| Welcome Fall!When I was younger, I loved Autumn: the crisp cool breeze on my face and the vibrant maple leaves to jump in! But as I get older that cool breeze feels too crisp against my skin and I often find myself shivering. As the season changes from summer to fall, I take extra special care and effort to seek and find ways to stay warm. As an acupuncturist and yoga teacher, I try to share my “toolbox” of Chinese medicine principles to help you best prepare for a healthy body and mind for the cold months ahead. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), our lungs and large intestine are the organs most affected by this Fall season. This is the season when we may fall (pun intended) victim to coughs/colds and gastrointestinal issues (constipation). The reason why is because when it gets colder, it’s our nature to hibernate. We want to stay inside and do nothing! It’s no secret that most of us pack on the pounds in the colder months. The large Thanksgiving dinners and Halloween treats contribute to this, but let’s face it, when it’s cold outside, we do not move as much! Based on TCM, when we don’t move, our qi (pronounced CHI) and blood will stagnate which may result in shallow breathing and a sluggish digestive system. So here is what I do to ensure my lungs and large intestine are healthy: 1. I ensure I stay committed to moving my blood and qi by various forms of exercise – yoga, walking, qi gong, weight lifting, cardio. I’m the first to say that I love to warm up with a hot cup of tea and snuggle on the sofa with my boys. But…I know better, I need to get that chill out by taking it to the mat. The natural progression of a Hatha flow yoga class will bring your body temperature to a heated state and then gradually cool down at the end. But what you are left with is a body and mind that is both energized and relaxed! Even if one does not perspire in their yoga practice, the movement performed in the class has allowed the blood to flow. Have you heard me say this before? “Motion is lotion!” Get the body moving and keep it moving so that you stay warm through this transitional season. With any consistent exercise routine, your body and mind will be warmed and nurtured through breath & movement. Here is my favourite warming sequence – Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation)  2. I pack up my sandals, put socks on, pull out my scarves/hats, warm jackets and boots. As we transition to the colder weather, our bodies are not usually ready for the sudden change, so it’s even more important now to bundle up so that you don’t get that “chill” in your bones! It seems so simple, but how many of you are still walking out of the house dressed in light-weight crop pants and no socks? Feel the skin on your legs or how about your toes – are they cold?3. Lastly, to ensure I stay healthy this Fall, I limit eating cold natured foods. Consider limiting foods that have cooling properties (e.g: mint, cucumbers, watermelon) in addition to foods that are cold in temperature (e.g.: smoothies, ice cream & salads). These next few months, I will be suggesting to patients to switch their eating habits to match the season. Therefore, when it’s cold out, you need to keep the body warm so that you can defend against pathogens. Eating warm natured foods (warm in temperature and with warm properties – e.g.: cinnamon and ginger) will help to keep the body nurtured and balanced. Of course, I’m biased, but the best way to move your qi and blood is to treat yourself to an acupuncture appointment. By needling certain points of your body, we can activate and resolve any (cold) stagnation you may have in your body. Better blood flow will leave you feeling warmer and happier. For a limited time, I’m offering a Meridian Head massage with every 60min acupuncture appointment! To book an appointment, click on this link or click the button below: https://natliving.janeapp.com/#/staff_member/46 Book Acupuncture appointment Copyright © *2021 Yoga & Acupuncture with Tracie My email address is: Yogawithtracie@gmail.com Acuwithtracie@gmail.com |
Happy Fall from YogawithTracie
