Fall Newsletter 2023
“Beneath a thousand autumn leaves, The world quiets down, the crickets cease.
The moon sneaks out through branches worn, And autumn whispers, “a new dawn is born.””~ Taylor Swift
Stepping from one climate into another presents a whole host of beneficial opportunities capable of enhancing the brain, organs, nerves and overall well-being. Yet, few are informed of these opportunities and ways to harvest them.
Welcome to the Fall 2023 Integrative Med Solutions Newsletter, chock full of navigating info to begin utilizing with and capitalizing upon what this robust, fragrant season has to offer. Consider it a “jumping off point” to hit-the-ground-running right into the hibernation of winter, fully prepared to blossom come spring. It is a time to celebrate the colorful dance of decay that warrants attention at every turn while preparing through organization, introspection, and elimination.
What to Expect
Transitioning from season to season can be highly influential on the body and mind (even in year round climate areas). This has been known for centuries amongst holistic practitioners alike but conventional medicine always likes the scientific approach.
In a study published in the journal ‘Nature Communications’ by German and UK researchers, titled, ‘Widespread Seasonal Gene Expression Reveals Annual Differences in Human Immunity and Physiology’, it was stated that,
“Seasonal variations are rarely considered a contributing component to human tissue function or health, although many diseases and physiological process display annual periodicities. Here we find more than 4,000 protein-coding mRNAs in white blood cells and adipose tissue to have seasonal expression profiles,…We also find the cellular composition of blood to vary by season,…Increased levels of soluble IL-6 receptor and C-reactive protein, risk biomarkers for cardiovascular, psychiatric and autoimmune diseases that have peak incidences in winter.”
Knowing how a season affects the human experience is the first order of business to align and embrace all that season has to offer. Through the teachings of Classical Chinese Medicine (CCM) a unique healing lens can be applied in a practical way. For example, the organs associated with autumn are the lungs and large intestines. The lungs are yin and the large intestine is yang. When these two work in unison the yin-yang balance for fall is optimal. The lungs take in the new and the large intestine eliminates the old, a perfect process. However, due to varying factors, these organs can be compromised and result in subpar performance.
Take In the New, Let Go of the Old
Lung: Strengths, Symptoms, Imbalances and Remedies
The lung are responsible for taking in the new. Breathing clean, fresh oxygen and processing it within each cellular structure. When the lungs are in balance, they are associated with:
- Clear thinking
- Communication
- Positivity
- Relaxation
The lungs may suffer when experiencing:
- Grief
- Loss
- Change
- Sadness
- Attachment
- Regret
- Living in the past
- Depression
Some symptoms the lungs may present when imbalanced include:
- Weak cough
- Weak voice
- Weak expression
- Excessive phlegm
- Tightening of the chest
- Spontaneous daytime sweating
- Chronic respiratory struggle such as: asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis
Some remedies that may be applied by a naturopathic doctor trained in CCM and acupuncture include:
Nourish Lung Qi by consuming:
- Yuca
- Pears
- Almonds
- Lotus root
- Cauliflower
Reduce Lung Phlegm by consuming:
- Quercetin
- Mustard greens
- Dandelion leaves
*Avoid dairy, sugar and wheat.
*Let go of stuck patterns, relationships, regret, unfinished projects
Acupuncture for the Lungs
Applied acupuncture points Lung 1-11 (from the upper chest down the inside (medial) arm ending on the tip of the thumb) can be used by a licensed acupuncturist to strengthen or increase lung function, if compromised.
A study published in ‘Frontiers in Immunology’ by researchers from the College of Korean Medicine, Tokyo University of Science and the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro concluded that,
“…the results suggest that acupuncture can be a possible treatment for RD [respiratory diseases] through its modulation of various cytokines [inflammatory markers], leading to reduced inflammation.”
Large Intestines: Strengths, Symptoms, Imbalances, and Remedies
The function of the large intestine is elimination and nutritional absorption which is why it is so vital that it remains in balance during autumn, a time of cleaning out and purging. This organ is linked to grief and sadness the two main emotional constitutions of fall. If grief and sadness is not dealt with, the large intestines will remain imbalanced.
Symptoms of an imbalanced large intestine include:
- Chronic digestive difficulty
- Excessive bloating
- Sticky white tongue coating
- Slippery pulse
- Constipation (this imbalance is directly linked to emotional compromise)
Some remedies that may be applied by a naturopathic doctor trained in CCM, particularly for constipation, include:
- Probiotics
- Oatmeal
- Chia seeds
- Flax seeds
- Water and lemon
- Omega 3 fatty acid
- Dried fruits (without sugar or preservatives)
- Magnesium glycinate or citrate
Working through and sorting out grief and sadness will help the large intestines function optimally. This can be applied through talk therapy, meditation, yoga, and any other healthy outlet to build self-esteem, self-worth, and self-love.
Acupuncture for the Large Intestines
Acupuncture applications could enhance large intestine functioning to re-align with the season of fall. In a study by Chinese researchers from Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, published by the National Library of Medicine, acupuncture for gastrointestinal pain shows promise. It was stated that,
“The core acupoints, including Tianshu (ST25), Zusanli (ST36), and Shangjuxu (ST37), emphasize the application of special acupoints, meridian points and nerve segments, and the two-way regulatory effect found in this study is often used as the basis of acupoint selection and acupoint prescription for acupuncture treatment of FGIDs [functional gastrointestinal disorders].”
