Fall is associated with the metal element, the organs of the lungs + large intestine, along with the skin, pores, nose, grief, justice, boundaries + relationships. Fall is a time when we prepare to move into the water element of the wintertime, which is connected with fear, wisdom, the kidneys + bladder. We become more introspective and inward during this time.
The alchemist is the archetype of Fall. They observe, study, discern, look for order, and “What is the best course of action?” Autumn is a time when we feel the strong energy of an ax or sword clearing out what we longer need. Make donations, clear out your closet and protect yourself from energy vampires.
Self-Massage: LU1 is a point on the pecs called “letting go” and letting go is a theme for the metal element. One can be constipated if not letting go. Try massaging LI4 in the web of the thumb and forefinger and also your abdomen when you are on the toilet to get things moving. If you are congested in the nose, press up into the sinuses at LI20 and ST3, right below the cheekbones. I can show you these points at your next session.
Foods:
*Fermented foods like kefir, kombucha, yogurt, sauerkraut, and miso help the gut flora. L-Glutamine powder or bone broth can help heal the gut.
*Pears are shaped like lungs and are white inside like the color of the fall. Poach some pears in hot water with chai spices and vanilla beans!
*Dark, leafy greens, cruciferous veggies, garlic, leeks, onions, shiitakes, ginger, turmeric, carrots, and green tea.
*Focus on organic, grass-fed animal products.
*Get more omega-3s by eating fish, such as sardines, salmon, mackerel, or flaxseeds + evening primrose oil.
*Dandelion root tea or bitter greens like arugula, mustard, or dandelion greens can help resolve skin issues, which can crop up in Fall.
*Decrease your intake of vegetable oils, sugar, refined carbs, alcohol, and caffeine.
Herbs + Supplements:
These can help boost your immune system and increase your resistance to colds and flus:
*Medicinal mushrooms like Reishi, Turkey Tail, Shiitake, Maitake, or Cordyceps
*Adaptogens like American Ginseng, Astragalus, or Eleuthero (Siberian Ginseng)
*Vitamins C + D + Zinc
*Elderberry (Sambuca) Syrup
*Yu Ping Feng San
*Airborne or sugar-free Emergen-C
What to do when you feel the first signs of a cold coming on:
- Ginger and green onion tea
- Eucalyptus and Tea Tree steam over the stove
- Gua sha muscle scraping on the back of the neck with a spoon or stone and some massage oil
- Promote a sweat, bundle up and sleep it off
- Get acupuncture
- Herbal remedies like gan mao ling, yin qiao san or herbal cough syrup with elderberry, wild cherry, or loquat leaf
- Make a strong tea of thyme leaves, lemon, and honey
Erin Wood, Licensed Acupuncturist 