Chinese nutrition classifies food according to its energetic qualities of temperature, taste, and ability to moisten and strengthen the body. In general, it favors foods with warm properties which ease the digestive process by allowing the system to relax and more easily break down food. Summer however, is fire time, making it the the perfect season to introduce some cool, yin foods into your diet. Food with cool and cold properties can clear heat, reduce toxins, and generate body fluids. Bring on the melons, cucumbers, tomatoes and tofu! Enjoy this cooling salad! |
Thanks to https://www.flickr.com/photos/maxruckman/ for sharing this photo. ![]() Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) explains that we experience “FIRE”, one of the elemental powers, most fully in the summer. The young energy that expressed itself in the spring arises to its full potential and if is not used can lead to excessive HEAT. This heat is a common marker of inflammation, making summer an important time pay extra attention to the inflammatory response.
All of this information was taken directly from www.VitaminDCouncil.org. It is a fabulous resource and we highly recommend visiting to learn more, and donating towards their mission!
Depression is defined as six months of prolonged mental despondency, accompanied by lack of energy and difficulty maintaining concentration or interest in life. Everyone has these feelings at times – our culture is quick to slap a band-aid where it doesn’t always belong. Before turning to that additional glass of wine, or anti-depressant prescription, consider if these feelings truly are depression, or if you may be instead fighting your natural reaction to the season. In Chinese medicine, winter is the time to turn inward, focus on emotional introspection, rest, and conserve strength. All of the natural environmental cues are telling us to do this. It’s cold and dark, trees are bare of leaves, animals are hibernating – time to go inside. Not simply indoors, but INSIDE of yourself. Quiet the mind, embrace your inner world of feeling. Contesting our part in this natural equation can intensify the feelings of seasonal sadness. “Going inside” and facing / embracing ourselves can be a terrifying prospect for some. We are literally addicted to the constant noise, chaos, and distraction of the outside world. A heavy reliance on external stimulus allows us to avoid ourselves, especially at those vital moments where introspection allows for self healing. Easy ways to embrace introspection: Nutrition. Or as I like to call it, eating great food! It’s time for those warming, comfort foods we all love. It doesn’t have to be all mac and cheese either – see end of article for a great recipe for healing, comforting miso soup. (Which also boosts the immune system!) Sleep. Carve out the time for adequate rest. You can make it happen, and you will be amazed at the improvement in your well being. Watch and pay attention to your dream language. Balance the Nervous System. This is exactly what a chiropractic adjustment does for you. Acupuncture, the Migun massage bed, and yoga are other great resources. Meditation / Deep Relaxation / Prayer. Start with just 3 minutes a day of complete silence and relaxation of your mind. As it becomes easier, spend a little more time each day. Those of you that currently practice – keep it up! Mother Nature’s intelligence and wisdom is in all of us, we often simply forget to align with it. Fight the winter blues this season and heal naturally by embracing your inner self. Recommended Reading: Martha Nussbaum’s letter: Do Not Despise Your Inner World Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain |
Do you feel like you get sick around the changes of the seasons? Chances are you do, and there are steps you can take to avoid it! Wind InvasionOne of the most familiar images in autumn that comes to mind is the beautiful leaves changing color, then falling and swirling in the wind. As part of nature, we also react to the change in |
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