Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
Autumn Newsletter 2024
Dear Friends, Autumnal greetings. I hope this letter finds you and your family well. We continue our seasonal newsletter series with discussions related to healthcare from an Acupuncture/Chinese medicine perspective. We approach our discussions from the foundational five-element philosophy of Chinese medicine, a theory that embraces the cycles of the seasons and helps to inform both the preventive as well as curative approach for health. The newsletters offer tips to encourage seasonal self-care.
Autumn is the season of the metal element. The metal element, as do all the five elements, has multiple associations. The organ systems related to the metal element are lungs, large intestine and skin. Many can relate to the physical effects of Autumn on the respiratory system with an uptick in issues related to the change in weather and seasonal challenges like allergic and asthmatic reactions to the environment, dry coughs, a vulnerability to catching a chill and the resulting common cold, and with more indoor activity the exposure to viral issues that affect the respiratory system. Luckily Acupuncture/Chinese medicine can assist with dealing with these issues.
The lungs are of particular focus in the time of the Metal season and their well-being ensures a healthier autumn and winter. In Chinese medicine, the lungs are called the tender organs and are the first of the organs to filter and disseminate the exterior world. Keeping them warm and moist allows for healthy lung tissue and mucus membranes.
To keep the mucosal lining of the lungs lubricated it is helpful to keep water intake high. It is a great time of year to reintroduce warming herbal teas, and add pears, so abundant this time of year. Pears lubricate the lungs and large intestine, and the pear skin adds fiber to the diet so the large intestine can have “smooth moves”.
Autumn is a great time to reintroduce candles to the environment. Candles provide comfort, light and when scented, add enhancing aromas to help us transition to the cooler time of year. Aromas that typically attract us at this time include autumn spices, they warm, comfort, and uplift our spirits. Just think of the welcome we feel when we inhale these engaging scents in bakeries, our kitchens and the farmer’s market spiced apple cider stand!
Speaking of farmers markets, pumpkins are everywhere! Aside from their decorative effect, pumpkins are amazing food; they are nutrient dense with few calories. Pumpkins are loaded with vitamins: A,K,E,B6,C as well as the minerals of magnesium & potassium and the blood nourishing benefits of iron & the regulating effects of fiber. The beautiful colors come from carotenoids that provide Vitamin A which supports immune function. The seeds provide protein, fiber, iron, magnesium and zinc. So try to add pumpkin meat & seeds to your diet this time of year, it really is a great food for the autumn season. Pumpkin is versatile and can be added to oatmeal, yogurt
Pumpkin is versatile and can be added to oatmeal, yogurt, shakes, soups, stews, chilis & pasta dishes. If you have the time and patience to use fresh pumpkin, great but, pumpkin puree in a can is fine; look for unsweetened, low salt so you are getting the optimal nutritional value.
While the weather is still amenable, autumn is a wonderful time of year for walks in and with nature. The air is fresh and crisp, and the colors of the changing leaves inspire our imaginations and keep our spirits lifted as we negotiate transition. One of the emotional lessons of the Metal element is to navigate with grace, and flexibility, the cycles of transitions in the human life span.
Autumn can sometimes bring colds or sniffles, if you are dealing with these symptoms, eucalyptus leaves can be of assistance in alleviating the discomfort of these issues. The essential oil is an effective way to use eucalyptus leaves. The essential oil can be inhaled, applied topically, added to a steam inhalation or a warm bath or, diffused into the air. When applying the essential oil to the skin or in a bath always use a fatty oil carrier base, examples of this type of carrier oil: jojoba, sunflower, apricot seed, almond or olive oil.
There are many types of eucalyptus leaves, the most common are radiata and globulus. From my lineage we think the globulus is a bit softer and great if you are feeling chilled, the radiata is a bit more pungent and helpful if you have some heat & thickish, colored mucus.
Speaking of essential oils, my dear friend and colleague, Rosanne, from Sunrose Aromatics in Maine, is retiring. Rosanne has been a wonderful source of trustworthy oils over the past 26years as I developed the integration of essential oils into my Chinese medicine practice. Many of you have used her product offerings over the years too. If there is an oil you have been curious about or just want to stock up, take a look at her website; she is reducing all her inventory so you might find something delightful or useful for your wellbeing.
If you would like assistance navigating the Autumnal season, please reach out, I’ll be around. Acupuncture/Chinese medicine can provide both curative as well as preventive effect and some folks like to have a session to adjust to the seasonal shift.
Office note: It is vaccine season; if you take a vaccine, please allow 48 hours after the inoculation before coming in for treatment, this allows the immune system to integrate the information from the inoculation.
As always, I appreciate your continued trust and referrals to family, friends, and colleagues.
Wishing you all the beauty, joy and bounty the season offers.
Kathleen
