Autumn health!
Living in tune with the seasons was totally natural to our ancestors 100 years ago or more. In the 21st century with 24 hour shopping, internet, fast food & electric heat & light, we can easily ignore the seasons that governed the lifestyle of past generations if we choose. Here are a few tips that can help us align our eating, sleeping & living with the seasonal changes that autumn brings – try them & experience the difference in your health & wellbeing.
CHANGE - Autumn is a time of change, a season to let go of the past & embrace the new. Take a few minutes to ask yourself ‘what would I like to let go of at the moment, physically, emotionally & mentally?’ and ‘what new aspects & activities would I like to embrace in my life now eg. Taking up a new hobby or exercise class?’ Listen to your intuitive self & take action on at least one thing.
FOOD – As the weather gets cooler move towards lightly steamed veggies & soups & stews made with yang root vegetables - instead of salads which are more cooling & yin. Take the opportunity to enjoy the & wide range of local apples, pears, plums & berries that are in season now. Later on squashes, pumpkins & marrows are in abundance – all very hydrating & nutritious!
SLEEP – As the nights draw in try going to bed a little earlier & waking at dawn, around 6am feeling refreshed & energised! Remember an hours sleep before midnight is equivalent to two hours after.
DETOX – Around the autumn equinox the body has the tendency to naturally detoxify, this may manifest as a cold, flu or other acute symptoms. To optimise this natural inclination to cleanse, support your body by taking ½ tsp. barley grass powder a day, drinking 1.5 – 2l. water (can be warm with ginger) per day & epsom salt baths twice a week
TEMPERATURE – Be sensitive to the weather, here in the UK it can be cold & damp at any time even in the middle of August – don’t freeze in your sun top & shorts just cos it's sunny! Wear warm & waterproof clothing when necessary.
NATURE – take time out to walk in nature & enjoy the changing of the seasons. In Chinese medicine the season of earth in August/September precedes the season of metal October/November. The organs related to these are; stomach, spleen & pancreas (earth) and colon, skin, lungs & mind (metal). If you have health challenges with these organs now is a great time to treat them naturally.
CHANGE - Autumn is a time of change, a season to let go of the past & embrace the new. Take a few minutes to ask yourself ‘what would I like to let go of at the moment, physically, emotionally & mentally?’ and ‘what new aspects & activities would I like to embrace in my life now eg. Taking up a new hobby or exercise class?’ Listen to your intuitive self & take action on at least one thing.
FOOD – As the weather gets cooler move towards lightly steamed veggies & soups & stews made with yang root vegetables - instead of salads which are more cooling & yin. Take the opportunity to enjoy the & wide range of local apples, pears, plums & berries that are in season now. Later on squashes, pumpkins & marrows are in abundance – all very hydrating & nutritious!
SLEEP – As the nights draw in try going to bed a little earlier & waking at dawn, around 6am feeling refreshed & energised! Remember an hours sleep before midnight is equivalent to two hours after.
DETOX – Around the autumn equinox the body has the tendency to naturally detoxify, this may manifest as a cold, flu or other acute symptoms. To optimise this natural inclination to cleanse, support your body by taking ½ tsp. barley grass powder a day, drinking 1.5 – 2l. water (can be warm with ginger) per day & epsom salt baths twice a week
TEMPERATURE – Be sensitive to the weather, here in the UK it can be cold & damp at any time even in the middle of August – don’t freeze in your sun top & shorts just cos it's sunny! Wear warm & waterproof clothing when necessary.
NATURE – take time out to walk in nature & enjoy the changing of the seasons. In Chinese medicine the season of earth in August/September precedes the season of metal October/November. The organs related to these are; stomach, spleen & pancreas (earth) and colon, skin, lungs & mind (metal). If you have health challenges with these organs now is a great time to treat them naturally.
