Fall and Winter are quickly upon us.
Staying healthy with the Seasons, by aligning our activities and habits to the themes and rhythms of nature's cycles is of paramount importance to our longevity and well-being according to both Chinese Medicine and Indian Ayurveda.
Over thousands of years Chinese medicine observed that Fall is the time of year when the Lungs and Large Intestine and their related tissues of skin and nose begin working their hardest. This is when people experience the most symptoms and strain there, such as colds, flues, dry skin, nasal congestion, stiffness, sadness, grief etc. Many of these symptoms relate to the overall dryness and windiness of the Fall Season, its reduced daylight and the ending of Summer.
Here are a few tips for staying strong and harmonizing with the themes of Fall that affect all levels of our being: physical, emotional and spiritual
Strain reducing suggestions for Fall
Drink more water than usual
Monitor your indoor humidity and keep it in the 30% to 40% range. Too little humidity deflates the mucus membranes and allows bacteria and viruses to get in. Too much humidity increases dampness, phlegm and mold.
Rinse your nasal passages daily with saline, followed by either X-clear spray or Ayurvedic Nasya oil from Banyan Botanicals: https://www.banyanbotanicals.com/collections/nasal-drops
Practice 5 minutes of yogic breathing like alternate nostril breathing or circular breathing on waking, before bed, whenever you feel tight or stressed.
Protect your skin by covering it from the Sun, wind and dryness
Keep moisturized, especially your feet and lower leg. Applying warm sesame oil to those areas is an excellent practice. Dr. Gregg would be happy to instruct you on this practice if you are interested
Go to bed earlier at least 5 nights a week, sleep longer if you can, even if only on the weekends. FYI: A sleep deficit decreases immunity, and many people succumb to infection right after losing sleep several nights in a row.
Less caffeine, sugar, screen time and alcohol help improve sleep and strengthen immunity, reduce stress and lift mood.
Habit stack as many of these as you can.
You will reap ample rewards even if you are able to put just one of these recommendations into practice dail
If you'd like personalized guidance this season, book with Dr. Kevin Gregg, DC, DACM, LAc—he can help you navigate fall's effects through acupuncture and integrative care.