AUTUMN
As we come out of summer, from the relaxed and carefree days, we now come to Autumn – a time of introspection and harvest. The days are shorter, the leaves change and we prepare for the coming winter.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) talks of each season being dominated by an element, with particular Meridians associated with organs in the body. Autumn is dominated by the Metal element, associated with the Lung and Large Intestine Meridians.
Autumn, through the Lung meridian is associated with ‘grief and loss’, of attachment, organisation, and setting limits and protecting boundaries – breath in the new to clear and cleanse. The Large Intestine Meridian is associated with ‘letting go’ of waste. Thus, emotionally, Autumn is the perfect time to let go of what we are holding onto that doesn’t serve us any more. Autumn is a time to slow down and replenish.
One way to lead a life of ‘Calm, Flow and Balance’ is to live in harmony with the seasons:
1. To organise and complete projects not yet finished – be gentle and methodical.
2. Let go – of hurts, negativity, resentments and physical clutter.
3. Breathe – meditate/relax/pray/find quiet. Deep breathing is a secret trick to staying healthy throughout Autumn.
4. Drink plenty of water.
5. Cleanse your body of toxins – eating healthy food and reduce sugar and gluten.
6. Sleep longer.
7. Eat slower cooked food, more soup, less salads.
Autumn foods include: Sweet Potato, Garlic, Ginger, Cabbage, Carrots, Pears, Apples, Walnuts, Leaks, Broccoli, Apricot, Cinnamon, Pumpkin and Banana. Autumn is known for it’s dryness, influencing our inner and outer selves. You may experience dry lips, hair, throat, dry cough, constipation, hair loss and itchiness. Your body needs extra fluids to counteract the dry environment with foods such as cooked pears and apples, chicken broth, honey, eggs, coconut oil, pumpkin, lemon, grapefruit, stews, soups, bay leaves, cloves, cinnamon, dill, fennel, rosemary and turmeric.
ENJOY AUTUMN – SLOW DOWN, RUG UP AND EAT WELL.
NURTURE YOUR CALM, FLOW AND BALANCE.
