Tips for staying healthy this fall
Every season has its own treasures, and fall is no different. With the change of the season, our bodies suffer subtle transformations and adaptations to a new rhythm. To help our bodies adapt and be healthy in the process, we ought to support our immune system. In the fall, our bodily energy is moving inwards in preparation for the winter. We can support our immune system by switching from summery cooler foods to cooked ones and warm drinks. Teas like astragalus and echinacea help us prepare our bodies for winter.
Chinese medicine puts a big emphasis on prevention. To boost the immune system in preparation for weather changes, seep two teaspoons of goji berries with a slice of ginger root in hot water and drink the tea. Eat all foods cooked, eat what is in season. It is time for wonderful root vegetables, winter squash and pumpkin soups. For dry coughs, drink the juice of and eat cook pears (preferably Asian pears) with honey.
We are entering the season of colds and flus. In Chinese medicine, these are either seen as hot and cold wind attacks. Sneezing, a runny nose with clear or white phlegm, itchy throat, coughing up clear or white mucus, and an achy body are signs of a wind-cold invasion. A ginger tea is perfect for early onset of chills, body aches, and scratchy throat. In a pot with water, bring a few slices of raw ginger root to a boil, and then simmer for at least 30 minutes. Once brewed, you can keep it in the fridge and warm it when you need it. You can also add a lemon peel and a spoon of local honey. Ginger tea is wonderful for early onset of a cold and to prevent it from penetrating any further into the body.
A wind-heat invasion characterized by sore throat, more fever than chills, thirst, nasal congestion with yellow phlegm and coughing up yellow mucus, drink peppermint tea, chrysanthemum, hibiscus and lemon. Mint is cooling and helps to clear heat, particularly from the upper part of the body (throat, eyes and head). Bring one to two cups of water a boil, add one spoon of mint and simmer for five minutes. Mint is very aromatic, so you don’t want to cook it for long, not to lose its properties. For a sore throat, feel free to add a tad of local honey.
You can massage a couple of acupuncture points to boost your immune system as well, and keep your Spleen Qi and defensive Qi strong. The defensive Qi (Wei Qi) is said to protect the surface of the body. If strong, it does a better job at preventing pathogens from penetrating the body and preventing illness. Zu San Li (or Stomach 36) is believed to be one of the most important points on the body. It strengthens your overall Qi, increases energy and vitality, and improves digestion. Place your four fingers of one hand together (second to fifth fingers). Use those fingers as a measurement from the outside eye of your knee (just below the kneecap) down along the tibia (the big bone in your shin). The point is that distance of your 4 fingers down from the indent in the knee, just next to the bone, on the lateral side of it.
Another point you can massage is Hegu (or Large Intestine 4), that can be found in the web between your thumb and index finger. Gently press around to find the tender spot. Hegu is known to have a systemic therapeutic effect. Good to massage for pain relief of any kind. (Just note this point is a powerful Qi moving point and is therefore contraindicated during pregnancy, except at the end of the third trimester to induce and support labor). Massage these two points regularly to help your immune system, and when you feel yourself getting sick.
Keeping the back of your neck protected from cold breezes is a good way to help prevent colds and sniffles as well. Remember the evening temperatures are staring to cool down. Wear layers and protect your neck with a scarf, especially on a windy day. Go apple picking at your local farm. Cooked fruits of the season with ginger, cinnamon and cardamon can be wonderful treats.