By Linda Townsend
As the fall equinox approaches the days start to become shorter and are the air begins to get cooler, and we can surely feel it! Have you ever considered how this change in seasons may affect our bodies physically and mentally?
Fall is about letting go, and it is also about taking in the pure. Breathe in the cool, crisp fall air, be nurtured by it, and then let it go. The lungs, or yin organ of fall, absorb the pure and the large intestine, or yang fall organ, let’s go or eliminates the waste. When these organs fail to do their job we experience physical effects in the form of respiratory or digestive issues. In an emotional sense, by hanging on, we live in a constant state of fear, stubbornness, anxiety, chaos, and clutter.
Here are some acupuncture tips to maintain optimum health this fall!
Wear a scarf
Acupuncture practitioners are always going on about wearing scarves. It’s for good reason. The lungs are considered the most exterior organ. They are the first line of defense against pathogens. As the weather turns cold and the wind picks up, the lungs are extra vulnerable. So, be sure to protect them with a warm, cozy scarf!
Do acupressure on Lung 7
One of the best points for strengthening the lungs organ is lung 7. It helps promote the descending function of the lungs, which makes it a great point for cough, shortness of breath and nasal congestion.
Stay hydrated
Dryness of all kinds is common in fall. Since the lungs are the most exterior organ, they are most closely linked to the skin. Dry skin and even rashes tend to show up in fall. Drink plenty of water and keep your skin hydrated with moisturizer.
Use a neti pot
Fall is the most common time of year for the onset of nasal infections and post-nasal drip, both of which plague many people well into winter. Keep a neti pot in the shower and use it regularly throughout the season to help keep your nasal passages clear.
Eat warm foods
In the fall, eat fewer cold, uncooked foods – such as salads – and more warm, cooked foods. Start your day with hot oatmeal. Soups and steamed vegetables such as winter squash, winter peas, broccoli, sweet potatoes, and yams will warm you from the inside out. Incorporate yellow and red foods into your meals.
Let go of at least one item, thought or grudge that is no longer needed in your life.
By letting go, we clear space and open ourselves to what really matters in life. Emotionally, fall is a good time to evaluate all of the old patterns and resentments, and begin to let go.
Dr. Natalie Grabelkovsky is a Doctor of Acupuncture and practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). She has a special interest in pain management, facial acupuncture, reproductive medicine, and women’s health. Additionally, Dr. Natalie’s goal as an Acupuncturist is to assist people in achieving and maintaining a healthy balanced state.
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