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Brian is an author of international
renown and public speaker. He is currently writing his book
Chinese Medicine: A Practical Guide to Optimal Healing.
Brian practices acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine
in sunny San Diego, California.
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Autumn is the time of maturity and harvest. The air becomes
a bit crisper, and the leaves change. Everything slows down,
and the days shorten. Yang turns toward yin. The wind can
be a bit (or a lot) cooler. Make sure you've got a jacket
with you and cover your neck to avoid colds and flu's - the
wind has a way of overcoming the immune system. |
Make sure you're eating well and your digestion is good, because
that's the root of your immune system strength.
Dryness is a common problem in the autumn. It causes constipation,
dry throat, dry skin, dry eyes, dry brittle hair, thirst, and
prevents sweating. Spicy food makes it worse. Pear juice is a
nice moistening solution for a dry Lung (Chinese medicine includes
the nose, skin, and throat in its Lung organ-system).
Grief, the emotion of autumn, is quite appropriate in certain
situations. In fact, the American Psychiatric Association has
determined that 6 weeks of grief is appropriate and normal after
the death of a loved one, or a great tragedy. But excessive or
long-term grief can harm the Lung-system, and people with Metal-phase
or Lung organ-system problems can be frequent criers.
But let's not forget a more positive form of grief, nostalgia,
which can typify the 'autumn' of our lives. I know everyone has
their own way of doing it- looking through old letters, and albums
of photographs. The other day, I had on some Supertramp (70's
rock), and the wave of nostalgia that hit me reminded me it was
Autumn. You don't have to listen to 70's rock - choose your own.
And I wouldn't advise staying in the nostalgic mood for too long
(unless you like depression and fatigue), but a little bit of
"retrospection" does the body and soul good.
Autumn Tips
- Go to bed at sunset and arise at dawn
- Remain calm and peaceful, and avoid depression
- Rein in your desires and become focused
- Breathe deeply and smoothly
- Avoid smoking and excessive grief
The Consequences of Not Adapting to Autumn
- Immediately: Injury to the Lung-system
- Later: In the winter, Kidney-system and digestive problems
including diarrhea and undigested food
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