Autumn Greetings

The seasonal shift towards autumn is in full swing with our typical hot, Indian summer days, cool mornings and evenings. 

In Chinese medicine we look at not only the weather but the energy of the season and how it affects us. Summer is energetically expansive, whereas autumn beckons us to contract and go deeper internally as we prepare for the colder, darker months. We know that there is an end to the summer warmth and expansion  so we savor these precious days. The autumn harvest of delicious fruits and vegetables is abundant and gratifying. 

Autumn is the season that Chinese medicine associates with:

• the lungs, nose and sinuses
• the emotions of sadness, sorrow and grief
• letting go of what is no longer useful
• receiving pre chi from heaven

Native American wisdom associates autumn with:

• internal reflection; it is called “the goes within place”
• dreaming and deep introspection
• letting go of what is no longer useful
• harvest

Physical Health

During autumn there tends to be an increase in colds and flu. We are also experiencing an increase in Covid cases. Children back in school frequently get symptoms, and of course if you get symptoms, you wonder if you have Covid and need to get tested. It’s all very stressful. Stress weakens our immune system and makes us more susceptible to viruses and illness in general. 

Additionally, although it still feels like summer, the body has different needs in terms of food and drink. Chinese medicine strongly believes in eating mostly warm and cooked food. As we move into autumn and towards winter it becomes more important to follow these guidelines. Eat fewer salads and raw veggies, but more soups, casseroles, stir fries, and warm drinks. 

Another factor in autumn that affects our health is the fluctuating heat and chill of the weather. Even though it seems relatively easy to manage (wearing jackets, scarves, hats, windbreakers; dressing in layers) people often find themselves unprepared for the changing weather of the day. In Chinese medicine one of the causative factors of viruses is called “invasion of external evil wind.” This is caused by the stress and vulnerability of the body affected by changeable weather patterns. Protecting the body from chill with appropriate clothing is important in the autumn season.

Wind in the Neck

“Wind in the Neck” is a Chinese medicine term associated with a stiff neck due to exposure to wind blowing on the neck, head, and upper body. This can be caused by wind outside, a fan, air conditioning, or a draft coming in the bedroom window at night. During hot days  people perspire, which opens their pores, and a draft can enter the tissues, potentially causing stiff neck. It can happen at any season but is common during autumn due to fluctuating temperatures.
 
Prevention and remedies: One way to prevent “wind in the neck” is simply to avoid being in windy places or in front of fans or air conditioners. If you are in a windy environment, consider wearing a scarf or a windbreaker. If you sleep with a window open and you’re prone to stiff neck, try sleeping with a light scarf around your neck to protect it from draft. You might also close the window all or partway during the night when it gets chilly.

Navigating Aging

If we are brave enough to admit that we’re in the autumn of our lives we can begin to intentionally cultivate resilient responses to the challenges we face. The turning within and loss that happen in autumn can sometimes reflect the turning within and loss that we experience as we age.
 
I can help you grapple with these sensitive issues.