STAY HEALTHY WITH AUTUMN FOODS and FALL into GOOD HEALTH

Seasons change and your body and mental outlook change with them in predictable ways. There is a slight nip in the air and days are getting shorter. This ushers in the harvest and the start of the dying cycle of nature.

The season of Autumn is associated with the element Metal and is a time for letting go of the old. The time for gathering fruit and vegies before the winter. Nature prepares to retreat and slow down.

TCM combines knowledge of seasonal characteristics with your health situation to balance Qi (energy) and help you adapt and thrive during the cooler and more crisp months of autumn.

This is the time associated for Lungs and Colon. The lung is the tender organ as it is the uppermost organ and susceptible to wind and cold. Your lungs have a primary influence on your  immune system.During this time you may start catching colds, sore throats, and congested sinuses. Your immune may feel weaker.

Acupuncture is a great way to bring your system back to balance if you are struggling.

HEALTH PROBLEMS :

Lungs are most sensitive during autumn. Focus on preventing colds, coughs, sore throat etc.. People with bronchitis, emphysema, pneumonia, need to take precautions to minimize the impact of autumn. It is important to eat foods that build overall health to the lungs to strengthen the immune and prepare for winter.

HOW TO HELP YOURSELF:

1. Avoid drafts – keep neck, ears, wrists, and ankles from being exposed to drafts. This is likely where pathogens will invade.
2. Be Aware of dryness – there is a slow increase of wind, and cold which create dry air. This affects skin and Lungs as you turn on the heat in your house, car and office. This has a drying affect on the environment.
3. Lungs are sensitive. You need to minimize spicy food intake which irritate lungs. Therefore helping the lungs remain less vulnerable to pathogens.

Autumn weather often affects the lungs causing coughs and a dry sore throat.

AUTUMN FOODS:

Autumn foods are white in color and pungent in flavour. Choosing white foods will help relieve cough, nourish skin, relieve constipation through moistening and promoting body fluid production. Move away from eating the summer fruits and vegetables into eating more fall produce.

Some white foods are:
Turnip, almonds, potatoes, cauliflower, yams, soybean milk, garlic, onion, etc.  Check out the Autumn Food Guide  for more information.

Booking a seasonal Acupuncture treatment is a preventative approach to reducing the incidence of colds and flues. Protect yourself and your family by giving me a call today.  604-839-9789