Simple things for Fall Health

by Matt Cates

Fall is the sunset of the year where everything starts moving inward and represents the element of Metal. Metal is the element associated with the corresponding organs of the lungs and large intestines, and is the element of contracting. Water to ice, earth becomes metal or gems, air condenses into a storm, are all examples of this cycle.

It is a good time of year to once again look at taking care of ourselves as this is our weakest time of year.  It’s no wonder fall is associated with getting sick, the lungs and large intestines are the organs governed by metal.  Lungs are obviously related to colds, bronchitis, asthma and such, and the intestines as a whole are the foundations of your immune system. When balanced, the emotional essence of lungs/large intestines promotes compassion, feeling energized, being organized, and clear thinking. When out of balance depression, self pity, anti-social behavior, and lack of will tend to take hold.

How can you take care yourself during this time of year?

Well, the easiest way is by watching what we eat. Since we are attempting to clean out and boost our immune system, you are generally going to want to avoid mucus producing foods such as dairy, and wheat if you’re already sick.  Second is by supporting your intestines by eating things with good bacteria, fermented foods for example. Third, eat foods that get things moving: onions, garlic, ginger, spicy peppers, daikon radish, and rice. Think about the foods that are pungent (spicy), move gas, or clear out mucus as being beneficial for this time of year.

Lastly, activating the meridian points Lung 1 and Large Intestine 4 may help if you find yourself out of balance. Lung 1, located in the indentation near the shoulder joint and level with the intercostal space below the 1st rib, correlates to all lung issues, skin problems, emotional tension, sore throat, and upper torso pain. Large Intestine 4, located in the muscly area between the thumb and index finger and 1/2 way between the 1st and 2nd metacarpal bones, correlates to allergies, sinus problems, headaches, itching and especially colds, and many believe it is good to stimulate every day.

Simple Wellness Tips for the Busy Professional from SchaOn

• Think of mildly warming spices like Cinnamon and ginger. Think of the spices in Apple or Pumpkin pie or a Chai Tea. While raw apples are counter to eating this time of year due to their air increasing nature, baking them with warming digestive herbs and spices balances them. Pumpkins, and other fall squashes, help with thickening of the skin for the winter to come.
• a Magnesium, Calcium, Zinc supplement is pretty nice this time of year. When taking this though, you want to pair it with a Vitamin D/K2 supplement to allow for proper absorption. Magnesium is fantastic for the nerves and cell metabolism, zinc is an immune modulator. These 5 supplements work synergisticly together. (You can order your supplements right from our online dispensary)
• Look at the oily supplements, and ingesting healthy oils for fall as this will help guard against dry skin, keep the nerves hydrated and joints lubricated.
• Triphala is a nice traditional remedy from Ayurveda that helps to balance and gently cleanse the digestive system. Tulsi is a nice herb (often used as a tea) that is supportive for the lungs and adrenals and also has immune boosting properties.
• If you’re a coffee drinker, add cardamom, maybe a little sugar and/or cream to your coffee as these will help to keep you grounded.
• In Yoga, do a slower, more meditative style of yoga this time of year to help calm the mind and make sure to incorporate alternate nostril breathing. Corpse Asana (pose) is also a fantastic and quick rejuvenating pose great for this time of year – just set a timer for 5 minutes.
• Also, set time to go get a massage with a trained professional who incorporates healthy warm oils into the massage. Your body, and mind, will thank you.