Author: Brenda S. Terry, MAcOM, LAc

Greetings!

With Halloween just weeks away, the Holiday season is upon us!!  Lots of fun and festivities ahead…….first Halloween-costume parties and sneaking candy while waiting for the next ghoul/goblin to appear; then Thanksgiving sneaks up on us with family gatherings and celebrations providing many tastebud tantalizers; Christmas parties, cookies, rich treats and libations abound and finally New Year’s Eve to complete the season!!  Can’t wait!!!  However…….

I cannot stress enough “an ounce of prevention” during this time of year.  All the long awaited occasions and celebrations are so exciting and fulfilling, but can also be very taxing on our digestive systems.  If digestion isn’t functioning properly,  many systems of the body will be sluggish and unable to properly perform their functions for optimum health and wellbeing.

In Chinese  Medicine, the Spleen system/energy channel/meridian is responsible for our digestive function.  If not functioning well, we are more prone to common colds, influenza and allergies.  The Spleen system is also where the blood originates and is responsible for water metabolism in the body when processing food.  The flavor of the Spleen system is sugar….so if you crave sugar, most likely your Spleen system needs boosting.  The more sugary, rich foods in party amounts that we eat, the more the digestion is taxed causing it to become sluggish and unable to do it’s job effectively….causing gas/bloating, constipation, diarrhea, insomnia, stress, mood swings and many other symptoms.  Giving your body quality fuel/food in adequate amounts will allow the digestive process to perform it’s function optimally allowing your body to support your every whim….

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine are the perfect way to boost and support your digestion.  Starting treatments and herbs before the festivities begin will help your system handle what coming it’s way and allow you to feel and look your best straight through to 2020!!

A Votre Sante!

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!!