5 Steps to a Healthy Autumn
Autumn is in the air and we live in such a glorious climate! Enjoy the honey, golden warmth and cool mornings and evenings. We, here in the Bay Area, generally have another six weeks of beautiful weather and then can expect the shift to rain and chill.
These changing climates and energetic patterns can be hard on our bodies (and psyches) and can result in susceptibility to viruses, secondary infections, aches and pains and other health issues.
To support your body/mind’s health and immune system this season:
- start shifting to more warm and cooked foods (soups, stir fry, cooked fruit)
- get plenty of rest and relaxation
- fill your heart and spirit with what and who you love
- stay protected from the wind (with windbreakers and scarves)
- practice letting go, simplifying and gratitude
Now is an excellent time to come in for a health balancing and stress relieving session of acupuncture, acupressure or zero balancing.
It is also a great time to have an herb consultation to see what Chinese herbs can do for you. And stock up on Chinese herbs for cold and flu prevention and treatment.
How do you know when it is time to make these changes?
- When you start noticing multiple, extreme weather patterns in the same day, i.e. hot days and cold evenings.
- On windy days (the ancient Chinese believed that “evil wind” entered the body through the head, neck and upper back causing cold and flu symptoms).
- When you notice you are feeling chilled, tired, stressed or “out of sorts” for no particular reason.
- When you notice either that you are craving warm and cooked foods or that the cool, fresh, raw foods of summertime are not as appealing or are not “setting well with you” (could cause loose stools, bloating or upset stomach).
- When your observations of nature and your intuition tells you “the season is changing”.
- Definitely if you feel like you are fighting a virus or if you have had a heightened sensitivity and vulnerability to viruses and secondary infections in the past.