Autumn…begins on Monday!! Each season brings new air, light, temperature and energy. Knowing what each season brings will help keep you feeling tip top! Fall is the season of the Lung; it’s emotion is sadness; it’s color is white; it’s a dry season and it corresponds to the skin.
Dryness is related to the lungs and can manifest as thirst, itchiness, and dry skin, nose, lips and throat. When the mucus membranes are dry, they can crack allowing external pathogens to get in causing such conditions as asthma, bronchitis, strep throat and even allergies/sinus infections to develop. Some foods that can moisten the lungs are: spinach, seaweed, almonds, honey, rice, pears, millet, apples, eggs and clams. Of course, drinking plenty of water will also be helpful.
The Lungs produce energy for the body by combining energy from air and food. The Lungs are paired with the Large Intestine; one for taking in and the other for letting go. If the Lungs are dry, the Large Intestine can also be dry. So keeping the Lungs moistened healthy is obviously very important.
Strong Lungs/LI will allow the body to hold onto what is needed and let go of what is not needed. When sadness and grief are not resolved, a weak Lung system will result. Three areas that can indicate poor lung health are: sinus/bronchial problems; vitality of the skin or lack of; and the amount/quality of mucus.
Strengthening the Lungs by eating nourishing foods, getting plenty of rest/exercise, and dealing with your emotions will help you get through Fall without developing Fall allergies or other upper respiratory ailments.
Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal formulas are another way to have your Lung system evaluated and boosted to get you through Fall without any upper respiratory ailments or discomfort and will help to keep your digestive tract functioning properly. An ounce of prevention…….
A Votre Sante!!