AUTUMN WELLBEING
AUTUMN EQUINOX, 21st-22nd SEPTEMBER, SIGNALS EQUAL DAY AND NIGHT, AS THE LAST SUMMER SMILE, FADES AWAY, THERES A SHIFT IN LIGHT FREQUENCY AND NATURE PREPARES FOR THE COLDER, DARKER MONTHS. HOW DO WE MAINTAIN VITALITY AND PRESERVE WELLBEING THROUGH THESE TRANSITIONS? NATUROPATHIC INSIGHTS INTO A HOLISTIC APPROACH.
Seasonal transitions are timelines in Nature where we experience peaks and troughs in energy or light frequency and are often challenging, creating discord and disharmony. This is normal. Energetically nature is in a state of flux, as one season exchanges hand with the next through a 3-6week cycle. This also influences our vitality at a cellular level and therefore our performance (output).
Transition timelines:
Autumn Equinox 21st September
Summer Solstice 21 June
Over the last twenty years, as a naturopath, I’ve observed how these transitions have influenced healing, and more importantly how to access one of the most powerful healing experiences known to man to curate wellbeing.
The first signs of Autumn arrive shortly after the full moon in August.
Summer crescendos, fading away after a period of intense heat, commonly referred to as 'Indian summer' as the frequency of light shifts its wavelength. Autumn sweeps in, we begin to see the first signs of one of the most majestic time of the year, the richest myriad of colours bursting with golden shimmering light, bringing with it the harvest of crops, shorter days and preparation for Winter.
Along with Spring, Autumn is a time of natural cleansing signaled by a shift In atmospheric energy transforming Summer’s expansive heat to Autumn's dry air.
Look around and notice how energy transitions. The air becomes cooler. The animal kingdom begins to migrate home, crops begin to fall and mature, leaves turn from green to gold for a grand Harvest. Nature begins to withdraw and contract, returning inwards.
Common Symptoms
The dry weather triggers a physiological response at a cellular level. Some of the common symptoms experienced during seasonal transitions are
-
Itchy throat and dry nose, chapped lips
-
Rough, dry skin
-
Congestion - mucus formation
-
Headaches and nausea
-
Coughs and colds
-
Inflammation.
-
Fatigue and tiredness
-
Hair loss
-
Dry stools, constipation.
These are signs that toxicity in the body is stuck along the routes of elimination and may require some naturopathic interventions to aid the healing process. If these are left unmanaged, ignored, or suppressed, they transform into deeper patterns of dis-ease. This cycle can take two years to manifest.
Top tips
Rest – aim to sleep by 10pm and allow your body to heal. 70% of our blood is returned to the Liver at night to clean and process. This is essential to maintain balanced homeostasis.
Sleep hygiene – the most essential sleep is between 10pm-4am. Switch off cellular devices at least two hours before sleep. Drink a relaxing herbal tea such as chamomile, valerian root. Create a relaxing environment using incense, soft music or candles to help unwind.
Take a bath – Epsom bath salts, lavender, geranium, rosemary essential oils are great way to relax before bedtime.
Never skip breakfast – Eat like a King or Queen! Include eggs, porridge oats with plenty of nuts and seeds to fuel yourself for the task ahead.
LESS is MORE.
Do not fill your day with activity, instead plan for regular meals, stay hydrated, practice breathing techniques and schedule a siesta or power nap mid-afternoon. Be kind to your body as it repairs. Within 40 days you will reap the benefits of better health.
Therapeutic recipes to maintain healthy immune system.
Recipes to nourish the immune system
Instead of reaching out for stimulants, restore energy by integrating the following therapeutic recipes into your lifestyle
-
Linseed Tea (take morning & evening) – the richest natural source of omega 6 oils which are necessary to replete the body's energy resource.
-
Congee / Soup : short grain brown rice and lentils (dark variety) with ginger. Alkalising and nourishing effect on the digestive system.
-
Chicken Broth : whole chicken, carrots, leek or onion, celery – cook for 6-7hours until ingredients blend, bones become soft.
-
Winter Oat Porridge with Dates : made from 5 grains , including nuts and seeds.
