Summer is over and autumn is here. How to transition through the change in season with ease.
A Chinese medicine perspective
You may have noticed that the sun doesn’t shine through the window like it used to in the morning and you’ve started wearing socks because the floor is getting cold. These are telling signs that summer is leaving us behind and autumn is upon us. What does this mean exactly?
Chinese Medicine is based on Yin and Yang theory. As we move away from the warmth of Yang in summer to the Yin cooler season of autumn, our diet and lifestyle also need to adjust to suit this time of the year. The lung and large Intestine are the organs of the ‘Metal’ element of autumn. With that in mind here are a few handy hints to help you move through the season with ease and stay on top.
Move over salad bowel, it’s time to pull out the slow cooker!
Although the start of autumn is still overall warm, it’s important not to overburden the digestive system with lots of cold drinks, summer salads & summer fruits. In Chinese Medicine these are said to weaken the digestive fire. Start incorporating foods that are cooked longer and support digestive function such as a delicious soup or slow cooked stew.
Out with the old, make room for the new.
Who says you have to have a ‘spring clean’ in spring? Autumn is the perfect time to have an ‘Autumn cleanout’. Not only having a clean out of clutter in the home, but also a cleanout and reorganise of thought patterns which may be holding you back. This way, you can transition through the change of summer to autumn, creating space, freedom and room for new and amazing opportunities. Chinese medicine not only addresses the physical body but also the mind.
It’s time to snuggle up with your favourite scarfs and warm clothing.
The strength of the Lung energy contributes to the strength of the immune system, known as ‘Wei Qi’. This is our protective mechanism from invasion of wind and cold. These elements contribute to illnesses such as the common cold and flu. Give your ‘Wei Qi’ a helping hand by rugging up especially at night and keeping out of strong winds.
Take a few deep breaths.
This is a marvellous way to help us stay cool, calm and collected, but it also helps in strengthening the lungs, supporting the large intestine, and letting go of toxins in the body.
Carissa is one of our talented acupuncturist and Chinese Medicine herbalists at our Rozelle and Newtown Healthspace clinics. If you need extra support to help improve immune function and energy, now is the perfect time to get acupuncture before the cooler months.
