It’s finally here- the season of autumn! While turkey dinners fill stomachs and unsuspecting pumpkins line doorsteps it is a great time to reflect practically about our health and the season.
In my acupuncture clinic this week many patients just getting, getting over, or fighting off a cold.
In traditional Chinese medicine we see patterns; patterns in nature. Every year I have seen people getting sick at this time of year as well as right before Christmas, 2nd week in January, and a couple other notable times in the year (I’ll give you ample warning as the time draws nearer!).
While in modern days we would associate this with ‘germs’ and gooey kids in close proximity, the ancients regarded this simply as a time of transition. A time when our energy, or chi starts to withdraw into the body for the oncoming winter (much like hibernation). I think the truth lies somewhere in between.
As the seasons change our bodies change. As the suns blazing energy decreases so does ours! We should adjust our schedules accordingly and sleep more, have tea instead of ice cold water, and cook soups and stews to warm our innards. (Soon I will post recipes of strange and delightful creations for the season, so stay tuned!)
But what if adjusting our lifestyle is just not enough? There are plenty of TCM herbal formulas that are very helpful in boosting our immune systems. I carry a formula called “Gan Mao Ling” which is a must have for the medicine cabinet. In fact I recommend everyone have it on hand for that crucial couple of hours when your start feeling a headache, muscles stiffness, and that impending feeling of getting the cold.
Until next time, sleep well, stay balanced, and…
~Think Vitality!~
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