Boost Immunity & Learn to Let Go
In Chinese Medicine, every season is linked to an organ and an emotion. The lungs & large intestine are associated with Autumn, which means this is the ideal time to treat them. They respond best to treatment in their season, and are also their most vulnerable.
You may have noticed that the cold, windy weather or dry overheated air makes it difficult to breathe deeply. Shallow breathing creates a stress response and lowers the production of lymphocytes, which help our immune system repel foreign invaders. It also forces us to overuse muscles in our neck, shoulders and chest to expand our lungs, leading to headaches, inflammation and tight painful muscles. When we take shallow breaths, our brain thinks we’re in danger and hyperventilating, so it floods the system with stress chemicals, making us feel even more anxious. Most people tend to take shallow breaths while wearing a mask, which compounds the issue even more!
ACUPUNCTURE, CUPPING TO INCREASE DEEP BREATHING
Autumn is the ideal time to start a breath practice like yoga, Qi gong or tai chi. If that’s not your thing, just take deep breaths throughout the day.
Deep breathing using your diaphragm (where you actually see your stomach move) lowers blood pressure and reduces anxiety because more oxygen enters your blood stream, signaling your brain to relax. This also increases circulation and helps carry out cellular waste, which reduces pain and inflammation. Acupuncture and herbs can strengthen your lungs, and treat the stress, poor circulation and underlying issues so that can finally breathe normally again.
FOODS THAT BOOST IMMUNITY
Apples, pears, Winter squash, root vegetables, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, walnuts, honey and mushrooms are all fantastic for respiratory and gut health. Start your day with a nice cup of chai, or add warming spices to your coffee or hot cocoa. Add mushrooms to everything to break up mucus prevent a build up of phlegm.
HOW YOUR GUT AFFECTS IMMUNITY
The large intestine contains lymphoid tissue that produces antibodies to protects us from harmful bacteria. When you hear people say your gut controls your immune system, this is why.
Licensed Chinese Medical herbalists prescribe seasonal formulas designed to strengthen the lungs, Boost immunity & stimulate the large intestine to clear up the issues created from drinking and eating lots of icy cold foods in the summer. Most of these formulas have been in constant use for over 2500 years, and are safe and extremely well researched.
GRIEF AND THE LUNGS
ACUPUNCTURE RELEASES PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL PAIN
Autumn is the ideal time to treat and release and chronic emotional crud. In Chinese Medicine, the mind and body are linked, so as you strengthen lungs, you release grief, and Vice Versa. Grief is associated with Autumn, so you may have noticed certain feelings intensifying lately. Seasonal changes are hard on your body, and your emotions. Making some changes now can help your mood and your immune system healthy throughout the winter. This is the ideal time to address old grief, whether through therapy, mediatiation, breathwork, acupuncture or herbs.
I change my protocols with the seasons and always address the underlying stress and emotional issues that can lead to persistent pain and inflammation.
