Seasonal Transition from Summer to Autumn
With autumn approaching and the beginning of the yin cycle, the energy of plants is moving down into their roots through this seasonal transition, helping the body become aware of the energy pattern of the season. This season is a time for the body to begin gathering energy for the colder months to come.
The lungs and large intestine are the organs associated with fall. The lungs are responsible for the circulation of Qi (the body’s natural flow and circulation), and are also very susceptible to cold and illness. For this reason, it is important to stay healthy and warm during the season. If the Qi circulation is weakened, muscles will not be able to warm the body properly.
Autumn Foods:
Vegetables of autumn like carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach and kale can help purify and protect your body against free radicals. These color-rich vegetables are packed with beta-carotene, which then turns into vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for our immune system, especially as the cold and flu season rolls in. These vegetables can also strengthen your lungs and large intestine to fight illness.
Vegetables to cook with:
● carrots
● winter squash
● pumpkin
● broccoli
● parsley
● kale
● turnip greens
Autumn weather becomes more yin, calling for warming dishes. Foods to cook that are in harmony with the season include more sour foods, as well as foods rich in protein and fats.
Sour/pungent/warming foods to cook with:
● sourdough bread
● sauerkraut
● adzuki beans
● yogurt
● rosehip tea (a natural source of vitamin C)
● ginger
● garlic
● horseradish
Some find it hard to let go of summer, with the longer days and warm air transitioning into the crisp and shorter days of fall. Acupuncture not only helps the body physically, but mentally as well. Fall is a great time to see an acupuncturist to support your health through the upcoming challenges in the change of season.
Give your acupuncturist a visit to prepare for the new season ahead and to stay in good health!
Ask about immune boosting herbal formulas and supplements to support your respiratory system for autumn – a season typically troubled by seasonal allergies and the flu. Also consider learning the ancient health rejuvenating exercise called Four Seasons Chi Kung to support internal organ function and attune your Qi to the natural energy patterns of the seasons.
Sources:
https://www.acufinder.com/Acupuncture+Information/Detail/Enjoy+the+Energy+of+Fall+Autumn+and+Traditional+Chinese+Medicine
“Practical Chinese Medicine” Penelope Ody
