Maintaining Optimum Health Through the Autumn Months

The Physical
Keep your neck covered when you go outdoors.  This prevents drafts from entering the body and leading to colds and flus.  In Oriental Medicine disease is seen as being caused by climatic factors (cold, wind, heat, dryness, dampness) entering the body.  The neck is looked at as a particularly vulnerable area.  Protect it and prevent illness.

Change your diet to include the foods of the season -- apples, beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, potatoes, pumpkins, squash and sweet potatoes.  As the weather gets colder, start to switch your diet from salads and raw foods to soups and cooked foods.

Incorporate a saline nasal rinse into your daily routine.  This clears chronic low-grade infections in the sinuses and nasal passages, which can cause respiratory problems as well as inflammation of tendons, ligaments and soft tissue.  What a simple way to treat sinusitis, chronic cough and asthma; and also sciatica, TMJ, neck and shoulder pain, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Add 1/8 teaspoon of sea salt to 1/4 cup of warm water and add this solution a nettie pot or dropper.  Rinse each nostril twice.

Use acupressure to strengthen the immune system.  Massage the immune point, a tender spot near LI11 (pictured below), at least once a day.

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The Emotional
In Oriental Medicine, each of the seasons corresponds an emotion.  The fall is associated with grief.  It's a good time to process and let go of any sadness you may be feeling.

 The Spiritual
Take stock.  Has this year's metaphorical harvest been a good one for you?  Think of the things that you have reaped and sowed.  What do you want more of in your life?  What no longer serves you?  As you notice the seasonal change outside, take a moment to reflect on what inner changes you would like to make.  Write down your thoughts in a journal and look over them each week. 

Advice for all Seasons
Practice gratitude.  At the end of each day, write something you are grateful for.  This is one of the simplest and most powerful exercises.   A shift in focus can create a richer and more fulfilling life.