It is happening, folks. Fall is upon us. Labour Day Weekend has come and gone, and despite the recent hot weather, summer is in fact drawing to a close.
In response to the change in season, our bodies and minds, day by day, are beginning
to make gradual adjustments in preparation. From a Chinese medicine perspective, our health is a direct reflection of our inner state of balance as well our relationship to the natural world around us.
Therefore, a change in season not only manifests in the environment, but also within our physiology, having a direct impact on our health and well-being.
During this particular time of year, our blood begins to grow thicker, our habitual routines change as we situate ourselves more indoors, and our mental processes will become more introspective and collected.
Autumn calls upon us to begin to nest and stock up as it is the season of harvesting and turning inward. We can observe that nature begins to contract and move downward. Soon enough, leaves and fruit will fall to the ground, tree sap will move down to the roots and the lush green scenery will soon turn lighter and drier.
I like to perceive autumn as an opportunity to make gradual changes in my patterns in order to prepare for the winter months. Such preparations can help make winter a time of beauty and comfort, rather than a time of dread so common to those desperately hanging on to the fleeting buzz of the summer. It's easy to resist change, especially when moving away from the excitement, bustle, and celebration of summer.
However, change is always an opportunity to start anew! Switch out your wardrobe and get excited about bundling up in fall fashion. Put the kettle on and brainstorm a project for the fall.
Allow your body rest and give your mind permission to percolate the experiences you
had over the last few months. This is a time to discard physical clutter, tired ideas and old routines. Transitional periods awaken new possibilities - what direction will the fall take you this year? In terms of nourishing our bodies, bring your attention to the kitchen. Cook your meals at home with more focused preparation in order to supply yourself with the energy required by the cooler season ahead. Cook with less water, lower heat and for longer periods of time.
This will internalize one's focus as well as provide heartier meals. Gradually incorporate more root vegetables into your diet such as carrots, sweet potatoes, turnips and yams. Root vegetables are the ultimate comfort food. Beets are a great fall food as they are high in Vitamin C and folate, offering excellent immune support.
A change in season is a time to practise our instinctual awareness. How aware are you of the natural changes that are occurring in your environment? Is there anything you can do to help yourself better adapt to the change in season? Jenica Geisler is a registered acupuncturist and practices at Ageless Traditional Chinese Health Centre in Richmond. She can be contacted at 604-270-4826 or [email protected].
