Chinese medicine is the medicine of nature. Its core principles revolve around seasonal therapeutics and living harmoniously with the natural changes of the environment around us. In essence, living beings are reflections of nature.
The grass roots of Chinese medicine lay in the foundational thought and ideology of the Pre-Han and Han physicians, philosophers and astrologers of ancient China. In the key text known as the Huangdi Neijing 黃 帝 內 經 (Yellow Emperors Internal Classic) the dialogue most often turns to the seasonal properties of disease and treatment. As we move into autumn in the southern hemisphere I believe it is important that we adjust our daily routine in accordance with the seasonal change.
It has been an interesting Autumn due to the increased wet weather, however, that has quickly changed into the routine dry, crisp and sunny days that signify the change of season.
Autumn Qiu 秋
In the Siqi Tiaoshen Dalunpian (四 氣 調神大 論 篇 二) or the “Major discussion on the harmony of Shen according to the change of the four seasons” it gives the reader a guide to how one can regulate their daily activities with the seasons.
“The three months of Autumn is the season of Rongping (容平 – stabilisation in form through stillness / cessation of growth, a sign of balance, a time for harvest) . In Autumn it is cool, the heavenly qi (yang / wind) is swift and the air is clear. One should sleep early in the night and rise early in the morning just like the Ji (Rooster and Hens). Keep one’s mind / will at peace to soften the effect of Autumn, moderate mental activity to balance Autumn qi and prevent anxiety and sentiments in order to harmonise the Fei (肺 － Lung). This is how to adapt to Autumn and this is the Dao of daily regulation and cultivation. Violating this principle will impair the Fei causing diarrhoea in Winter due to insufficient storage.”
Seasonal change is a reflection of the natural movement and interaction of Yin Yang. It is the key to understanding time and rhythm in daily life and clinical practice. As this passage above suggests, autumn is a pivot between the warmth and extremes of summer (Yang) and the cold of Winter (Yin). In autumn the Yang is declining while the Yin is rising (vice-versa for Spring) and one needs to protect the most vulnerable organ at this time, the Fei (Lung). Following are some general rules that will help people through this seasonal change in order to help and protect their body for winter:
- As the Siqi Tiaoshen states, sleep early, rise early – this will enable the proper movement and amount of energy for the day and a quality sleep at night.
- Guard your emotions: Grief, sadness, and anxiety will damage the Lung. This is especially prominent during Autumn.
- Regulate your diet to include a mixture of pungent foods (such as pepper, chillies, ginger), rich green vegetables (parsley, broccoli, wheat grass etc), pumpkins and squash. Foods that will assist the storage of the autumn period and Lung are things like: leeks, pickles, beans, vinegar, plums, and certain pears can assist to nourish the quality of the Lung. Remember that all foods should be consumed in moderation and that each person is different – it is advisable to consult with your practitioner.
- Exercise the Lungs, but don’t strain them: that is, focus on soft breathing exercises, less aerobic movements and more Qigong or Yogic movements. This has the dual effect of strengthening the storage of Qi in autumn while calming the mind.
For further information on Chinese health care and Chinese medicine please contact David White Classical Acupuncture via email info@classicalacupuncture.com.au.
In good health,
David White Classical Acupuncture
Autumn atop Jiu Hua Shan