Fall is a transitional period which requires action before the restful Winter arrives. Traditional Chinese Medicine theory looks to nature to explain and describe human function and why imbalances can occur. We can prepare for the season by emulating nature so the transition is smooth and the body and mind remain balanced and in harmony.
From Summer to Fall - The Importance of Balance, Yin + Yang
At some point in your life you have probably heard the saying “Everything in Moderation”.
Our culture tends to place a keen focus on the “Work hard and play hard” mindset. However, the active side is prioritized. Being a Chinese Medicine Practitioner, this advice has been a game-changer for majority of the people.
Chinese Medicine theory is rooted in balance, which is represented by the "Yin Yang" symbol found in many acupuncture offices. Yin Yang are the two opposite forces that fuse together to make one. Both of them are incomplete without each other and each force has other important elements too.
They are commonly found everywhere. For example, the change of seasons is the seamless transition of Yang of summers to the Yin of winters. This transition occurs in fall and spring.
The balance of mind and body contributes to a good health. Know that it is a constant struggle to keep that balance. Any imbalance between the two leads to the appearance of symptoms where you must start a treatment plan so it doesn’t become a more lasting presence in your life.
The Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners are fully skilled to determine imabalnce and cater to them accordingly. As many things in life, smaller imbalances are easier correct than larger ones.
Below enlisted are six ways where you can prepare your body for winters.
6 Ways to Prepare Your Body for Winter from a Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective
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- Organize your life, whether it is your closet or computer files. Declutter things that aren’t useful anymore and clear up space for new important stuff.
- Wind up all projects that were procrastinated during summer activities.
- Prepare hot and warms food for the colder days like soup.
- Stay away from foods that contain processes sugars that can make you sluggish and cause phlegm.
- As the temperature and wind begins to change, the Lung has a tendency to Fall and get weak as per the Chinese Medicine. Strengthen the Lung by breathing deeply and intentionally.
- Acupuncture can keep the body in balance and the Lung strong during this season where colds can form and allergies can rear their ugly head.
So, welcome happy and healthy living this season and enjoy peaceful winter months preceded by hectic summer days.
This article originally appeared on the Inspired Wellness blog and has been republished here with the permission of the author.
Dr. Jana Royer-Morian is a practitioner of Chinese medicine and is focused on providing her patients with thorough, individualized, and comprehensive care treating a variety of specific conditions and symptoms. She is the owner and provides acupuncture at Inspired Wellness Center to the Denver, Arvada, Westminster, Golden and Lakewood communities. In addition to treating diseases, Dr. Jana promotes preventative health, wellness and patient empowerment utilizing a combination of techniques that may include acupuncture, bodywork, cupping, moxibustion, Chinese herbs, dietary and self-care recommendations. Her recommendations are based on her current knowledge and clinical experience.
