Embracing Autumn

As the aromas of pumpkin and spice fill the air, it is clearly time to talk about autumn. While our Florida temperatures have not yet required coats, or even close-toed shoes, a seasonal shift is happening every day. Some of us will embrace the change easily with a hot spiced coffee or tea drink in hand. Others will take a bit more prodding and encouragement to turn off the ice maker.

Those of you that are long-time friends of Longevity Acupuncture are quite accustomed to the ban on cold drinks, chilled raw foods, and the ultimate dietary disaster...ice cream. If this is a new and horribly shocking idea, I am sorry. Please stay. Sit down with a cup of hot tea and breathe deeply. You’ll feel better soon ;)

Traditional Chinese Medical theory explains that our digestive energy is the foundation of good health. We must avoid overindulgence in cold natured things which can extinguish the necessary fire of metabolism or digestion. So while we should always protect the Chinese medical Spleen and Stomach organ systems for optimal digestion, autumn is also the time to nourish and protect the Lung and Large Intestine organ systems. Keep in mind that the Chinese medical organ systems can be much different than just the western anatomical organs.

Autumnal weaknesses may manifest as allergy symptoms, frequent coughs, colds, poor immunity, sadness, or enduring grief. If this sounds familiar, do not worry. Acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, qi gong exercise, and Eastern dietary therapy can help each person regain balance and ideal health. While each patient will benefit from personalized prescriptions based on individual health conditions, here are some general tips for the season:

Drink hot beverages throughout the day such as hot water, lemon/ginger/cinnamon water, black or green tea, and caffeine-free herbal teas.
Supplement with adaptogenic plants such as astragalus, reishi mushroom, cordyceps, and ginseng if appropriate for your overall condition and health history.
Eat hot breakfast foods such as oatmeal, and rice/quinoa/millet congee or porridge.
Add digestive spices such as cinnamon, ginger, fennel, coriander, basil, cardamom, and clove.
Consume seasonal fruits such as apples and pears. These can be cooked in oatmeal, made into an oat cobbler, or stewed with goji berries and Chinese dates in an herbal broth..
Enjoy the fall harvest of pumpkin, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, beets, carrots, acorn, or butternut squash.
Keep moving with outdoor walks in nature, qi gong, tai chi, or yoga. These types of exercise are generally invigorating and not depleting. Breathe slowly and deeply.
Stay warm and protect yourself from weather that can suddenly be cooler or windier than expected.
Enjoy, notice, and find appreciation for something within each day.