How can you help your health in each season? By following nature’s lead. Here are some tips for Autumn health.
Pumpkin harvest in Autumn
Autumn is the season of the Metal Element. In nature we see a drawing in of energy, of casting off what is no longer needed. Trees loose their leaves, sap retreats – conserving the essence, ready for the potential harshness of winter. We can follow nature’s lead to improve our own health.
My top 5 tips for Autumn health:
- Clear out the clutter. Decide what you do – and don’t need. Get rid of what you don’t need – and feel the release. Even though many charity shops can’t take donations this year, schools and libraries are often grateful of books, and many tips are very well organised, with some stuff being sold on and other “waste” given to charities who will use your cast-off items. When you are done, admire the space you’ve created.
- Get outside to admire the beauty of the Autumn colours. The metal element represents connection and loss – when we see the stunning autumn colours on a sunny day it’s inspiration at its best.
- Use the trees loosing their leaves as an active form of letting go. As a leaf falls, watch its passage to the ground, and use this to shed a negative feeling. If you can make some time to watch the leaves falling, it’s a cathartic experience.
- Acknowledge the drop of energy, and how it makes you feel. It’s ok to mourn the passing of summer, nature knows that it will come again. It’s also ok to look forward to cosy jumpers, time spent in front of the fire, and delicious stews (mmmm…..)
- Start to hibernate: when the evenings close in, why not celebrate the passage of yang to yin with a quiet moment? A good book, craft or project reflects the quieter feel to the season, rather than rushing round. Many people sleep more in the winter than the summer, if they are able to. So, if you have an alarm clock that you can’t put back (and let’s face it, most of us can’t), try going to bed earlier. You really don’t need that film/Netflix series as much as you think you do – your body will thank you for the hibernation.
Five-element Acupuncture, as well as helping deal with many symptoms, also helps align your energy. I’ve treated many patients over the years who used to dread Winter – and now don’t. Please get in touch if you’d like to know if it could help you.