Five tips to ease health issues aggravated by Autumn.
Each season, and especially the transitions between seasons can heighten both physical and emotional issues.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) autumn is linked to the Metal element, under which the Large intestine and Lung meridians are grouped. These systems are concerned with ‘letting go’, grief and frustration. Similarly in Ayurveda, the autumn is a time of Vata aggravation, which also effects the intestines, and can manifest in anxiety, weakness and restlessness.
You may find that symptoms such as constipation, dry skin, bloating, sluggishness and fatigue are appearing or feeling more difficult to control during this time, or that your mind is anxious, restless and struggling to wind down.
“So,” I hear you ask, “if my problems are being exacerbated by the season then surely I could just ride it out??” Of course you could, and you’d probably settle back to your “normal” in time, But you could also take a few actions to nourish your body and mind to ease the load right now…
Maintain digestive health - Keep it simple: a variety of different colours of fresh fruit and vegetables (preferably in warming stews and soups when it’s cold out), adequate hydration, daily movement and enough sleep. Sometimes it’s the overthinking about diet that causes the problem so give your mind a break and see how it effects your gut. If you’re interested in the link between mindful eating and gut health pop over to the website homepage and download your free PDF.
Let it go - During autumn the Vata dosha is aggravated and inhabits the thorax, abdomen and pelvis. Both emotional and physical congestion in the pelvis can be eased using one of my absolute favourite herbs - Calendula - which energetically releases stuck trauma in the pelvis but also physically is a lymphatic, which can aid clearance of stagnation in your lymph nodes, helping the immune system to function optimally. Additionally, never underestimate the importance and benefit of simply moving - get up, shake those hips as you dance around your kitchen, go for a walk, do a short yoga sequence, have a stretch.
Use oils - As the autumn is both windy and cold it can easily dry us out (both physically and constitutionally) so oils are perfect to counteract symptoms such as dry skin and hair as well as constipation. You can get the benefit of oils by taking an omega 3 supplement, eating oily fish (such as sardines), or doing Abhyanga, the Ayurvedic practice of daily massage using oils applicable to your constitution.
Stay hydrated (but with warm drinks) - As the season of letting go links into the large intestine (funnily enough) its essential to stay hydrated to allow the body to “keep moving” digestively and avoid any stagnation that can cause lethargy and malaise as well as more obvious health issues. When it is colder outside aim to drink things either at room temperature or warmer to reduce the shock to your body. For added calm and dispelling of gas (as autumn is an airy season) try Peppermint tea which is not only carminative, it aids colicky digestion and IBS as an antispasmodic and can reduce the symptoms of flatulent dyspepsia (reflux with burping).
Cleanse your space as well as your body - spring cleaning is a well known thing, but had you ever thought about doing an autumn clean? As the trees show us by shedding their leaves, this is the season of letting go, so it is energetically helpful to do a little cleansing of our homes, minds and bodies at this time. Perhaps add some chia seeds to your diet to sweep out any intestinal stagnation, write down a list of worries and burn it to clear your mind, or declutter that draw that seems to attract all the junk in your house. “Make room for new things to come in”.
We may be mourning the loss of summer warmth and lighter evenings but remember to still get outside and enjoy the air. Also consider taking a vitamin D supplement - in the northern hemisphere we will not get the required vitamin D from sunlight during the winter, so it is advisable to supplement with at least 25mcg daily during the darker half of the year (between the autumn and spring equinox’s as we have less daylight than night during this time).
I for one will be revelling in digging out my cosiest jumpers and hats for the colder months ahead, what is your favourite thing about autumn?