Fall season health tips according to TCM
Discover fall season health tips rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with Healing With Zen, your favorite acupuncture clinic in Pasadena, CA. Boost immunity, balance your body, and support your health with TCM wisdom.
As the crisp air of fall settles in, it’s essential to adjust your lifestyle and habits according to the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Fall, in TCM, is the season of the Metal element, symbolizing transformation and letting go. It is the perfect time to focus on supporting your lungs, enhancing immunity, and preparing your body for the upcoming colder months. Here are some key TCM health tips for fall
5 best tips for a healthy transition to Fall
Strengthen Your Lungs: In TCM, the lungs are most vulnerable during the fall season. To support lung health, incorporate foods like pears, radishes, and garlic into your diet, which help nourish and moisturize the lungs. Drinking warm teas such as chrysanthemum or ginger can also help clear any excess dryness.
Adjust Your Diet: In the fall, warm, nourishing meals are key. TCM recommends eating more cooked and warming foods like soups, stews, and root vegetables such as sweet potatoes and carrots. These help to harmonize your digestive system and provide warmth during the colder days. Reducing intake of cold, raw foods can help maintain internal warmth and support overall health.
Get Adequate Rest: As the days grow shorter, so should your activity levels. Fall is a time to rest and conserve energy. Early nights and sufficient sleep help restore the body’s Yin energy, which is essential for immune function and overall vitality during the colder months.
Hydrate and Moisturize: Fall can be drying, so it’s important to stay hydrated and keep your skin moisturized. Drink plenty of warm water, herbal teas, and soups to nourish your body from the inside out. You can also apply natural oils like jojoba or almond oil to keep your skin hydrated and prevent dryness.
Stay Active but Avoid Overexertion: While fall is a time for introspection, it’s also important to keep moving. Regular, moderate exercise like walking or gentle yoga helps keep your Qi flowing and your body in balance. Avoid overexertion, as the cooler weather can increase the strain on your body.
Watch our video "Do this not that " Fall edition
Do this not that:
- Do: eat warm, nourishing foods like soups, stews, and root vegetables (pumpkin, sweet potatoes).
- Do Not: eat too much raw or cold food like salads or ice cream, which can weaken digestion and immunity.
- Do: Include foods that help moisten the lungs and skin like pears, almonds, and white fungus.
- Do Not: eat excessively spicy or dry foods that can deplete moisture in the body.
- Do: engage in practices like gentle yoga or tai chi to promote balance and stability.
- Do Not: engage in intense cardio workouts that can deplete your energy and leave you feeling unsettled.
- Do: prioritize rest and reflection. Make time for relaxation and introspection to align with the introspective nature of fall.
- Do Not: over-scheduling your time. Avoid cramming your calendar with back-to-back activities, which can lead to burnout.
- Do: sip on warm herbal teas like ginger or licorice to keep the body hydrated and warm.
- Do Not: drink too much cold water or soda, which can disrupt your internal warmth and energy.
Embrace the therapeutic potential of ear seeds
Having seasonal stress or depression?
Autumn is a time to “let go” of the emotional weight that is holding you down. Since the days are starting to get shorter and darker, take time to slow down and rest. Remind yourself to take a moment to just relax. Try doing breath work, qi gong, or meditation.
Let your acupuncturist know about your mental health and they can adjust the treatment based on your needs. Acupuncture, herbs, and ear seeds are great option to fight depression, stress or anxiety.
Immune system support:
Fall is flu season, fortify your immune system with TCM herbal remedies like astragalus, ginseng, and echinacea.
But the best way is to order a customized herbal formula. Our practitioners can give you good recommendations to keep you strong and resilient.
Best of all, you don’t need to visit the clinic in person—simply book an online herbal consultation. After our video call, we’ll ship your custom herbs directly to your home!