Fall Metal Checklist
The element of fall is metal. On what is called the generational cycle applied through ‘5 element theory’ metal is one among five: Fire, Earth, Metal, Water Wood. Each of these elements has a specific function and each affects the other. Some people are more dominant in certain elements than others and each season has a dominant affiliation. The elements are clues which pertain to each individual’s strengths and weaknesses warranting a specific naturopathic medicine application. As metal is associated with fall, these are some of the definitions of metal:
- Governs respiration
- Displays hard, strong, and precise characteristics
- Can be molded but if too strong metal gets too rigid
- Healthy metal enjoys good life choices, strong routines, and traditional rituals
- Unhealthy metal shows sloppiness, numbness and lack of empathy
During fall it is important to tap into the dominant associated element of metal. Embrace and try to practice the organizational calling of metal by starting with a home project. Then, maybe when the connection is there, moving toward more robust uses of metal, such as eliminating toxic relationships, could be beneficial.
Soups, Stews, and Sautés
As the summer winds down so too does the body’s yearning for cool, cold, cooling foods. Start autumn with warming dishes like soups, stews and sautés using yin moistening choices such as:
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Tofu
- Cabbage
- Mushrooms
- Legumes
- Asparagus
- DGLVs (dark green leafy vegetables)
- Carrots and other root vegetables
Carrot and Tofu Quiche
This egg-free and dairy-free quiche is perfect for that savory satiety on a cool fall day. The carrot and tofu work in unison with parsley to help purify the blood and nourish the qi (“chee” – life
force). Excessive dampness can be “mopped up” by the garlic, orange rind, onion and dill reducing stagnant qi.
Ingredients:
4 carrots
1 pound tofu
Pinch of salt
1 small onion
1 clove garlic
½ teaspoon of dill seed
1 teaspoon grated orange rind
2 tablespoons fresh parsley
Sprinkle of sesame seeds
One 9″ pastry pie dish
Steam the carrots until soft, and then strain and mash.
In a separate bowl, blend the tofu with some of the leftover carrot water and add a pinch of salt. Use enough water to give the tofu a creamy consistency.
Finely chop the onion and garlic, add to the tofu mixture with the grated orange rind, dill, and parsley. Stir in the mashed carrots and mix ingredients well. Pour mixture into the 9″ pastry dish, sprinkle some sesame seeds and bake at 350 degrees for about 40 minutes.
*Recipe courtesy of the Yinova Center
Sesame Treats
As the fall blossoms into a cascade of colors, hiking through it all is recommended for clearing grief, sadness, regret, and other “stuck” energy that may stifle lung and large intestine functions. These sesame treats are the perfect grab-and-go snack to strengthen yin. The honey offers a sweetness to overall qi while the sesame helps dry inner dampness.
Ingredients:
2 cups sesame seeds
2 tablespoons melted butter
¼ cup of honey
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon cinnamon
Dry roast the sesame seeds until you can smell them, but be careful not to burn them!
Grind them as finely as possible, then stir in the other ingredients and press them together.
Let the mixture cool and harden. Wet your hands and shape the mixture into little balls, the size of marbles, and they are ready to serve!
*Recipes courtesy of the Yinova Center
Seasonal Mindfulness
“Heal Before Illness Can Come” ~ Huangdi Neijing
Take advantage of ways to heal before illness, starts with seasonal mindfulness. This does not necessarily mean preventative measures (although these are important) but rather bringing the body to a place of homeostasis or equilibrium through harmonizing with natural change. Fall foods, remedies, and lifestyle all play an integral role in strengthening the body and mind.
As the words of scholars surround us, they are not as revered as they once were. Hopefully more will take heed of all the empowering information of our past teachers, particularly when it comes to one’s health. Teachings from the ancient text, ‘The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Medicine,’ notably the inner canon, ‘Huangdi Neijing’, are paramount to CCM applications. Many clues to pain-free living are scattered like diamonds throughout this work which is considered the “fundamental doctrinal source for Chinese medicine for more than two millennia”.
Here is a translated quote from over 4,500 years ago:
“In the old days the sages treated disease by preventing illness before it began, just as a good emperor takes the necessary steps to avert war. If someone digs a well only when thirsty, or forges weapons only after becoming engaged in battle, one cannot help but ask: Aren’t these actions too late?”
Take action before it is too late. This fall commit to a seasonal embrace that can add to your already mindful health protocol or set you on a new path of cognitive and physical enlightenment.
News & Noteworthy
Acupuncture for Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is a leading cause of disability not only in America but across the globe. Research of the effects of acupuncture on chronic pain were published over the summer by scientists from the University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China. It was stated that,
“First, we found that patients receiving acupuncture treatment showed larger pain intensity improvements compared with patients in the sham-acupuncture arm. Second, positive expectation, extraversion, and emotional attention were correlated with the magnitude of clinical improvements in the acupuncture group.”
Edible Herbal Medicines as an Alternative to Common Medication for Sleep Disorders
A study published in Current Neuropharmacology looked at herbal remedies for improving sleep. It was reported that:
“According to research, herb extracts and fractions, particularly n-butanol fractions with non-polar agents, impact the benzodiazepine receptors and have hypnotic properties. Also, alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, saponins, and tannins in practically every plant are mentioned making them the popular natural compounds to help with sleep disorders and promote calmness.”
At Integrative Med Solutions, we will design a ‘Fall 2023’ 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/25965853/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9241441/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36994530/