Sunny Doesn't Always Mean Warm
One of the easiest mistakes to make in September is dressing according to how the afternoon looks rather than how the entire day feels.
Tank tops, shorts and sandals may still feel wonderful at 2:00 in the afternoon, but your body also has to navigate the cool morning, evening temperature drop and seasonal winds.
From a Chinese Medicine perspective, protecting the body from excessive exposure to cold and wind becomes increasingly important at this time of year.
This doesn't mean bringing out your winter parka in September! It simply means beginning to retain a little more warmth.
Add a light layer. Wear longer pants on cooler days. Keep a scarf or sweater nearby. And pay particular attention to protecting the neck and upper back from cool wind.
In TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), Wind is traditionally considered an external factor that can contribute to symptoms such as chills, headache, stiff neck, congestion and the beginning stages of a cold.
That light scarf suddenly has a bigger job than just looking good!
So let’s dive into the 5 ways on how to handle the change in weather.
1. Protect Your Neck From the Wind
Keep a light scarf, sweater or jacket nearby, particularly in the morning and evening.
If you've been outside in cool wind and notice your neck and shoulders feeling chilled, don't ignore it. Warm yourself up when you get home.
2. Begin Moving Away From Iced Foods and Drinks
Summer invites smoothies, iced coffee, salads and cold foods.
As temperatures fall, begin bringing warmth back into the kitchen.
Try soups, stews, roasted vegetables, oatmeal, warm breakfasts and herbal teas.
You don't have to change everything overnight. Simply start shifting the balance from cold and raw toward warm and cooked.
3. Eat With the Season
September is an incredible month for seasonal foods.
Start incorporating more:
Pears and apples
Squash and pumpkin
Carrots and sweet potatoes
Mushrooms
Onions, leeks and garlic
Ginger
Oats and rice
Chicken and other nourishing proteins
Chinese Medicine has always emphasized eating according to the environment around us. Nature is beginning to change and our meals can change with it.
4. Start Going to Bed a Little Earlier
Summer is expansive. We stay outside longer, socialize more and often go to bed later.
Fall begins the movement inward.
Try moving bedtime earlier by even 15–30 minutes. Give your nervous system and body more opportunity for restoration.
Supporting good sleep is one of the simplest things you can do for overall health and normal immune function.
5. Don't Wait Until You're Sick to Take Care of Yourself
This may be the most important one. We often respond to our health only when something goes wrong.
Chinese Medicine traditionally places tremendous value on prevention and maintaining balance before illness develops.
Now before you hit the ground running, September is an ideal month to ask yourself in this moment…”what does my body need now so I can enter winter stronger?”
Ready to Reconnect With Your Health?
Your body has been communicating with you all along. Together, let's listen to what it's saying and support it on its journey toward better health.
Book your seasonal acupuncture tune-up with me and move into balance again. For new patients, please call 250-492-3181 and for existing patients you can book with Jane app here and I look forward to helping you move, feel, and live better.
Be Well,
Judy Mazurin
Disclaimer: this is not to be used as medical advice…please contact your health practitioner.
