In Chinese Medicine, every season has it’s correspondences with organs and functions in the body, and Autumn is associated with the Lungs and Large Intestine. It is the season of letting go. The time to clear all you don’t need, so as not to waste winter energy when we need to work deeply to build our reserves for the next year. Clearing out what doesn’t serve us in Autumn makes room for new growth in Spring. Here are 4 strategies to enhance your well being for the next month.
1. Sleep More
The nights are getting longer, so follow suit. The time of doing more and maximizing your productivity is over. More sleep now means you are creating more reserves for next year. Start turning off your electronics an hour before bedtime, pull out those candles you never use. Turn off your phone completely when you go to sleep, and minimize the wifi aimed at your head during the night.
2. Eat with the Season
It’s harvest season! Right now we have an abundance of beautiful produce and local ranches have ethically raised meats. This may be one of the best parts of living in the Bay Area, take advantage. Go for the artichokes, hearty leafy greens, winter squashes, cruciferous veggies, and root vegetables. It’s time to stop eating raw salads and cold foods. It’s all about building and keeping warmth right now.
3. Take Care of your Lungs and Large Intestine
Since these are the organs of Autumn, it means their energies are working the hardest right now. They need the most support. Take some time to every day for deep breathing. 5 minutes everyday of slow belly breathing calms your nervous system, and it also promotes peristalsis to encourage healthy elimination. With every breath in give thanks to the people and things you’ve loved and lost this past year, and with every breath out see them peacefully dissolving into the earth, or floating away like a cloud.
4. Cupping
Cupping over the chest, upper back, and abdomen is a great way to clear any built up stagnation over the lungs and large intestine. Clearing the stagnation of qi, blood, and toxic substances makes way for new fresh qi and blood to circulate. Creating free flow is the best way to ensure optimal function of the organs. You can book a stand alone cupping session at rossacupuncture.com, or by calling us at 510-629-9456