Autumn Metal Lungs and Colon

Autumn is a season of transition in the tradition of Five Element Acupuncture Autumn relates to the Metal Element with the Organs and Meridians of Lungs and Colon – more details in September’s Blog – https://www.southwellacupuncture.co.uk/blog/2022/09/22/autumn-acupuncture-and-the-metal-element/

Taking Care of yourself

At this time of year you need to remind yourself to review your selfcare. Life can get busy as many projects and terms start again and you get involved in this busy time and forget to look after yourself. It is vital to take care of your Immunity as we approach Winter.

Western medicine is handing out covid and Flu vaccines. Though we need to remember that you can still catch a virus as they are prevalent in the Autumn and Winter as your Immune System is often compromised.

Compromised Immune System

Your Immune system can be compromised by many factors ;-

• An auto immune disease eg Rheumatoid Arthritis, Diabetes, Psoriasis, Multiple Sclerosis, Lupus, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Addison’s Disease, Graves’ Disease, Sjogren’s Syndrome, Thyroiditis, Anaemia, Celiac Disease
• Chronic disease such as Asthma, Obstructive Airways Disease (COPD), Heart Disease, Kidney disease, Alzheimer’s and Dementia
• Mental health – Anxiety, Depression, Grief, Loneliness, Bottling up Emotions
• Stress – from work or home
• Adrenal Fatigue, Chronic Fatigue, Long covid
• Insomnia – Sleep disturbance
• Weight and diet problems – overweight, underweight or a unhealthy diet
• Dehydration
• Over exercising and no exercise
• Alcohol consumption
• Smoking
• Age
• Some medications
• Working or living in close contact without fresh circulating air

Helping your Immune System

Even when you have Chronic or immune disease you can help your Immune system stay stronger by

• Traditional Five Element Acupuncture – this helps your whole system work in better balance giving you more ability to fight off illness. Acupuncture can help your Physical and Mental health treating you as a whole in Body, Mind and Spirit
• Sleep – try to get 8-9 hours a night, better quality before midnight, Traditional Five element Acupuncture can help as well as some calming breath work and relaxation try – https://www.calm.com/
• Movement – each day move either for a walk some yoga or stretching, stand up and move around if you in a sedentary job
• Exercise – it is good to move, walking , running, cycling swimming, yoga, exercise classes, gym, can help improve your heart and circulation, lung bones and muscle strength and flexibility. Though it is all about balance do not over exercise and exhaust yourself
• Meditation and Breath work – quite time focusing on your breath can calm your nervous system and improve your Immunity, there are many apps that can lead you on this https://insighttimer.com/ and https://www.calm.com/
• Fresh Air – get outside when you can even if it is 10 minutes at lunchtime, open windows in your workplace occasionally – clear the air
• Diet – get a good balanced diet – especially in the cold weather eat less dairy products as it can increase catarrh which can make you vulnerable to viruses. Eat plenty of vegetables especially root in soups and stews and fruit vitamin C helps your Immune System be stronger. Have protein a small amount with every meal – helps your cell health. We need to eat warm foods, cutting out the iced and cool foods, eating grains like brown rice, millet, oats, buckwheat and barley. Cooking food slowly in the colder months
• Fluids – Every cell in your body needs fluid to function and the best way to get this is water – good to drink warm water and herbal teas
• Stress – try to find ways to reduce your stress or ways to help you cope with situations you cannot change – meditation can help, as well as Traditional Five element Acupuncture
• Warmth – wrap up warm in the cold months, keep your neck warm, feet and ankles with scarves and socks not letting the cold in. On your lower back lying between the kidneys is  an acupuncture point Gate of Life is most vulnerable to cold entering the body, so it is important to wear your vest!
• Smoking –  You need to stop for your overall health
• Alcohol – even the recommended daily amount can cause problems. Have alcohol free days and be aware of how much you drink
• Medications – gain an understanding of the medications you are taking, check side effects and are you taking them at the right time of day. Some you need but some you may not. Talk to your pharmacist and GP see how you can manage what you are taking   
• Anxiety and Depression – get the right help, find people to talk to who care and will stand beside you at difficult times, Traditional Five Element Acupuncture can be helpful, even if you are taking medication
• Age as we get older we become more vulnerable to disease – there can be other contributing factors, such as underlying disease
• Supplements – to help your Immune function consider taking Vitamin C, Zinc and Vitamin D and Omega Oils – try these sites https://www.healthspan.co.uk/ or https://www.togetherhealth.co.uk/
• Hand Hygiene – it is important to remember to wash your hands well, after going to toilet, and time when been in contact with dirt, germs or coughs and sneezes. Being aware of touching face – viruses can be transferred from and to mucous membranes on nose mouth and eyes, so wash hands..
•  Chronic and Immune disorders – doing all of the above can help you be stronger in Body, Mind and Spirit

Treatment

Hannah can help you gain the strength to put these thoughts into action helping you through your journey with Traditional Five Element Acupuncture, as often we need a little extra help to move forward and achieve Health and Wellbeing. For information and Treatment contact Hannah on ;- https://www.southwellacupuncture.co.uk/contact/