AUTUMN AND THE ART OF LETTING GO
As the vibrant hues of autumn surround us, it's an opportune moment to reflect on the profound connection between the changing seasons and our well-being. Just like the delicate leaves that flutter in the wind, our bodies are sensitive to the shifts in nature during the fall months. Traditional Chinese Medicine, or TCM, provides invaluable insights into how we can prepare our bodies for the impending winter chill.
ELEMENT: Metal
ORGAN: Lungs
EMOTION: Courage + Sorrow
COLOR: White
DIRECTION: West (the direction of dreams and visions)
In TCM, Fall is associated with the Lungs, making it a crucial time to focus on maintaining their health and balance. Fall is not just about the beauty of falling leaves; it's a time of transformation and transition, as nature shifts from the bustle of summer to the restful winter months. Just as the world around us changes, our energies, emotions, and physical well-being also undergo transitions.
This season is closely tied to the emotion of grief and the art of letting go. You might find yourself experiencing old physical or emotional pains resurfacing, akin to leaves rustled by the gusty autumn winds. It's essential to recognize that these emotional and physical shifts are a part of the natural rhythm of life. In this season, the inward and downward movement of nature can sometimes be misinterpreted as "depression" or "feeling down." However, it's important to remember that even nature itself experiences moments of melancholy in the fall. Embrace this time with intention, just as nature does, by letting go of that which no longer serves you.
This fall, take a moment to reflect on the fruits of your summer, whether they were abundant or sparse. With the wisdom of TCM, you can move forward with a newfound appreciation for what was and the experience gained.
To help you better navigate this season of transformation and renewal, we’ve listed below some treatments, practices and products to support you in preparing your lungs for the winter ahead and embracing the season of letting go.
TREATMENTS
To return the body to a state of balance, we love Traditional Acupuncture as a form of healing and maintenance. We often activate the heart opening point, ren 17, during this season to support the body in releasing grief and emotional stagnation.
To prepare the lungs - explore Fire Cupping. This treatment is designed to deeply detoxify and jump start the bodies healing process.
Too much dryness or heat in the lungs can lead to redness, cracking, rosacea, eczema. When the lungs become too cool, it can lead to dullness, due to a restriction of blood flow or prevention of nutrients reaching the skin - our Acupuncture Facial is an incredibly effective treatment to heal and nourish the skin for vitality, bounce and glow all season long.
PRACTICE
The direction of Autumn is west. West is the direction of dreams and visions. A beautiful practice is to find a patch of earth (preferably in a bit of sunlight, go ahead and take your shoes off too for grounding purposes), and gaze west. First consider the fruits of the summer then consider your dreams and visions, consider your path toward these things. Breathe deeply. Release what wants to go.
APOTHECARY
Full of antibacterial properties and active enzymes, this Activist Manuka Honey is best taken daily for immune support and to help moisten lungs during this season of dryness.
We’re obsessed with the bounce and hydration that Yina’s Divine Bio-Cellulose Mask provides. Fermented and infused with traditional Chinese herbs, this is the way we keep our skin dewey and hydrated during the colder months.
Possibly our most used product during treatments - this Thara Sacra Grounding Mist is beautiful to mist on your pillow for sleep, your feet to ground, and in a generous circle around your body before you leave the house.