Acupuncture and Classical Chinese Medicine: Fall Newsletter 2026

“The autumn leaves drift by my window. The autumn leaves of red and gold”
~Nat King Cole

Welcome to Fall 2026, a time to receive and refine what this new season has to offer. These words: “receive” and “refine”, bring significant opportunity for the taking. It’s easy to do. Start by exploring the natural healing information in our Acupuncture and Classical Chinese Medicine Fall Newsletter 2026. Here we touch upon some of the many naturopathic applications that can be used to enhance the fall experience. Under the guidance of Dr. Fred Lisanti of Integrative Med Solutions (IMS), an individualized seasonal health protocol can be developed through his expertise as a veteran naturopathic doctor and licensed acupuncturist. 

An example of some fall season applications mentioned are:

• Acupuncture for Balance
• Acupuncture and Botanical Allergy Remedies
• Breathing into “Letting Go”
• Systemic Detox Techniques 
• Seasonal Energy Eating 
• Qi (“chee” – life force) regulation 

From the balancing energy of botanical medicine and acupuncture to the support of nutraceutical supplementation and clinical nutrition, there are opportunities for all sorts of applications. Explore our Acupuncture and Classical Chinese Medicine Fall Newsletter 2026 and reap the rewards waiting to be found during this season of the golden hour.

Points of Balance

Balance can often be an issue for the elderly as well as those struggling with various structural compromises. As fall offers cool days to embrace outdoor activities, those with balance issues could be cautious of joining in. However, addressing balance issues with balance acupuncture may be an unexpected treatment that may get those who struggle back on their feet. 

In a study from July 2026, posted by the National Library of Medicine, balance acupuncture showed promising results. The study concluded:

The integration of BA [balance acupuncture] and unconscious proprioception [perception of movement and spatial orientation] training may offer additional benefits for improving gait and balance in CAI [chronic ankle instability] patients compared to conventional rehabilitation plus BA or conventional rehabilitation alone. Based on these preliminary findings, the combined approach shows potential clinical value for targeted populations with CAI.”

In addition to BA, incorporating other balance strengthening choices can work in unison. The fall season is excellent for low-impact, gentle movement applications. These may include:

• Tai Chi – Slow standing weight shift movements with mindful breathing proven to be the top recommended balancing exercise choice. 
• Chair Tai Chi – Same but seated, focusing on core strengthening and breath work. 
• Yoga – Slow stretching positions held in place while practicing breathing techniques. Excellent for balance. 
• Chair Yoga – Same as yoga but more stable for beginners, elderly or physically compromised. 
• Qi Gong – Easier than Tai Chi, this practice offers slow standing techniques to improve proprioception (movement awareness).
• Heal-Toe Walking – Just as described, mindful heal-toe walking to avoid poor form that may compromise balance. 
• Retro-Walking a/k/a Backward Walking (with assistance) – This type of walking has shown to build weak muscles to enhance mobilization and balance. 
• Otago Exercise Program (OEP) – Described as a “Well‑studied, evidence‑based fall‑prevention programs in the world, designed specifically for older adults living at home. It is not a gym class — it is a structured, progressive, home‑based strength and balance program delivered by a trained professional (often a PT), with proven reductions in falls of 35–40% in high‑quality trials.”
• Beginner Balance Board (with assistance) – Holding on to a spotter in the beginning of balance board exercises is essential to avoid accidental falls. 

Organ Balance = Allergy Relief

Allergies can manifest during any season, but each has a unique compromise. For fall, the decaying vegetation and swift breezes carry such interlopers as:

• Ragweed Pollen – Considered the number one cause of fall allergies throughout the United States (but not in Alaska). It is estimated that just one plant can set free billions of exceptionally light grains of pollen, able to carry for hundreds of miles. *Note: zucchini, melon and bananas may trigger allergic reactions to ragweed.

• More Pesky Plants – Other allergy causing weeds that may be more indigenous to specific areas include sagebrush, tumbleweed, lamb’s quarters, mugwort and pigweed. 

