The ancient Chinese knew that just as the plant and animal worlds are bound to nature and its laws so too is the human world. Chi (energy) is the life force that creates and maintains all living things, and its attributes were described and understood by the Chinese through the model of the five elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. For a plant to grow, there must be a seed capable of growth (Wood), sunlight and warmth (Fire), soil (Earth), minerals, trace elements, and air (Metal), and, of course, Water. The cycle of the seasons is an expression of the different phases of the five elements; each season presents an opportunity for us to learn how to live in balance with the laws of nature.
The Chinese were keen observers of the natural world and noted the climatic effects of each particular season on the health and well being of their patients. They saw that certain organ systems and functions were more likely to become imbalanced at particular times of the year.
They noted that the external climate associated with a particular season, cold, hot, damp, or dry, had a tendency to manifest itself in the body, presenting as symptoms within the organ systems associated with that particular time of year or season.
With each change of season we find that particular disharmonies manifest during that time of transition. Allergies in the spring, heat stroke and bowel difficulties in summer, respiratory problems in the fall and colds & flus in the winter. That is why patients were and still are encouraged to see their health practitioner for a preventative "seasonal tune-up" at least four times a year. By strengthening the body just before the change in season, a person can maintain strong immunity and fend off external pathogenic or climatic invaders.
As we move into fall we see a shift in the weather from the extreme heat of summer to dryness. This shift is more dramatic in some parts of the country than in others. Nonetheless everything on the planet begins to respond to this change. Most species are very in tune with the natural world and adapt quite easily to the changing patterns throughout the year. Autumn is harvest time and all the little critters are collecting their stores for winter, they know it will be difficult to find food come winter and so they are preparing now for the long winter ahead.
We humans on the other hand barely take notice or make preparations during these seasonal changes. We go about our busy-ness, maybe stopping to enjoy the changing colors of the leaves, but overall we do not really take preventative measures to ensure a smooth transition from one season to the next. This is why we see an abundance of acute illness arise at this time. We particularly see an increase in respiratory problems. Allergies flare up, dry mouth, throat and sinuses are common, hoarseness, sore throats, and dry coughs are all prevalent in the fall.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the organ systems most affected in fall are the lungs and large intestine. They are associated with the metal element and metal is the element associated with the fall season. There are many ways to keep both of these organ systems strong and healthy. Acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, appropriate exercise, nutrition and lifestyle factors all play a role in building and maintaining health and a strong and resilient immune system.
The more in tune we are with our natural environment the healthier we will be. Strengthening our bodies and minds by adapting effectively to the changing of the seasons is essential if we are to maintain good health and longevity. Take a moment this month to stop and breathe in the wonderful changes that have accompanied the fall season and take advantage of the FALL IMMUNE BOOSTING SPECIAL.
Fall Immune Boosting Special (click on link)
The Chinese were keen observers of the natural world and noted the climatic effects of each particular season on the health and well being of their patients. They saw that certain organ systems and functions were more likely to become imbalanced at particular times of the year.
They noted that the external climate associated with a particular season, cold, hot, damp, or dry, had a tendency to manifest itself in the body, presenting as symptoms within the organ systems associated with that particular time of year or season.
With each change of season we find that particular disharmonies manifest during that time of transition. Allergies in the spring, heat stroke and bowel difficulties in summer, respiratory problems in the fall and colds & flus in the winter. That is why patients were and still are encouraged to see their health practitioner for a preventative "seasonal tune-up" at least four times a year. By strengthening the body just before the change in season, a person can maintain strong immunity and fend off external pathogenic or climatic invaders.
As we move into fall we see a shift in the weather from the extreme heat of summer to dryness. This shift is more dramatic in some parts of the country than in others. Nonetheless everything on the planet begins to respond to this change. Most species are very in tune with the natural world and adapt quite easily to the changing patterns throughout the year. Autumn is harvest time and all the little critters are collecting their stores for winter, they know it will be difficult to find food come winter and so they are preparing now for the long winter ahead.
We humans on the other hand barely take notice or make preparations during these seasonal changes. We go about our busy-ness, maybe stopping to enjoy the changing colors of the leaves, but overall we do not really take preventative measures to ensure a smooth transition from one season to the next. This is why we see an abundance of acute illness arise at this time. We particularly see an increase in respiratory problems. Allergies flare up, dry mouth, throat and sinuses are common, hoarseness, sore throats, and dry coughs are all prevalent in the fall.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the organ systems most affected in fall are the lungs and large intestine. They are associated with the metal element and metal is the element associated with the fall season. There are many ways to keep both of these organ systems strong and healthy. Acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, appropriate exercise, nutrition and lifestyle factors all play a role in building and maintaining health and a strong and resilient immune system.
The more in tune we are with our natural environment the healthier we will be. Strengthening our bodies and minds by adapting effectively to the changing of the seasons is essential if we are to maintain good health and longevity. Take a moment this month to stop and breathe in the wonderful changes that have accompanied the fall season and take advantage of the FALL IMMUNE BOOSTING SPECIAL.
Fall Immune Boosting Special (click on link)