September 23rd thru December 21st
Autumn, the Metal element is a time to let go, breathe out and release anything that isn’t serving you. Foliage becomes an amazing sight in West Virginia around the equinox on September 23. Autumn lasts until the Winter Solstice on December 21. As such, this is a time to strengthen our respiratory system for what lies ahead: colder weather usually equates to dryer weather when our Lung Qi needs some additional care. The energy is moving inward.
Note: Ask Dr. Skip for a Free Ozone Ear Insufflation ($70 value) during any scheduled Acupuncture/Manual Medicine treatment session during Autumn to give your ear, nose and throat an immunity boost. We also provide Lung Qi Nebulizer Breathing Treatments consisting of Magnesium, Iodine, Glutathione, Hydrogen Peroxide and/or Colloidal Silver depending on symptoms (scheduling link).
Autumn Guidelines: The Tao of Nutrition: Harmonizing the Seasons by Cathy McNease
• Begin to eat more warming foods, root vegetables, mostly cooked foods; and try to reduce the cooling foods such as fruit juices and salads.
• Seasonal fruits such as apples and pears may be prepared with warming spices like ginger and cinnamon.
• For those who tend towards dryness during this time may benefit from raw pears and pear juice.
• This is the time to reinforce and moisten (if needed) the Lung and Large Intestine.
This is a time to “let go” of the past. Grief often is expressed now.
Foods to Tonify and Moisten Lungs
- Oily fish such as Salmon
- Pear
- Flaxseed
- Loquat
- Papaya
- Carrot
- Sweet Potato
- Soymilk
- Pinenuts
- Almonds
Herbs to Tonify Lung Qi
- Astragalus (Huang Qi)
- Codonopsis (Dang Shen)
- Ophiopogon (Mai Men Dong)
- Dioscorea (Shan Yao)
- Lily Bulb (Bai He)
Spices/Herbs/Foods for Reducing Phlegm in the Lungs
- Garlic
- Ginger (Sheng Jiang)
- Cayenne,
- Citrus peel (Chen Pi)
- Onions
Incorporate these tips during the next few months to help you feel your best. Read this blog to learn more about respiratory and ear/nose/throat issues. Should you like to schedule an appointment (like a Lung Qi Breathing Nebulizer Treatment) with Dr. Skip, you may use our online self booking service or call contact our office at (304) 634-9700.