Brrr… it’s getting colder, germs are springing out of nowhere, and your energy levels are struggling. Want to have a healthy, happy Autumn? Then read on!
How to stay healthy in Autumn:
1. Wrap up well – Chinese Medicine describes a cold as “invasion of wind-cold”. A scarf, jumper and gloves will help your defensive qi keep the cold out.
2. Eat seasonally, eat locally. Out with the salad, in with soups made from the fantastic ingredients available seasonally: pumpkins & squashes, mushrooms, leeks, sweetcorn
3. Get rid of stuff you don’t need. The Metal Element, which is linked to Autumn, is the time for letting go (think of trees shedding their leaves). Hence, time for a throw out.
4. Early to bed, early to rise: the nights are drawing in, so cosy up in bed for an early night, to replenish your qi (energy)
5. Above all, enjoy the season! A walk on a beautiful day is the perfect opportunity to appreciate the beauty of nature and to be inspired. Plus, it’ll get your energy flowing well.
I’ve always struggled at this time of year…
You’re not alone. Some people move easily between the seasons, others, however, find the drop in seasonal energy more difficult as we come out of the yang of summer towards the yin of winter. A seasonal tune-up helps the body to move naturally from season to season, making the most of each one.
I find that many of my patients come for a tune up in autumn, and again in winter, to help them through the dark cold months, ready to spring back into life in the spring (it’s not called spring for nothing…) An acupuncture session can also help boost your immune system, to keep those winter germs at bay.