Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine in the Fall

Tree of Life Acupuncture NYC Center

32 Union Square E #804, New York, NY 10003
www.NewYorkAcupunctureCenter.com  
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Chinese Medicine and Five Element Acupuncture, associate Fall with the Lungs and Large Intestine organs. The Lungs are Yin and the Large Intestine the Yang. The element for this season is METAL.

New York City in the Fall is beautiful and it also brings drastic and volatile weather changes. Our bodies and immune system are often subjected to respiratory problems like cold, flu and asthma in this season. So here are a few steps to prepare yourself for seasonal changes and strengthen the immune system.

Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine can improve your immune system and help reduce the incidence of colds and flu or expedite the recovery if you get them.  

Now is a good time to get your immune system in optimal condition to prepare for cold & flu season.   

The Lungs control the skin and pores and are the first form of defense against exogenous and respiratory pathogens like wind and cold which is the first line of defense for the immune system. The color for the lungs is white and emotion is sadness or sorrow. 

Lungs are often referred to as a delicate organ because it is sensitive to weather changes. The Lungs are often associated with sadness or depression (at times when I insert Lung related acupuncture points, some people on rare occasions would shed a few tears, releasing sadness in this way) in Chinese Medicine. Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs do a very good job treating respiratory disorders like Asthma, COPD, Shortness of Breath and Allergies, etc.

Weather Factor
The Best thing you can do is not to expose your body to the wind and extreme weather changes during Fall season. If you dress appropriately for the weather, you are less likely to catch a cold. So scarf, hat, and appropriate shoes will all do when the temperature drops.

Food as Medicine

As it gets colder, you need to cut down on cold (energy) food like salads and eat warmer energetic food like chicken, hot soups and root vegetables such as potatoes, yam, beans, etc. Cook with ginger (or scallions, garlic, cinnamon), seeds and nuts. I personally like walnuts best because they are also good for the Kidneys and the Brain which come into play in the Winter - Kidney Season. 

Garlic has antibacterial and immune system properties and thins blood. It disperses stagnant energy by promoting circulation of energy in your body and the Lungs. It is also very useful for those flu seasons. 

This is a good season to eat root vegetables, whole grains, and hearty foods to detox your intestines.
Do weight training to build up muscle stronger exterior

Focus on relaxation in the evening hours. 


Breathing Therapy

You might also try practicing a form of breathing meditation Thai Chi or Yogic Breathing for the health of your lungs. Weight training also is a useful autumn exercise as it balances the higher amount of protein and calories you crave while preparing for the winter. This is a good time of the year to enjoy the late afternoon and evening, the time associated with metal by relaxing, letting go of the day's concerns and preparing for sleep.



Drinks and Liquids

Drinking a warm glass of water or tea with a generous squeeze of lemon is a great way to detox your Liver and enhance intake of Vitamin C which may help your immune system as well. Consuming warmer liquids is your way of helping your body to maintain body temperature.


Be well,
Mark Moshchinsky, L.Ac (NCCAOM)
Licensed Acupuncturist in NYC
www.NewYorkAcupunctureCenter.com

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