Six Tips for Staying Healthy in Autumn

Hi to my local Franklin Community Coop readers, (you may have read the article below in the New Beet newsletter) as promised if you want more info on how to do Ayurvedic Oil Massage (abyanga,) go here> How to do Abyanga Oil Massage,  scroll to bottom of page under: “Abhyanga Routine”  That will take you to Banyan Botanicals, a Ayurvedic herbal company that is quite respected (I use there products.)  They have a very helpful site and this page has a thorough how-to on doing massage for health on oneself.  I highly recommend the practice of abhyanga (oil massage) it really helps to maintain ones health and immunity! 

Autumn Shiatsu Sale! 

If you have questions or want to book a shiatsu massage treatment call me, Kala at 413.200.8230, see how it can help your health as well as emotional well being, read about shiatsu and some testimonials.

6 Simple Tips for Staying Healthy in Fall

These tips are based on the thousands years old wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda (the traditional medicine of India.)  These lifestyle tips are simple and so easy to overlook in favor of more “high tech” solutions. “Those who knew the way of keeping good health in ancient times always kept their behavior in daily life in accordance with nature,” according to the Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine from around 2,600 BC.

The lungs/large intestine is the energy system that is highlighted in autumn-and it correlates with other factors such as, the qualities of judgment, discernment, boundaries and setting things in order. The lungs control the circulation of a specific, defensive Chi (energy) that protects you from the invasion of flu and colds.  So here are some simple tips:

1. Stay warm.  Don’t let the transition from summer catch you not dressed warmly as colder air begins to predominate.  Especially cover the back of the neck from wind.
2. Emphasize more cooked foods.  Eating excess cold and raw foods in cooler weather can create dampness or phlegm which is stored by the lungs.  Dairy products, such as milk, cheese, cream, and butter also can create phlegm.  Use moderate amounts of pungent foods like garlic, onions, ginger, horseradish, and mustard are beneficial to the lungs.
3. Ruling the skin, the outer limit of the human body, the Lung protects against external invasion and safeguards our internal resources. Autumn is a dry season, so to protect yourselves from cold air evaporation of moisture from our skin which will protect your overall health.  Try regularly doing abhyanga, oil massage of the skin.  Use oils such as pure almond oil or sesame oil (unrefined) which are applied to the skin left to soak in and then lightly washed off.  For specifics see my website below.
4. Moistening, softening, and nurturing foods for this fall include white rice, white beans, pears, radishes, sea vegetables, potatoes, cabbage, turnips and parsnips.  And anything that is local and seasonal is going to be helpful.
5. Pears are especially nourishing to the lungs.  Try poached pears with cinnamon, cardamom or ginger, lightly cooked for 5-10 minutes.
6. Fall and the metal element/organs of lungs are also associated with the emotions of grief, sadness, reflection and “letting go.”   Those emotions unexpressed or in excess can lead to lung related problems or skin issues such as eczema and psoriasis.   Remember lungs and skin are interrelated.  Add a short meditation (10-15 min) practice to your daily routine to keep balanced.

The change of seasons is a key time for the body to adapt and remain healthy.  My clients find that 2-3 shiatsu bodywork sessions can help them transition well into winter especially if they are healthy.  Ongoing sessions can help with fatigue, low libido, insomnia and menopausal symptoms.

For more info on shiatsu massage  call me Kala at 413.200.8230.