|
|
|
Acupuncture & Natural Health Solutions Newsletter
Providing Natural Health Care for the Entire Family
|
Issue #2015-09b
|
|
|
|
Transitioning to Autumn
With autumn approaching and the beginning of the yin cycle, the energy of plants is moving down into their roots, helping the body become aware of the energy of the season. This season is a time for the body to begin gathering energy for the colder months to come.
The lungs and large intestine are the organs associated with fall. The lungs are responsible for the circulation of Qi (the body's natural flow and circulation), and are also very susceptible to cold and illness. For this reason, it is important to stay healthy and warm during the season. If the Qi circulation is weakened, muscles will not be able to warm the body properly.
Autumn Foods:
Vegetables of autumn like carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach and kale can help purify and protect your body against free radicals.
These color-rich vegetables are packed with beta-carotene, which then turns into vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for our immune system, especially as the cold and flu season rolls in.
These vegetables can also strengthen your lungs and large intestine to fight illness.
Vegetables to cook with:
● carrots
● winter squash
● pumpkin
● broccoli
● parsley
● kale
● turnip greens
Autumn weather becomes more yin, calling for warming dishes. Foods to cook that are in harmony with the season include more sour foods, as well as foods rich in protein and fats.
Sour/pungent foods to cook with:
● sourdough bread
● sauerkraut
● adzuki beans
● yogurt
● rosehip tea
● ginger
● garlic
● horseradish
Some find it hard to let go of summer, with the longer days and warm air transitioning into the crisp and shorter days of fall.
Acupuncture not only helps the body physically, but mentally as well. Fall is a great time to see an acupuncturist as your body and mind adapt to the changing of the season.
Give your acupuncturist a visit to prepare for the new season ahead and to stay in good health!
Sources:
Note: Click the link for the detail article
by
Penelope Ody
|
|  |
|
3 Ways to Prepare For Seasonal Changes
As the transition from summer to fall begins, changes start to happen externally as well as internally. The days become shorter and the air gets cooler; our bodies change to adapt as well. Here are three ways to prepare for the fall season ahead along with the beginning of the yin cycle.
1. Let go of negativity
The autumn season represents the time when the lungs and large intestine are of the utmost importance. This season is especially an important time to let of negative energy in your life.
Negativity doesn't just affect your psychological health but your physical health as well. You can help get rid toxicity in your life by being aware of the causes and surrounding yourself with positive energy and people who make you happy.
2. Spend time outside
Because fall is focused on the lungs, spending more time outside can help strengthen this organ and increase your immune system as cold and flu season starts to emerge.
Spend time in nature away from city pollution where you can breathe clean, cool air. Autumn time is the perfect opportunity to do this and refresh and strengthen the lungs.
3. Acupuncture
Acupuncture treatment can help you physically as well as mentally prepare for the change in seasons.
Some find it difficult to let go of the summer season and transition to shorter, cooler days. Acupuncture can ease this transition and make sure your body and energy are flowing properly.
Source:
|
|
Recipe Corner
Butternut Squash Soup for
Autumn Balance
Below is a recipe to bring your body to balance in autumn. These foods will strengthen your immune system as your body becomes more susceptible to illness with the changing weather.
- 1 large butternut squash
- 1 medium onion
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 stalk of celery
- boiled chicken meat
- salt, pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg
If you have a blender, blend the squash until smooth for a puree-style soup. If not, you can chop up the squash instead.
** Be careful, hot soup in a blender expands, leave plenty of room in the blender by doing small batches. **
PREPARATION:
- Begin by chopping up all ingredients and boiling the squash in a large pot.
- After the squash is mostly cooked, add the vegetables and chicken to the pot.
- Simmer the soup for a few minutes.
- When the soup is done, add spices as desired.
Butternut squash soup is not too difficult to make and contains nutrients like vitamin A to help protect your body from the upcoming flu and cold season.
Source:
|
|
The information contained within the
newsletter is only used to educate and inform. This newsletter is
not a substitute for the advice of a licensed and registered health
care provider. Seek prompt attention for emergencies. Consult
a health care provider for specific health concerns, and before
starting a diet, cleanse or exercise routine.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
