Balancing the Seasons - Autumn Equinox

In traditional Chinese medicine, autumn is characterized by several things:

• Connected to the metal element
  
• The color white
  
• The lungs and the large intestine
  
• Emotion of grief 

Autumn is the time when leaves fall to the ground, begin to decompose to create a fertile ground and the potential for growth for the spring.

Similarly, the human body naturally wants to pare down, introvert, and begin a season of focused energy. At times there is a shift on the fall equinox when the energy that previously flowed outward in the summer turns inward in preparation for the winter ahead. Even if you aren’t heading back to the office yet, most people experience feeling that change is in the air. We begin to organize our homes, offices, and calendars, and look to the months ahead with a “new year” sense of goals for what's to come.

Traditional Chinese medicine is a therapy for the entire body, mind, and spirit.  Just as psychotherapy helps the mind release tension, acupuncture helps the body release emotions of grief, sadness, and memories as well.

In our practice we use acupuncture, herbs, and dietary therapy to help improve digestion and support the process of letting go. We utilize acupuncture points that have a descending action and improve the circulation of Qi and blood. Similarly, we address the lungs which are so frequently damaged by the dry, crisp air that characterizes autumn and winter.

​The following is a list of foods and supplements to support the lungs and the large intestine.

The Large Intestine

• Magnesium Glycinate or Citrate
• Flax seeds
• Omega 3 fatty oils
• Probiotics
• Warm water and lemon
• Dried fruits
• Oatmeal
• Chia seeds

The Lungs 

• Pears
• Water Chestnuts
• Cauliflower (looks like a tree)
• Lotus root (looks like alveoli)
• Almonds
• Yuca