{"id":604,"date":"2013-10-15T22:41:01","date_gmt":"2013-10-15T22:41:01","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.urbanacupuncturecenter.org\/?p=604"},"modified":"2013-10-15T22:42:08","modified_gmt":"2013-10-15T22:42:08","slug":"suggestions-for-fall-according-to-traditional-chinese-medicine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/urbanacupuncturecenter.org\/newsite\/suggestions-for-fall-according-to-traditional-chinese-medicine\/","title":{"rendered":"Suggestions for Fall according to Traditional Chinese Medicine"},"content":{"rendered":"

One of the most beautiful aspects of traditional Chinese medicine is as a tool to live harmoniously with the seasons. Ancient Chinese physicians observed the natural cycles of the seasons and recorded the best everyday practices for staying healthy and harmonizing our own energy with that of our environment.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn the three months of autumn all things in nature reach their full maturity. The grains ripen and harvesting occurs. The heavenly energy cools, as does the weather. The wind begins to stir. This is the changing or pivoting point when the yang, or active, phase turns into its opposite, the yin, or passive, phase. One should retire with the sunset and arise with the dawn. Just as the weather in autumn turns harsh, so does the emotional climate. It is therefore important to remain calm and peaceful, refraining from depression so that one can make the transition to winter smoothly. This is the time to gather one\u2019s spirit and energy, be more focused, and not allow desires to run wild. One must keep the lung energy free full, clean, and quiet. This means practicing breathing exercises to enhance lung Qi. Also, one should refrain from smoking and grief, the emotion of lung. This will prevent the kidney or digestive problems in the winter. If this natural order is violated, damage will occur to the lungs, resulting in diarrhea with undigested food in the winter. This compromises the body\u2019s ability to store in winter.\u201d<\/i> – Huangdi Neijing Suwen<\/b><\/p>\n

Eating with the season<\/b><\/p>\n

\"oatmeal\"<\/a>In the fall, eat fewer cold, uncooked foods \u2014 such as salads \u2014 and more warm, cooked foods. Switch from salads to soups and steamed vegetables such as winter squash, winter peas, broccoli, sweet potatoes, and yams. Incorporate yellow and red foods into your meals. Start your day with hot oatmeal.<\/p>\n

Here are some more warm and nourishing foods and herbs to add to your fall diet:<\/b><\/p>\n