Have You Been Feeling Under the Weather this Autumn Season?


If yes, I have an explanation for you.


 According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), every season has corresponding organs it affects.  Autumn, for example, is the time to consider the health and proper functioning of the lungs and the large intestine.


The Lungs


Let’s look at how it all unfolds.  The lungs are essentially our direct link to the outside world.  We inhale oxygen through our lungs and through a chemical reaction in the lungs, the red blood cells transport oxygen to every cell in our body.  When the climate becomes cooler, the air we breathe is thus cooler and lighter.  It is very typical that once the temperature drops, we turn up our heating systems to make it warmer and to reduce the dampness inside our homes.  Consequently, our lungs will need to work harder to make quick adjustments from breathing cooler/damper air outside to warmer/dryer air indoors.  If we don't spend much time outdoors, our lungs will become less hydrated.  Those who specifically suffer from a respiratory illness, will have the most difficulty making the transition from summer to winter.  In these cases, existing symptoms might worsen or something new might surface. 

This fall, many of my clients have reported cases of nasal congestion, earaches, resurgence of asthmatic symptoms, trouble breathing, and cold symptoms.


The Large Intestine


In TCM, all our organs are paired into yin/yang partnerships.  The lungs are yin and paired with the yang large intestine.  The yin/yang relationship is essential to keeping balance and health in the body, according to TCM.  Our large intestine is where we essentially "dump" our waste products and it is essential that it is working optimally.  Once our small intestine has absorbed all the nutrients it can from the foods we eat, the "waste products", are pushed out into the large intestine and then released.  

Here are five recommendations you can do to boost your immune system and keep your lungs and large intestine healthy this fall season.


Diet:  Eating for Your Large Intestine
 If you are experiencing elimination problems or are suffering from constipation, perhaps it's time for you to pay attention to the types of foods you are eating. To support the digestive system, especially during this cooler season, we need to eat foods that are considered "warmer".  That means, eating heartier meals that help support the immune system in preparation for the "flu season".  It also means, cooking your foods a little longer because it's easier to digest cooked foods than raw foods.  Learn more about the types of foods and recommended recipes for the fall season.










Thermal Bath Therapy

One of the best ways to reboot your system and prepare the body for the colder weather is the practice of thermal bathing. Thermal bathing consists of moving from a very hot environment, like a sauna, hot steam or hot bath, to a very cold environment like a cold bath or shower.  This back and forth between hot and cold-water temperatures, followed with periods of rest, serves to stimulate your nervous system and detoxify your body from impurities. The thermal bathing experience can be a little intense but if you can endure the extreme temperatures, the result is a relaxed and tension-free body. 

An effective thermal bath therapy session lasts about 3 hours.  I recommend thermal bathing at least once a month starting in the month of October until the end of April.  Based on a literature review of the scientific effects of thermal bath therapy (hydrotherapy),  the review concluded that hydrotherapy has a scientific evidence-based effect on various systems of the body and is widely used to improve immunity and manage pain. 

Bodywork Therapy

According to TCM, Fall is the season to turn our attention inwards and to give ourselves extra attention.  Incorporating bodywork or energy work to help the lungs and large intestine adjust to the change in season is an ideal way to give ourselves that extra self-love.  Massage, Reflexology, Shiatsu, and Reiki energy therapies will not only nourish our body, but our mind and spirit as well. Book some time today! 

Hot Yoga
Yoga is an ancient holistic exercise practice that can be gentle or challenging.  Hot Yoga is yoga practiced in a hot studio with temperatures at approximately 37 degrees Celsius, and humidity levels at 35%.  It consists of following specific body poses to stimulate the glandular system, challenge our balance, stretch the joints, massage your vital organs by engaging in specific breathing patterns, strengthen our muscles and, if practiced at a fast pace, will work your cardiovascular system.  

Hot yoga has the added value of helping you sweat out toxins via the skin because of the heat factor.  A good hot yoga studio will use specialized heaters to emit a heat that literally penetrates and soothes the bones during the colder months.  Learn more about the practice of  Hot Yoga.


Spending Time Outdoors


Spending time in nature and absorbing the new energies that come with every season should be incorporated into your wellness routine.  One of the best ways to keep your lungs healthy is to breath in the cool fresh autumnal air. The beautiful Laurentians region of Quebec is the finest way to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of autumn in Canada.  So if you're looking for a place where there are more trees than people, make your way to  Chez Mina's Cottage where you can spend time hiking, fishing, camping or sitting by the fire pit watching the stars reflect upon the lake and breath in the clean mountain air without a hint of exhaust.

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