Daoist master Qi Bo once said, "those who knew the way of keeping good health in ancient times always kept their behavior in daily life in accordance with nature [...] and were able to live to the old age of more than 100 years." This simple idea could be the key to a happier, healthier life!
This week, we're discovering what secrets Traditional Chinese Medicine offers for our mind, body and spirit. Utilize these simple rules and see how your wellness improves once you take inspiration from Mother Nature:
Enjoy Grounding Foods Autumn is the season of grounding; transformation, reflection, and expansion rule this season. For many of us, the change in daylight time will affect our moods. It is vital to nourish the body with foods of the seasonal harvest, such as:
The ruling color of Autumn is white, so incorporating naturally white colored foods is also beneficial. Cauliflower, jicama, and ginger are all stimulating and grounding foods to bring in during the Fall season. Focus on a positive meditation when you're feeling less grounded. Sit comfortably and shift your focus to a gaze, or close your eyes. Picture, in your mind's eye, a beautiful Fall scene. Smell the crispness of apple trees, falling leaves, and fireplace cinders floating in the air. Even 5 minutes of meditation will dramatically improve your center! |
Every season in Chinese Medicine is associated with a part of the body that represents yin and yang. The lungs are the yin, while the large intestine is the yang. Take care to nourish these functioning organs with herbal and nutritional healing modalities, including intestinal massage. This simple act can dramatically improve digestion, allowing the large intestine to properly detoxify and release waste from the body.
Utilize herbal formulas to treat and balance the lungs naturally, such as:
- Mullein for cough, cold, and flu
- Licorice and oregano for histamine and allergies
For the large intestine, treat the mucosal lining and overall digestion with these herbs:
- Cardamom and cinnamon to speed up sluggish digestion and reduce gas
- Marshmallow root and Slippery elm to heal a damaged gut (IBS, IBD, Chrohn's, etc.)
During Autumn, Chinese Medicine focuses on the idea of "letting go" and releasing what no longer serves you. People, things, ideas, beliefs, and items are all worth reflecting on to be sure that you're surrounded with positive, loving energy. Embrace and accept grief and loss during Autumn to prepare you for the weight of Winter.
What insights do you have to share? How will you incorporate these ideas into your daily life this season? Share your thoughts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter using the hashtag #rylwellnesswednesday and #rylseason!