Allergy remedies vary per individual but a combination of herbs, vitamins, acupuncture, and more may significantly help. At IMS, a personalized allergy prevention protocol may include using one or more of these remedies:

• Butterbur
• Quercetin
• Spirulina
• Curcumin (turmeric)
• Stinging nettle
• Probiotics
• Omega-3 fatty acid
• Raw local honey (within 50-mile radius of dwelling)
• Acupuncture

In a study published in ‘Innovations in Acupuncture and Medicine’ posted by Springer Nature Link (Volume 19, article number 24 ~ 2026) titled:

‘Abdominal Acupuncture in Improving Allergic Rhinitis through Estrogen Inhibition and Regulation of Immune Factor Secretion’, it was concluded that:

These findings suggest that AA [abdominal acupuncture] may treat AR [allergic rhinitis] by inhibiting the estrogen signaling axis, thereby regulating immune factor secretion. This provides a potentially theoretical basis for the treatment of AR with AA.”

Allergic rhinitis is commonly known as hay fever, an immune system reaction to tiny airborne particles like those that come from ragweed and other allergen sources. At IMS, a tailored acupuncture program can be developed to treat allergies and much more. 

Let Go and Let In

In lucky geographical areas, an aurora borealis of color spreads throughout the foliage bringing that classic fall scene, scent, and cool crisp air. As the trees shed leaves, it presents a kind of symbolic “shedding” for the human condition. No matter the area, fall is associated with the movement of “letting go” and like the trees letting go of leaves, now is the time to let go of life constraints by forgiving, forsaking, and forgetting. In addition to the movement of letting go, the emotion of fall is grief which can be used as a tool to let go; a permission from nature to reflect and re-feel through the process of these two associations. Once one embraces this and sits with it through winter, “letting in” the season of spring energy could be transformative. 

Ways to let go this fall:

• Mindful Breathing– According to CCM the qi, (“chee” – life force) energy moves downward. Therefore, allowing this to take place can be paramount to one’s body and mind. Incorporating, downward breathing practices such as mindful breathing, may help. Upon waking, sit up, breathe in slowly for five seconds, hold for two seconds, and slowly release in a “shhhhh” for eight seconds. Practice this breathing three times per day for five rounds each. 
• Release EG – Be aware of “emotional grasping” (EG) and release the tightness it causes by dropping all contracted musculature, particularly in the chest (lung) area. 
• De-clutter – This does not need to be spring cleaning but rather just an organization on the outside, so grief is organized on the inside. 
• Meditate – Yoga, transcendental meditation (TM) or any other practice that helps connect and calm the body and mind. This can be a challenge for certain individuals whose minds may have difficulty shutting down. Collaborating with a teacher or even using a meditation app may help. 
• Talk Therapy – Letting go through talk therapy is an excellent way to recognize, release and reassess with the help of a professional perspective. 
• Eat Moistening Foods – Seasonal eating, through CCM applications, has shown benefits in maintaining stamina and energy as well as balance and ‘grounding’ (energy connection to the earth). During fall, eating simple, moistening foods helps prevent dryness of the lungs and large intestines, the two organs associated with fall. It can also ease “letting go” Foods to consider include:

• Pears
• Apples
• Almonds
• Honey
• Goji berry
• Pumpkin
• Apples
• Chicken soup
• Miso soup
• Eggs
• Brown rice
• Stewed greens

Tick-Tock Detox 

This is not a new fad from the popular social app so many seem to blindly follow these days. It is a valid CCM administered, naturopathic, timed (tick tock) detoxification to assist in releasing waste (“letting go”) and rebalancing qi (“chee”) regulation. Fall is the perfect time to do any detoxification. However, it is highly recommended to use professional assistance when adapting detox cleanses. IMS offers a personalized detox guidance program for optimal results. This may include:

• Juicing
• Intermittent fasting
• Heavy metal cleansing
• Elongated fasting 

Starter Recipes for Seasonal Eating

As mentioned, eating specific foods (like moistening foods) can correlate with the available energy of fall. These are starter recipes to get a “taste” of seasonal eating this fall.

