TLC INTEGRATIVE HEALTH

FALL NEWSLETTER

"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’s spirit and energy, be more focused, and not allow desires to run wild. One must keep the lung energy full, clean and quiet. This means practicing breathing exercises to enhance lung Qi" - Huangdi Neijing Suwen

LUNGS & LARGE INTESTINE

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Autumn is the season associated with our Lungs and Large Intestine, and because of this, they are the most active and susceptible to changes in weather. Not surprisingly, we may experience many problems related with these organs, such as:

Allergies

Asthma

Breathing Difficulties

Chest pain & Tightness

Chills & Fever

Cough

Diarrhea & Constipation

Dry Skin, Eczema, Psoriasis

Frequent Colds & Flus

Nasal Congestion

Sore Throats

Sinusitis

Sweating Issues

The lungs take in the air we breathe, and according to chinese medicine, Qi or "life energy" is extracted. This Qi circulates throughout the body and helps to nourish our organs. The lungs are also responsible for producing what is called "Wei Qi", pronounced "way chee". Wei Qi is similar to the western definition of the immune system and protects the body against harmful external factors such as wind, cold, and damp, as well as germs and bacteria.

If the lungs become weakened then essentially our Wei Qi is weakened. Hence, we become more susceptible to illnesses and conditions such as allergies, asthma, colds, flu, dry skin, etc.

Our Emotions.....

Not only is our physical health affected, but our emotions can be as well. The Lungs and the Large Intestine are associated with grief, sadness, melancholy and the inability to let go. Although, it is normal to feel a bit down during the autumn and winter months, sometimes a change in season can trigger these emotions and it is a good time to look inward, address any unresolved emotional issues, and let go before they an impact on your health!

For those of you living in San Francisco, enjoy this Indian Summer while it lasts, but prepare for the drops and changes in temperature that often leave people catching frequent colds and flus!

Acupuncture, Cupping, and Chinese Herbal Medicine have shown to strengthen the immune system and help provide you with the best line of defense against the upcoming cold and flu season!

Here are some Fall Tips!

1. Wear a scarf! Wearing a scarf around your neck to protect you from changes in weather and harmful external factors such as wind, cold, and damp.

2. Sweat it out! If you feel a little achy, go to the gym, and sit in a sauna or steam room for 10 minutes. Don't wait a few days, as this should only be done during the early signs before your whole body is weakened!

3. Come in and get CUPPED! Cupping helps to bring those harmful external factors you've incurred up to the surface of your skin and release them before they go deeper into the body having a larger affect on the lungs and sinuses!

4. Pick up an HERBAL PRESCRIPTION from me! Chinese herbs are extremely effective at nipping colds and flus in the butt quickly!

5. Get ACUPUNCTURE!!! Acupuncture strengthens the immune system and helps you to fight any pathogenic factors!

6. Drink lots of fluids!

7. Stay away from mucus forming foods like sugar, white flours, fried foods, and dairy products.

8. Take advantage of dark leafy greens and bright orange vegetables that are rich in Vitamin C and Beta-carotene. These include Butternut Squash, Pumpkin, Kale, Carrots, broccoli, mustard greens, and more. Eat them warm by steaming, sauteeing, or roasting. Make veggies broths and stews.

9. Exercise but be sure to dress for it if you go outside! Be sure to take time to REST! Watch football :) Preserve your energy to help build your "WEI QI", aka Immune System, back up again!

Often times, if you address your initial symptoms of chills, body aches, and overall weakness, you're more than likely to recover quickly so you don't have to spend the next week in bed!