Autumn – Time To Tune Up Your Immunity

AutumnWe had a very hot summer in Pacific Northwest. It’s September and we are transitioning from summer to autumn. The first day of autumn is the Fall Equinox, which is September 23rd.  On this day the night and day are of equal length. After the equinox, the days get shorter and the night begins to get longer as time progresses to Winter Solstice.

Autumn marks the turning point between the heat of summer and the cold of winter. From August to November there is rapid give and take – one day it’ sunny and hot, the next day it’s raining and cold.  This weather push and pull is a dangerous time for your body.

The seasonal change also causes the respiratory system to constrict, leading to cough, asthma, bronchitis, and even pneumonia. Many experience the “change of season cough”. The Lungs are very susceptible to cold and illness. For this reason, it is important to stay healthy and warm during the season change.  A simple breathing exercise to keep your lungs healthy is taking a walk around your block.  When walking, concentrate on breathing in slowly until your lungs are at full capacity. Then exhale slowly until your lungs are empty.

Vegetables of autumn like carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach and kale can help purify and protect your body against free radicals. These color-rich vegetables are packed with beta-carotene, which then turns into vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for our immune system, especially as the cold and flu season rolls in. These vegetables can also strengthen your lungs and large intestine to fight illness.

The cooler autumn weather calls for warming dishes. Foods to cook that are in harmony with the season include more sour foods, as well as foods rich in protein and fats. Such as, sauerkraut, ginger, sourdough bread, yogurt and garlic.

Some find it hard to let go of summer, with the longer days and warm air transitioning into the crisp and shorter days of fall. Acupuncture not only helps the body physically, but mentally as well. Fall is a great time to see an acupuncturist as your body, mind and spirit adapt to the changing of the season

Appointment to balance the mind, body and spirit are always available. Call 253-252-7195  or send us email.

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