HEALTH WISE
(11/14/2008) By Julie Sergel

A Time For Everything—What Autumn Holds

So much transition in the air. Not only have we made a collective and socially responsible thrust by deciding on the admirable President-elect Barack Obama--but on the other end of the spectrum, we’re also encountering the cooler temps and the 3 D’s: dark, dank, and damp! More change as we move away from the lovely extensions of an appreciated Indian summer.

But change is good. It means we are alive. In consulting Traditional Chinese Medicine on such things, we find that autumn is related to the element metal, the emotion of grief, and the eliminative organs-- the colon, lungs, skin, and the immune system. This season ushers a time for letting go, a time for sifting through our inner selves and finalizing with what is most essential. Like the trees, we will bare down. Like the flower, we will close. Like the garden, we shrink back—but the treasure offered here is the ability to be reminded of fundamentals of who we are, what’s most important, and what we are connected to, because in that, we will stand.

To translate this to health and care of our bodies, autumn is a time for cleansing. We need to open up the channels of elimination—the colon, lungs and skin, and yet also fortify the loins of who we are. We need to return to our foundation, which can be likened to our immune system. We need to strengthen our defense, to be strong for the season ahead. In essence, it’s saying good-bye, but also as the Beatles suggest, it’s saying hello.

Those who’ve studied natural health or Chinese medicine know the connection between the lungs and grief is strong, as is the colon’s association with depression. It is my hunch that the immune system connects to self-worth. By taking herbs that support such systems and organs, especially aligning ourselves to the marked energies of the season, we can enhance their function, and thus, our well-being.

Herbs that especially nurture the lungs include Mullein, but there are plenty of others: Garlic, Goldenseal, Fennel, Fenugreek, Horseradish, Lobelia, Marshmallow, Slippery Elm, Pleurisy Root, Thyme, and Yerba Santa. Specific combinations (Nature’s Sunshine Products found at Nature’s Remedy) would be powerful remedies like ALJ, LH, FOUR, Fenugreek & Thyme, Chinese formulas Lung Support and Breathe EZ, Bronchial Formula (Ayurvedic), along with Tei Fu essential oil.

Adding a good dose of bulk into the diet in the form of fiber would be an excellent addition to give the colon an honest chance to tone itself--it’s a muscle; this is very important. A high fiber diet, coupled with supplemental fiber ([NSP] Nature’s Three, Everybody’s Fiber, Psyllium Hulls Combination) would be a very beneficial act.

The skin would fare well with dry brushing, good fats (fish oil, flax--omega 3’s), drinking plenty of fluids, massage, and movement—getting proper circulation via walking and/or regular exercise. Deep breathing can do wonders as well.

To build the inward structure, a thorough multivitamin is essential, as is a proper diet. But on top of that, good bacteria (the army inside) can become a virile component for winter months so add some Bifidolphilus, Acidophilus, or (NSP) Probiotic Eleven. Astragalus Root is also very helpful for immunity, as is Defense Maintenance. Ginger’s warming qualities enhances digestion, circulation, and overall movement of Qi, or “chi.”

May the force be with you.