuncture, and stillness.
Warmth and Digestion
Proper digestion is essential to overall health, and as the temperatures drop, our bodies require extra support. Warm bone broths are a gentle and comforting way to ensure your digestive system gets extra love, and your body stays warm and cozy. Try adding turmeric and pepper for an extra immune boost. Other supportive foods during this time are sweet potatoes, carrots, apples, squash, pumpkin, wild rice, pears, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Explore nurturing autumn recipes here.
While you may already know the joy of sipping a pumpkin spice latte on a brisk autumn day, these beverages contain a medley of warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. These spices not only make your drink delicious but also provide essential warmth to your body. So, go ahead and enjoy those seasonal treats—just watch for a sugar overload.
Acupressure Point of the Moment: Lung 7
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, colds are believed to result from an “external pathogen invasion.” This pathogen becomes trapped in the body, causing cold symptoms. Lung 7, known for “releasing the exterior,” activates the immune system to fight off colds. It also benefits the head and neck, where cold symptoms often manifest, making it useful for clearing head colds.
To pinpoint it, start by making a thumbs-up sign with your hand. Notice the small hollow or depression near the base of your thumb; this area is often called the anatomical snuffbox. Now, from that depression, move your finger upward about the width of two of your fingers. Carefully slide your finger upward until you encounter a subtle dip nestled between two tendons. Massage this point.
For extra support, try this with a breathing exercise. Breathe in slowly through your nose, and then breathe out even more slowly. Do this 2-3 times. It can help you feel better if you have a cold or want to keep your lungs healthy.
Embrace the Season of Change
As we step into the fall season, it’s like nature giving us a gentle nudge to go with the flow of change. So, here’s the deal: Start spicing up your meals with those warm and cozy flavors, toss in some foods and herbs that’ll give your body a boost, and don’t shy away from whatever emotions this season brings your way. Change is as natural as leaves falling from trees, so why not roll with it? Embrace the season, wrap yourself in those comfy sweaters, and treat yourself to an occasional pumpkin spice latte. It’s all part of the autumn adventure!
Need seasonal support? Schedule your acupuncture appointment here.
