Autumn: How it impacts us
There are two parts to autumn: the first is when we experience the awe in autumn, when the skies are extremely blue, the leaves turn glorious and we feel as though we are connected to something greater than our small selves. The second part is when the rains turn leaves into slippery gook, when trees have nothing more to hide. The days are short, the world seems to be enclosed in a cocoon and we miss the light, knowing that we are in for months of cold bleak weather. We may try to console ourselves with the preparation for Christmas and all the hoopla that goes with it, but holidays end and we are left with seed catalogues and many times, various degrees of sadness and often feelings of abandonment.
Spring is when the earth energy bursts forth like an arrow, when the chi rises along with new hope. But now we’re in the stage where the chi is moving down, not up. It moves further down into our bones and when it does, we don’t have the inclination to ride a Ferris wheel nor do we usually want to throw a party. Getting together with one or two good friends over a cup of tea might be all we need to comfort us.
Learning to imitate the seasons is what the Five Elements are all about. The element associated with autumn is metal. Metal is associated with two meridians: the lung and the large intestine. The lung energy alludes more to the first part of autumn, where the breath connects us to Spirit. The colon, on the other hand, is about letting go, releasing what no longer serves us, on all levels from the physical to the mental garbage we tend to accumulate throughout the year.
Autumn is the perfect time to start a gratitude journal, to meditate, to raise our vibration whereas fall gives us opportunities to reevaluate relationships that aren’t working, to take a look at what we put in our bodies, to perhaps lessen the time we spend on social media. And fall is the best time to declutter, to part with what no longer brings us joy.
What does this have to do with acupuncture? Seasonal tune ups strengthen the meridians/organs related, in this case, to autumn/fall. When our meridians are strong, we make better decisions, we are more able to function at our best. Acupuncture is not just something to eek out as a last resort, but a modality that keeps us sharp and focused throughout the year. If people make room for regular five-element treatments, they can actually prevent illness.
So enjoy these morning-glory blue skies while they last and remember, every season brings with it its gifts. Consider giving yourself the gift of self care. Get Healthy Academy in Greensboro, North Carolina is accepting new patients. www.gethealthyacademy.com