Change in the seasons and health Well, we have arrived at a tricky time of year healthwise; the transition from summer to fall.
Just when we started worrying that summer here would last forever, suddenly there is a coolness in the mornings and the sun seems to noticeably be setting earlier and earlier.
In China and Japan, these times in between seasons have a specific name and meaning. It is a time to pay special attention to our lifestyle and to start preparing for the new season.
As you probably know, one of the central concepts in Oriental Medicine is "balance within change." It is time to start changing.
During the heat of summer when almost everyday is the same weather, we settle into dressing a certain way, eating more cooling and raw foods, etc. We have put up with the heat for so long that we tend to still behave as if it were still summer.
When the weather starts changing, we are a little slow in adjusting. It takes us time to start carrying around a bit more protective clothing and eating a bit more cooked foods and less cold drinks and raw foods. Because of this tendency we are more susceptible to chills and allergies.
This is the time to pay more attention to strengthening our immune systems and preparing ourselves for cooler and then colder weather.
Officially autumn starts this week and that is particularly significant for those susceptible to lung and allergy problems. Here at the clinic, we are stocking herbs and herbal formulas to work with colds, allergies and the immune system. Also, we have our moxa and heat compresses ready to help those who wear those skimpy summer fashions right into the fall weather.
I recommend that you throw a light jacket and a sweater in your car just in case the weather suddenly becomes a bit cooler that you realized when you left the house.
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