Harmonize with Fall Using Traditional Chinese Medicine

Fall Greetings from Hugh’s Acupuncture Clinic!

Despite the warm weather recently, earlier sunsets and cooler mornings signal that Autumn is around the corner. At this time in nature, animals start to prepare for hibernation and plant life begins to decompose as leaves, flowers and fruit return their nutrients to the soil. The trees prepare for the upcoming cold by drawing their sap inwards towards their roots and humans are busy bringing in the Fall harvest.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the lungs are associated with Autumn. In TCM theory, one of the functions of the lungs is to extract Qi from air, using it to nourish the tissues and internal processes. Part of this Qi, along with the Qi from food, goes to build Defensive Qi. This Qi is similar to the Western concept of the immune system. Indeed, because the lungs interact directly with the outside environment, they play a very important role in fighting off external pathogens.

Due to our dry climate as well as Autumn being the prime time for flu and cold season, the lungs are especially challenged now. In order to have strong immunity and to remain healthy, it is a good idea to protect the lungs by taking a few preventive measures.

According to TCM, the lungs detest dryness, a issue that is made worse by our semi-arid region. So it is a good idea to remain well hydrated with water and herbal teas. Licorice, slippery elm, ginger, mints, and lemon balm are tasty herbs that have medicinal properties which are perfect for problems (sore throats and coughs) that arise in the Autumn.

It is wise to focus on energy rich, seasonal vegetables, grains, and fruits, such as: greens, sweet potatoes, yams, turnips, rutabagas, carrots, squash, apples, pears, berries, rye, oat, quinoa, rice, etc.. TCM recommends moving away from colder foods and preparation styles such as raw veggies, juices, and fruits. Instead, baking, stir-frying, and other warming cooking techniques are utilized. Soups and stews are a great way to get essential nutrients from a wide variety of vegetables. One of my favorite fall recipes is butternutsquash soup – easy, tasty, and healthy! (see recipe at bottom)

In addition to diet, exercise is another way to strengthen the
lungs and to build the Defensive Qi. Yoga, Tai Chi, and mild cardio-vascular exercise are the perfect tools. They all gently encourage the full use of the lungs, helping to maximize gas exchange. This allows the lungs to extract as much Qi from the air as possible, which strengthens the Defensive Qi.

It’s important to not overdo cardio-vascular exercise here in our semi-arid region. As the lungs humidify our air, too much breathing of dry air can exhaust the moisture or yin of the lungs. This can lead to irritated throats and dry, chronic coughs.

One of the easiest ways of weakening our immunity in our modern world is stress. Here, both East and West agree that stress saps the body of the energy necessary for strong Defensive Qi and a vigilant immune system. Stress comes in many forms – physical, mental, emotional – but all have in common the tendency to drain our Qi. Practicing stress reduction techniques such as meditation, jounaling, acupuncture, massage, art, prayer, and counseling on a regular basis are very effective ways of mitigating stress.

Hopefully, these tips will help you to have a healthy Autumn. If I can be of any assistance with that goal, please email me at hughcastor@hotmail.com.

Check out my website www.hughsacupuncture.com for more info on acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine!

Butternut Squash Soup Recipe
– 1 large butternut squash
– 1 medium onion
– 2 cloves garlic
– 1 medium celery stock and large carrot
– 2 TBS of butter
– 32 oz. chicken stock
– Salt and pepper to taste, a pinch of nutmeg and cinnamon

Bake the butternut squash at 350 degrees in a ½ inch of water baking pan for 45 min.

Melt the butter in a large pot, and cook the onion, celery, carrot 8 min., or until lightly browned. Add cubed squash. Pour in enough of the stock to cover veggies. Bring to boil. Reduce to simmer, cover pot, and cook 10 min, or until veggies are tender.

Transfer the soup to a blender, and blend until smooth. Return the pot, and mix in any remaining stock to attain desired consistency. Add seasonings and enjoy!

Harmonize with Springtime by using Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine

  Happy Springtime!!

We are beginning to see nature’s signs that Spring is right around the corner.  Trees are beginning to bud, tulips and crocuses are pushing there way up and out of the ground, the sun is setting a little later, and the wind is really picking up around the Front Range in sunny Colorado. 

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), one way to support health is to harmonize ones’ life with the energy of the seasons.  Just as nature suddenly awakens and life vigorously flourishes in the Springtime, it does so in us as well.  Therefore, since Spring is a time of birth and renewal, it is a good opportunity to put in action the plans laid in the Winter. A time to start new projects as well as  renew our efforts in existing ones.  

During Spring our internal energy (Qi) flows more strongly.  In balance, we feel a quickening within us and are inspired in our  lives.   If we aren’t entirely living a balanced life than certain conditions can arise that obstruct or misdirect our energy.  For instance, as our Qi begins to circulate more strongly it might encounter a little resistance in the form of stagnation due to excesses from the Winter.  This leads to issues such as muscle or joint pain, PMS, fatigue, lack of motivation.  Or if there are deficiencies in the body caused by working too much, we might experience stress as the Qi becomes a little too frenetic.  This might cause insomnia, high blood pressure, anxiety, or  irritability. These symptoms are often made worse by life’s challenges such as economic worries,  job issues, or relationship problems.

So how exactly maintain balance by harmonizing with the Seasons?  A good place to start would be to focus on the basics – diet, exercise, and good lifestyle habits.

Diet – Eat a organic, wholesome diet  emphasizing fresh and raw produce – bitter greens, sprouts, daikon radishes,  & winter pears are especially cleansing.  Include more vegetable juices such as carrot and wheat grass.  Drink plenty of filtered water.  Avoid heavy, rich foods that have saturated fats, highly processed flours and sugars, artificial sweeteners and flavorings, and food dyes. Sharply limit alcohol, red meat, or dairy.

Exercise –  The correct balance of therapuetic movements is key to helping the Qi flow smoothly in the meridians.  Vigorous cardio based exercise 3-5 times a week combined with daily Yoga, Qigong, or Tai Chi Chuan would be ideal.  The idea is to move regularly, but not to overdue it.  If just starting a new exercise regimen,  go slowly in order to avoid injuries.

Lifestyle –  Stress coping techniques, meditation,  avoidance of bad habits (i.e. smoking and drinking), strong community ties, giving and receiving love, satisfying work, and good family relationships all contribute to smooth Qi flow.  Although all are important, each person has to determine the correct combination that best works for them.

Lastly, schedule and appointment with your local acupuncturist for a health assessment and seasonal tune-up.   Acupuncture, Chinese Herbs, massage therapy, and Qigong/Tai Chi Chuan are fantastic tools to help our bodies prepare for the seasonal shift.   They gently help us harmonize with the dramatic changes of the Spring.  Feel free to check out my website at www.hughsacupuncture.com for more info on acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Have a harmonious and healthy Spring!!