| You can feel the change in the air- the weather is | | | | medicine believes that there are certain foods to eat, |
| crisp and cool, even when the sun is out. You can | | | | required amounts of rest, and certain emotions that |
| see the change in fruits and vegetables at the | | | | arise. Thus in the Autumn, we eat the seasonal foods |
| market- the peaches, watermelon, summer squashes, | | | | of Autumn. As the days get shorter, we increase our |
| and cucumbers are phasing out. In their place, we | | | | rest and sleep more. |
| have apples and pears, winter squashes, sweet | | | | In Chinese Medicine, Autumn is the season of the |
| potatoes and a new harvest of nuts. You notice that | | | | Lung. It is very important that we take care of our |
| night is coming a little sooner. | | | | Lungs so we can protect ourselves from illness. |
| Staying healthy in the Autumn means letting go of | | | | Illnesses that come up from problems in the Lungs |
| the Summer- the warmest sunshine, the longer days, | | | | include colds and flu, decreased immune system, |
| and the Summer fruits and vegetables. The Autumn | | | | allergies, asthma, chronic cough, bronchitis, and other |
| is the time to wear more clothing layers, to go to | | | | Lung issues. |
| sleep a little earlier, and to transition away from raw, | | | | Since the Lungs are connected to the emotions of |
| cooling foods. In the Autumn, we start baking, | | | | sadness and grief. Suppressed grief damages the |
| roasting, and slow-cooking. | | | | Lungs and makes us prone to disease. So, it is |
| Autumn is the time of harvest- to enjoy the fruits of | | | | important for us to acknowledge these emotions. |
| our labor. It is a perfect time to celebrate our | | | | Everyone deals with grief in their own way; some |
| accomplishments of the year. We can reflect and | | | | helpful suggestions include journaling, talking to close |
| acknowledge the changes of the year. Autumn is also | | | | friends, working with a therapist, art therapy, |
| a time of storage and preparation for the Winter. | | | | meditating, taking long walks, praying, participating in |
| In Traditional Chinese Medicine, we observe nature | | | | support groups, or participating in healing rituals. |
| and seasonal changes to learn proper ways of | | | | In the next article, Staying Healthy in the Autumn |
| staying in harmony. When we live in harmony with | | | | according to Traditional Chinese Medicine, I will list |
| the season, we are also ensuring harmony within | | | | steps you can take to prevent illness and stay |
| ourselves. From observing the season, Chinese | | | | balanced. |