September Signals Autumn’s Arrival

Autumn arrives on Wednesday, the 22nd of this month. What does that mean in terms of your health and vitality? Most of us welcome the cooler, crisper mornings of Fall. Do you notice yourself feeling calmer––busier––more relaxed––more stressed or anxious? The shift from Summer to Autumn is usually a subtle shift in terms of climate conditions, but the dietary shift may seem challenging for some.

From Summer’s active time to Fall’s gathering time, these cooler days remind us to “get ready.” Put Summer away. PLAN - PREPARE - PREVENT for the Fall and Winter. We readily do this for our yard/automobile/house/wardrobe but frequently neglect to “season” our body.

Let’s look at some ways to plan our wellness for the coming season:

The Ancient Chinese and Ayurvedic cultures, believed that the seasons held a profound cyclical effect on human growth and well-being. The way in which we are influenced by climactic changes offers opportunity to grow and live in harmony with our natural environment. This time- tested principle provides a basic knowledge for dietary healing, preventive nutrition and lifestyle choices.

According to Ancient Chinese Medicine, the organs associated with Autumn are the Lungs and Large Intestine.

• Lungs: Primary organ of respiration; Take in life-giving oxygen and disperse it throughout the body; Work closely with heart and circulatory system; Take in energy as oxygen and eliminate as carbon dioxide; The rhythm of your breath affects other rhythmic cycles in your body.

• Large Intestine: Absorbs nutrients and water and produces friendly bacteria (probiotics); Eliminates solid wastes from body.

An ancient system of wellness with roots in India, Ayurveda embraces all aspects of our daily living, including how the natural elements affect our health and well being. It was observed that our internal environment mirrored our external environment.

In Autumn the air becomes dry, leaves dry and fall off the trees and our skin may become more dry and itchy than it was in the summer. As the days become colder, we may experience cold hands and feet.

Our current world bombards us with electronic bells and whistles to the point that we may not even notice what is happening in the natural world around us. Our health––physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual is greatly enhanced when we pause and take in Nature’s seasons.

• How do we care for these organs––and ultimately, our overall health? Lungs & Large Intestine: Must maintain moist tissues to prevent dryness and difficulty in breathing; Include the white foods such as garlic, onion, horseradish, turnip, ginger, cabbage to protect these organs as well as stimulate lymph flow. This helps disperse congested, mucus laden debris from these organs.

• Root vegetables and winter squashes are coming into season now. These foods help to thicken the blood to keep you warmer in colder weather.

• Begin reducing and eliminating any cooling foods from summer (watermelon, cucumber, green beans) which cool the body. Replace with warming and grounding herbs and spices such as Ashwagandha, ginger, cardamom, basil, cinnamon, rosemary, nutmeg, and vanilla and seasonal winter squashes and root veggies.

• Eat seasonal foods with warm, moist properties, such as sweet and soft cooked fruits (apples, pears), roasted root vegetables, sweet grains and savory soups––more cooked meals than raw.

• Sip warm beverages. Hot herbal teas and water with fresh lemon improve hydration.

• Include healthy fats in this season. Olive oil, coconut oil, sesame oil and ghee support the body in Autumn.

• Practice mindfulness in every season. Look for the outward changes that may be influencing your internal changes. Especially, practice mindful, intentional eating. This supports healthy digestion.

Spend time in the great outdoors. Take a quiet nature walk. Stroll through a garden (notice the changes from summer), and dress accordingly for the weather. It’s the season to gather your scarves, jackets, gloves, socks and corduroys. Bundle up and savor the season.