Autumn the Season of the Lung

The ancient Chinese believed that the seasons have a profound cyclical effect on human growth and well-being.  Autumn is the season of the harvest, gathering the seeds and wisdom we’ve learned this year for continued growth in the spring.

It’s also a time for eliminating what is unnecessary, and storing up only what is needed for winter. As spring was an expansive time  fall is a contractive, simplifying time.

Autumn is the season of the Lung organ.  In Chinese medicine weakness of the Lung causes difficulty with respiratory disorders- asthma, frequent colds and lowered immunity, sinus headaches, skin ailments, (the skin is regarded as the third lung),and dryness- constipation.  Also, unresolved sadness and grief, can deplete the lung energy.

The pungent quality of some foods and spices help to open and expand the lung energy to clear grief and respiratory problems. Pungent foods are: garlic, ginger, horseradish, radish, daikon radish, cabbage. They can be used uncooked if you run cold in nature but if you run warm they are best eaten after being cooked. Since Autumn is a dry season, foods that help moisten are: cooked pears, apples, squashes, along with persimmons, almonds, barley, millet and soy.

Balanced lung qi (energy) is reflected in the ability to have boundaries,  knowing what to let in  and what to keep out, when to say yes, when to say no, and finally when to hold on and when to let go.

Acupuncture and particular Chinese herbal formulas are  helpful at this seasonal change for optimal balance.

See you for your Autumn tune-up.          Call or text for appointment:  (818) 324-1539