Time Of The Season

Autumn 

  Autumn is definitely a time of change. At pivotal seasonal changes, we too must also change. This is the time to stop certain practices and to adopt others. This is harvest time, celebrating our abundance of Summer and preparing for the introspective time of the coming Winter months. This is the time of increased rest and nourishment, including staying as hydrated as possible during these colder and drier times. When we are not balanced, microbes are more easily entered and accepted into our energetic fields. Ultimately this is not what we want, so we do our best to support ourselves and our families. 

   In Ayurveda, the season of Autumn correlates with Vata. Air and ether. Cold and dry. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, or TCM, the season of Autumn correlates with the element of metal. Metal correlates with the lungs and the large intestines. The climate is drier. The tissue states become drier. The emotions of grief and worry are found in this element. Think of your gut instincts and when you are sad or grieving, the lungs are definitely a reflection of that. They become congested with excess mucous and the intestines do as well and microbes love to hang out in mucous. Mucous is also a great way of protecting us from microbes, so it is a balancing act! This is where probiotic nourishment comes in and supports immunity. The sounds of sighing become more prevalent. The sounds of weeping occur from the sadness that has built up and is released through tears. So be sure to allow yourself to let it out. The lungs work with the skin to clear excess toxins. Clearing physically, emotionally and psychically. A good time to go deep within yourself to make peace with yourself and others. Release what is bothering you. Forgive and move on. Let it go. We are all doing the best that we can and we learn everyday from our choices and hopefully we make better choices tomorrow. Remember that everyday is new and with every breath you are reborn. Yogic breathing or pranayama are invaluable and the breath will help to detoxify all of the bodies, not just physically.

   Centering the mind through meditation and yoga is vital because our minds are constantly wandering and changing. We are constantly bombarded by distractions and if you allow them to root in your life, the chances of you succeeding with what you really want to do will become harder. This is fact. In yoga, it is called "monkey mind". This is because the mind becomes like a restless monkey flip flopping to here and there and never taking center. Taking charge of your mind is 100% pure health and 100% the key to success in any endeavor. Begin a Spiritual practice that will help you. Some plants that help to calm the mind and psyche are lavender, lemon balm, skullcap and chamomile.

   The flavors of pungent herbs and spices like garlic, onions, ginger horseradish and chillis become super valuable here. Pungent herbs that are carminative and diaphoretic, helping digestion and sweating. Think of chicken soups, chilli, bone broths or vegetable broths. Herbal teas become more enticing. Think of immune stimulating plants like rosehips, elderberries, echinacea, hyssop, thyme, oregano, peppermint and cinnamon. Plants that are grounding and root based are helpful to bring balance to the season and again, in Vata time, we need this rooted grounding. Plants like burdock, beets, turnips, pumpkins, squashes and carrots. 

   Baths and saunas are indicated. Sea salt and sugar scrubs, dry skin brushing and the classic neti pot are great practices to do for yourself.  Essential oils of eucalyptus, peppermint, rosemary and lemon are opening, cleansing, immune stimulating and increase peripheral circulation. Essential oils increase oxygen and discourage pathogens. Diffuse them, spritz with them, soak with them, use them in massage oils, scrubs, rub them on the bottom of your feet. Just do not take them internally and dilution in application is advised.

    If these are not things that you do regularly, I would encourage you to start doing them now. If you need assistance, have questions or want to learn more, call me and I will teach you and encourage you to help yourself! 

Wishing you the best in the Universe! 

Love, Anne