Clinican's Corner

"Autumn: A season for Harvesting Your Potential"

By Cynthia Paige, MD

As we approach the end of summer, some will mourn the loss of the long, hot days, while others will relish in the crisp, fall days. No matter what the response, everyone will experience the effects of the changing season and can maximize the benefits of this season.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), each season corresponds to emotions and the internal organs. As such, there are different physical and emotional effects that can be anticipated with the change of seasons. In this practice of medicine that includes acupuncture, Chinese herbs, and Qi Gong, autumn is related to the lung and large intestine and the emotion of grief. In TCM theory, the lung and large intestine are more prone to disease at these times, and people are more susceptible to grief. In comparing this theory to the findings of Western medicine, it is evident that asthma, upper respiratory tract infections, allergies, depression/seasonal affective disorder and infectious diarrhea are more common in autumn and winter.

This 3000 year-old form of medicine highlights the physical and emotional pitfalls of each season and the methods of avoiding them. The first step in prevention is awareness of disease and one's susceptibility to the disease. Some people possess a constitution that predisposes them to the diseases of this season. A thorough TCM evaluation will assist people in determining their constitution. However, there are steps everyone can take to reduce their risk of autumnal diseases. Here are a few suggestions:  

• Continue to engage in physical activities as fall arrives. This improves pulmonary health as well as mental health.

• Increase outdoor activities to gain more sun exposure. Wrap up and continue to go to the beach, take hikes, plant a fall garden or bulbs for the spring, or go to the park. This helps to ward off the early arrival of seasonal affective disorder, increases opportunities for vitamin D absorption, and may reduce the intensity of premenstrual syndromes.

• Fall is harvest time so fresh produce is abundant. Eat the foods of the season to maintain a high fiber diet that promotes digestion.  

• As people spend more time indoors and in close contact with each other, the risk of ransmission of viruses increases. Therefore, be mindful of sanitation for hands and surfaces.

• Lastly, harvest your ideas. Before the winter doldrums arrive, complete projects and put ideas into action as a way of counteracting the stagnation that comes with shorter, colder days.

Each season brings with it opportunities for growth and expansion. Take full advantage of autumn this year – appreciate the harvest and the beauty of the season, and reduce your risk of succumbing to the cyclical effects of nature.

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"Transitioning from Summer to Fall…from an Ayurvedic Perspective"

By Minal Vazirani, MD

Ayurveda (translated from Sanskrit: “The Science of Life”) is a 5000 year old system of medicine that addresses the importance of respecting nature in maintaining and achieving optimal health. For example, certain herbs, medications, and treatments can only be prescribed during certain seasons; otherwise they may produce undesirable side effects. Certain foods and spices should only be eaten plentifully in certain seasons, and then consumed in moderation or completely avoided during others. One of the fundamental concepts of Ayurveda is the Five Element Theory, which are Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space. These Five Elements combine to create the Three Doshas: Vata (Air and Space), Pitta (Fire and Air), and Kapha (Earth and Water). Every human being is a unique combination of all Three Doshas, with certain predominances.

As the air gets crisper and windier, and the leaves begin to change color, we dust off our coats in our coat closets and brace ourselves for the upcoming fall and winter. Just as nature changes its ways for the season, so should our daily lives. Autumn is all about the changing of seasons, the onset of dry, cooler days, and erratic weather patterns as we settle into winter. From an Ayurvedic perspective, different types of people will thrive in certain seasons; others will find it harder to maintain ideal health during certain seasons. Thus, people with certain Vata-predominant constitutions tend to have more Vata-related health ailments in the fall – such as increased joint and muscle pain, upper respiratory infections, stress, and anxiety.

It is very important for people to realize that the beauty, art, and effectiveness of Ayurvedic medicine is due to its simple, individualized therapy for each and every one, as every one possesses their own unique constitution. A thorough consultation with an experienced Ayurvedic practitioner will help one to determine one's own unique constitution and assess what to do in terms of daily routine, diet, and lifestyle to rebalance oneself.

There are, however, a few recommendations that can be broadly applied to everyone as the seasons change from summer to fall. Here are a few suggestions:

• Wake up a few minutes earlier in the cooler, quieter mornings of fall and meditate for 10 minutes every morning and 10 minutes every evening. It will help bring mental clarity and vitality as you begin your day; and mental peace as your day comes to a close. It will help decrease anxiety and worry, which tend to increase in the autumn.

• Decrease or eliminate the amount of cold/iced beverages you drink. Ideally, drinking warm liquids will help to ‘keep you warm' and therefore prevent any further slowing down of metabolism and weight gain that we tend to observe as the cold weather sets in. This is a good tip especially for those who are trying to lose weight: grate a little fresh ginger into a pot of boiling water; let it cool for a few minutes, and enjoy!

• Increase the amount of hot, fresh, nurturing, balancing meals in your life. Dry, cold, on-the-go meals such as granola bars and salads should be avoided during this season, as they will exacerbate the adverse health effects of the cold, dry fall.

• Take at least 15 minutes every day to look at something green before the colors change – ie green grass, green leaves, etc. It is good for your vision and the mind. