Quick Chinese Medicine Tips for a Healthy Autumn
One of the principles of Chinese medicine is that your optimal health can be reached by being “present”. Live in the moment and cultivate an awareness of your body and your surroundings. According to Chinese medicine, your body will have changing needs with each season.
Welcome to fall. In Chinese medicine, this season is associated with the lungs and large intestines. Try these tips to feel your best this autumn:
- Support the lungs and large intestines with foods such as pears, radishes, daikon radish, cauliflower, and cabbage.
- Avoid cold foods and drinks, as lung tissue is sensitive at this time of year.
- Try to steer clear of mucus-forming foods such as sugar, anything white or processed, or dairy—especially if you feel a fall cold coming on!
- Try something spicy! In Chinese medicine, pungent flavors are associated with the lungs. Work in some onions, ginger, garlic, and turnips into your meals.
- Sweat. Both the lungs and large intestines are related to detoxifying the body. It may seem strange as the weather cools down, but fall is a great time of year to focus on sweating and ridding yourself of toxins. Try an extra hard workout or visiting a sauna.
