How to Transition Your Body from Summer to Autumn

Are You Ready to Leave Summer Behind and Get Ready for Fall?

September 22 is the official day of Fall Equinox and we are already starting to see changes in our environment such as cooler mornings and evening temperatures, discoloration of leaves, blooming autumn flowers, and decreased day light. Just like our environment goes through changes, our body also experiences changes. And, it is very important for all of us to understand how our bodies can be affected by the transitioning of seasons and to adjust accordingly. I am sure some of you have already noticed changes in your body such as the drying of your skin, fall allergies, decreased in energy level, changing of mood, and experiencing the common cold. It is the time of year that we go from the relaxed mind set to the hard-working and more serious attitude associated with fall. The transition from Summer to Fall is a time when the “Qi” or energy is unstable and can easily be influenced by the outside pathogens. Now is the time to be evaluated by your Acupuncturist in order to strengthen your Qi and immune system to prepare for change of season.

How is Autumn Defined in Oriental Medicine?

In Oriental Medicine, fall (autumn) is associated with different aspects of our emotions, body organs and colors. Here are some examples of association between Fall and Oriental Medicine:

• Yin Organ – Lungs
• Yang Organ – Large Intestine
• Element – Metal
• Emotion – Grief/Sadness
• Climate – Dryness
• Color – White
• Flavor – Pungent
• Sense Organs – Nose
• Tissues – Skin
• Stage of Development – Harvest

It is a good time to focus your attention internally to well-being of our body by cultivating and self-analyzing your body and your mind to understand your body’s needs.

Emotions of the Lungs

In Oriental Medicine, each organ is characterized by a specific emotion. The emotion of the lungs is sadness/grief. It is also associated with ability to “let-go,” good communication, openness to new ideas and thinking, and positive self-image. Therefore, autumn is a good time to let go of things from the past or the summer to allow for new experiences that will be help us to grow and to mature. If there is an imbalance of energy in your lungs or certain deficiencies, you may experience prolonged sadness, difficulty to let go of things, overwhelming of emotions, and ultimately lead to depression. If you are aware of these characteristics and prepare accordingly, you will experience a much easier and an effective transition from summer to fall.

Physical Characteristics of the Lungs and Its Relationship with Autumn

In Oriental Medicine, the lungs are considered to be a “tender organ.” It is located in the uppermost part of the body and is especially susceptible to wind and cold. Also, the air quality changes from humid/warm to dry/cool which can affect our breathing, our skin condition, and our digestion. Dryness is another quality of fall season. Therefore, we need to be more aware of our water consumption and the hydration of our skin to avoid scaly/dry skin. During the dry season of fall, people will be more prone to sinus infection and experience difficulty in breathing. The lungs control the “Wei-Qi” which is defined as the DEFENSIVE Energy which protects our body from the outside pathogens. It moves about our body between the skin and the muscles and energizes our immune system. If the Wei-Qi is weak, the skin and the muscles will not be warmed properly; thus, people experience coolness when sick.

The Lungs get most of the attention during the fall but it’s yang organ partner, the Large Intestine, can also be affected. The main symptom of imbalance of energy between the Lungs and Large Intestine energy is constipation.

What Can You do To Transition from Summer to Autumn?

1. Sleep is an important aspect of staying healthy in Autumn. Just like day light shortens, our body needs to Coordinate our sleeping cycle with this change. Make sure to sleep earlier and to wake up on your regularly scheduled time.
2. Be sure to Dress for the weather! There is a drastic difference in temperature from morning and evening temperatures compared to the afternoon. Dress in layers or long sleeves.
3. Clear out and Clean your sinuses and your nose because they are the opening to the lungs. You can use a netti pot with some sea salt and water to rid of excess mucus. Acupuncture and herbs are wonderful for alleviating your sinus infection or harmonizing your lungs.
4. Eat Properly. What you eat greatly affects the health of your lungs. Avoid eating excess amount of cold and raw foods such as milk, cheese, cream, or sushi, as it creates dampness or phlegm. Dampness and phlegm can block your sinuses and your passages for breathing. Eatmoderate amounts of pungent foods like garlic, onions, ginger, horseradish, and mustard which are beneficial to the lungs.

In conclusion, it is important to be keenly aware of our body during seasonal changes to harmonize your body and to be a step ahead for possible effects from changes in our environment. This is a good time of the year to be evaluated by your Acupuncturist to find out about your body’s constitution and to learn how you can make changes in your daily activities to prepare for the fall season. Everyone is unique and their reaction to the seasonal changes are different. Therefore, it is essential for everyone to better understand their body and to coordinate a proper treatment plan for your well-being.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at any time.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

New Life Wellness Center
Dr. Andrew Lee, DPT, L.Ac.
Ph) 469-796-2100
Email) info@newlifewellnessfrisco.com
Website: www.newlifewellnessfrisco.com