Archive for November, 2010
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About Autumn
Autumn represents the metal element and is associated with the Lungs and Large Intestine. It is a time of harvest and gathering together. We prepare and eat foods that keep us warm, start collecting or bringing out warmer clothing, and plan indoor projects or quiet time. This gathering also occurs in nature. Plants and animals are contracting and moving energy and nutrients inward and downward into root systems and places of hibernation.Fall is also considered a time of dryness. Any type of dry condition a person might have is usually associated with the lungs. Dry symptoms might include dry skin anywhere on the body, dry throat, thirst and itchy skin. Using a little salt (I recommend Himalayan or French Celtic Sea Salt) with cooking helps to moisten dryness as well as eating the following moistening foods:
- Ghee (clarified butter)
- Healthy oils – olive oil, sesame oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil
- Squashes (in season)
- Yams, sweet potatoes
- Spinach
- Apple, pear, persimmon, loquat
- Seaweed
- Barley and millet
- Mushrooms (black and white)
- Almond, pine nuts, peanuts, sesame seed
- Honey, barley malt, rice syrup
- Milk and dairy products (in moderation)
- Eggs
- Clam, crab, oyster, mussel, herring
- Pork
Foods that are spicy or warming, aromatic and bitter should be used with caution if you are experiencing a dry condition, for they are drying to the body.
The Lungs: In Balance and Disease
The function of the lungs in TCM is to receive nourishing oxygen and combine that with the vital energy or qi of healthy food. This becomes protective qi or “wei qi”, as it’s termed in TCM, and is distributed through the body by the lungs. The spreading of protective qi by the lungs creates a barrier against bacteria and viruses. It also helps to moisten the mucus membranes to keep them healthy and strong.
Keeping Lungs Balanced
Emotionally, the lungs are related with grief. Any unresolved grief may cause the lungs to contract or “hold on”, which prevents the spreading of protective qi throughout the body and causes the lungs to be congested with mucus or fluid. Therefore, processing this emotion in whatever way is most effective, will prevent any imbalance and help to strengthen the lungs.
Preventatively, the lungs can be kept strong through regular exercise, getting regular acupuncture treatments to keep the body balanced, and by eating a healthy and protective diet that is appropriate for the fall season.
Warming pungent foods such as hot peppers and chilies, onions, garlic, turnip, ginger, and horseradish dark green and orange/yellow vegetables – winter squashes, broccoli, carrots, parsley, kale mustard greens, watercress, wheat or barley grass, and various algae are also wonderful this time of year. Green foods are so important in our daily nutrition because the chlorophyll in them inhibits viruses, help us to digest protein and fat, and ultimately keeps the lungs and intestines clean. As you can see, all of this bolsters our immune system, which gives us better protection throughout the cold and flu season.
Remember, having one or two colds a year is not considered unhealthy! Our bodies need to clean themselves from toxins, and this is one way to achieve that. If you happen to contract a cold, herbs and acupuncture are an excellent way to shorten the illness. A treatment with a prescription of herbs and or supplements can help your immune system fight off the cold without the side effects of antibiotics or other medications (which ultimately compromise immunity). Acupuncture also helps to reduce the severity of symptoms so you remain comfortable, and prevents the illness from progressing into something more serious and chronic.
More Tips for Fall
Some little things to remember for the season – always keep a sweatshirt or scarf handy. You never want to get a chill from being underdressed. We say the “wind” can enter in through the back of the neck and can cause a cold. Wear a scarf or hooded sweatshirt to keep the back of the neck protected. If you do catch a chill, disperse it immediately by taking a hot shower or bath or drink some ginger tea (an example of pungent) or a warming drink.
Chinese formulas such as Gan Mao Ling and Yin Qiao can be used for early stage cold/flu. Yin Qiao is more appropriate for strong sore throat and heat signs (feeling warm, sore throat, thirst). Gan Mao Ling is more neutral; where strong heat or cold signs are not obvious.
Keep your immune system strong through proper diet, exercise, emotional well-being, rest, preventative herbs/supplements and acupuncture!
