Blog

Welcome fall! The autumnal equinox—the September equinox or the fall equinox—arrives on Saturday, September 23. Not only do temperatures drop, but plant growth slows as does the human circadian rhythm, the cycle that tells the body when to sleep, wake, eat and carry out various other biological processes. Additionally, it causes:  -Immune System suppression, -Decreased Energy Level, -Sleep Schedule Changes, -Mood Imbalance, -Change In Appetite, -Headaches & Migraines, -Dehydration, -And, Joint Pain. Regular Acupuncture visits along with Herbal Formulas bolster your immune system and strengthen your body. In East Asian medicine The Fall season is called the Metal phase of the year. Metal is aligned with the lungs and large intestine. The lungs take in fresh Fall air, filling us with the oxygen we need to think clearly and nourish every cell in our body. The large intestine lets go of the waste that we don't need and eliminates it from our body. It is the last step in our digestive process. 5 Tips for a Healthy Fall Season 1. Breathe deeply. This is the best way to strengthen the lungs. Adequate oxygen affects our memory, energy level, and immune system. 2. Clean, reorganize, and donate. Let go of the old and make room for the new. Look for opportunities to help others by donating what you don't want. Take a fresh look at projects that are undone and reassess your plans. 3. Let go of negativity. Constant negativity can make us feel hopeless and depressed, damaging the lungs. The simple act of becoming aware of negativity can be helpful in avoiding it or making changes toward positivity. 4. Take a walk outside. There is almost nothing more healing, mentally and physically, than being in nature. 5. Eat warming and moistening foods. This is a time to enjoy the remaining fruits of the garden. Begin to let go of the cooling foods of Summer in favor of the heartier foods of Fall and Winter. We always recommend aligning your diet with the season melons, squashes, hearty greens, and sweet potatoes showing up at the farmer's markets. Fall apples and pears are wonderful for moistening the stomach, lungs, and intestines. For dry, phlegmy coughs, bosc or Asian pears moisten and help the lung and large intestine deal effectively to transform phlegm. Because Fall is cooling and drying, it’s best to eat foods that are warming and moistening. This helps keep the fluids in our bodies moving freely. Soups, stews, white rice, white beans, pears, radishes, sea vegetables, potatoes, cabbage, turnips, and parsnips should begin to take center stage in your diet. When we live in harmony with the seasons, we feel better and have fewer illnesses. In the Fall season, that means slowing down, contracting, and moving inward. Metal is considered precious. We need to treat ourselves as such by eating nourishing foods and getting plenty of rest in preparation for the Winter ahead.