Transitioning to Fall

With the fall season fast approaching and the beginning of the yin cycle, the energy of plants is moving down into their roots – preparing for winter. This season is a time for the body to begin gathering energy for the colder months to come as well.

The large intestine and lungs are the organs associated with fall. The lungs are responsible for the circulation of qi, and are also very susceptible to cold and illness. For this reason, it is important to stay healthy and warm during the season – an immune boost treatment can be great at this time. If the qi circulation is compromised, muscles will not be able to warm the body properly and  you may encounter issues with digestion that you normally don’t have as well.

Autumn Foods

Vegetables of autumn like carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach and kale can help purify and protect your body against free radicals. These brightly colored veggies are packed with beta-carotene, which then turns into vitamin A. Vitamin A is needed for our immune system, especially as cold and flu season comes soon. These veggies can also strengthen your lungs and large intestine to combat illness.

Vegetables to cook with:

• carrots
• acorn squash
• butternut squash
• buttercup squash
• blue Hubbard squash
• pumpkin
• broccoli
• parsley
• kale
• turnip greens

Autumn weather becomes more yin and cold, calling for more warming dishes. Break out that crock pot! Foods to cook that are in harmony with the season include more sour foods, as well as foods rich in protein and healthy fats.

Sour/pungent foods to cook with:

• sourdough bread
• sauerkraut
• yogurt
• kefir
• ginger
• garlic
• horseradish

Some people find it hard to let go of summer, with the longer days, ocean air and warm breezes. Here in New England though we are lucky to have the foliage, the crisp Fall days and, if we are lucky, maybe a little bit on “Indian Summer”. Acupuncture not only helps the body physically, but can help the mind also. Fall is a great time to see an acupuncturist as your body and mind adapt to the changing of the seasons. I also have three Stretch and Release yoga/acupuncture classes coming in late September and October – in Burlington, Andover and Wakefield. There will be a special fall treatment offered at these. More details to follow! Sign up if you haven’t already!

Set up a visit to prepare for the new season ahead and to stay in good health!