Quinoa Power Bowl with Butternut Squash and Tahini Sauce

Ingredients:

1 cup quinoa

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 small butternut squash (about 1 pound) peeled and cut into 3/4-inch cubes

1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced

3 cups coarsely chopped kale (about 2 1/2 ounces or 1/2 bunch)

1/4 cup tahini

1 clove garlic, grated

1/2 lemon, juiced

1 tablespoon honey

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1/2 cup roasted pecans, coarsely chopped

Directions:

• Rinse and drain quinoa 
• Transfer to a medium saucepan; add 1 3/4 cups water and 1 teaspoon salt and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. 
• Reduce to a simmer, cover and cook until the water is absorbed, about 15 minutes.
• Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat and cook until it browns and smells nutty, about 3 minutes. 
• Add squash, onion and 1 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until the squash is golden brown and tender, 10 to 12 minutes.  
• Make the tahini sauce: Whisk together the tahini, garlic, lemon juice, honey, 1 1/2 tablespoons water, 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper, to taste, in a medium bowl until smooth. Set aside. 
• Once the squash is golden and tender, add the kale to the skillet and cook, stirring, until the kale is slightly wilted, about 1 minute. 
• Transfer the cooked quinoa and vegetables to a large bowl. Stir in the dried cranberries and pecans. Serve warm or cold with the tahini sauce. 

*Recipe courtesy of Food Network 

Pumpkin–White Bean Stew

Ingredients:

1 large white onion, coarsely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 Serrano chili

0.25 tsp hot or sweet paprika

1 tbsp tomato paste

4 cup white beans, great northern or cannellini (cooked)

1 cup sugar pumpkin, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch chunks

3 cup organic vegetable broth (carton OR homemade)

15 sprigs cilantro

Instructions:

• In a stockpot on medium-high heat, sauté onion, garlic, and serrano chile with 1 tbsp water about 5 minutes. If necessary, add water 1 tbsp at a time to keep the vegetables from sticking to the pan.
• Stir in paprika and tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute.
• Add pumpkin, beans, vegetable stock or water, and cilantro. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, partially covered, until pumpkin is tender, about 25 minutes. Remove and discard cilantro.
• Serve while hot.

*Recipe courtesy of Mastering Diabetes 

News & Noteworthy

The healing capabilities of acupuncture continue to be researched and confirmed. In a recent review conducted by Chinese scientists, published June 18th, 2026, in Frontiers in Immunology, it was cited,

This review synthesizes mechanistic advances that demonstrate how acupuncture and moxibustion rebalance antitumor immuno-surveillance, thereby positioning them as promising adjuvant [enhance effectiveness of medical treatment, drug, or vaccine] modalities in integrative oncology.”

Moxibustion is the application of smoldering mugwort (a leafy herb) to gently heat the acupuncture point so the treatment becomes stronger and helps the body heal more effectively.

The review notes that acupuncture and moxibustion show direct improvement in:

• Being able to: “Exert direct antitumor effects”
• Mitigating gastrointestinal dysfunction”
• Regulation of microglial function [controlling how the brain’s immune cells (microglia) behave]”
• Enhanced cytotoxicity of natural killer (NK) cells”
• Modulation of mast cell (MC)degranulation [control of certain immune cells release of chemical signals during allergies or inflammation]”
• Reducing symptoms associated with: “Chemotherapy induced neuropathy, cancer related fatigue, and radiation [as well as] induced xerostomia [disease of the salivary glands].”
• Polarization of macrophages toward the proinflammatory M1 phenotype [restricting immune cells called macrophages from being pushed into a high‑alert, inflammation‑causing mode enhancing their calmer healing mode]”

At Integrative Med Solutions, we will design a fall season health treatment program that works for you. In many cases, insurance covers portions of the treatment. Allow us to support you to achieve optimal health. To make an appointment or find out more about how acupuncture and naturopathic medicine can benefit you, please call our office at 914-337-2980 or Click Here to schedule an online appointment.

*Please Click Here to see a current list of insurance companies that commonly carry acupuncture benefits for its members. For more info, please call 914-337-2980 or securely email us at info@intmedsolutions.com.

Best in health from Integrative Med Solutions.

Sources:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42542908/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42396432/

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s44424-026-00070-2