Our Virtually Effortless Guide to Autumn
It’s unsurprising that acupuncturists preach the importance of living with the seasons. It makes sense – the medicine began its development before air-con, central heating, imported foods and transport made it possible to move between seasons without too many sacrifices or changes to our daily schedules.
At The Acupuncture Company, we’re realists. We understand it’s not always a priority, or a practical option to live in accordance with the seasons however beneficial it may be. As a result, we’re keeping it simple and have put together our ‘Virtually Effortless Guide to Embracing Autumn Living’.
Eat foods that are in season in autumn: This ensures the food you are eating is of high nutritional value given it hasn’t been sitting in refrigerator trucks or shipped from the other side of the world (added bonus – go and feel smug about your lowered carbon footprint and extra dollars in your pocket).
Start by adding root vegetables, mushrooms, broccoli, pumpkin, apples and pears to your shopping basket.
Stop holding on – just let go: Autumn is traditionally considered to be a time of letting go, partly to allow the movement into winter hibernation to occur with a healthy and clear mindset. If letting go of negative emotions, thoughts and old resentments seems a little difficult, we suggest starting small. Clean your wardrobe. Or click the trash icon on your bottom right hand screen corner and clear out your old documents. Its hardly virtuous, but it’s a start.
Start increasing your sleeping hours: As the days gets shorter and your alarm goes off in darkness, getting out of bed becomes tougher. Listen to this instinct, increase your sleep hours and slow down. Sleep is regenerative following the high activity of the summer months – and will also help support the immune system going into winter.
And on that…. Buff up your immune system ahead of time: Winter can be taxing on the immune system, colds and flus predominate and healing times are frequently slower. Enter the winter months prepared. Over 70 per cent of the cells that make up the immune system are found in the gut, so we recommend getting hands on a good probiotic in mid-autumn. In addition, top up your vitamin C and zinc levels, and drop into the clinic for a course of immune boosting acupuncture.
Have questions? Need advice? Pop into the clinic or drop us an email – info@shiftnaturalmedicine.com.au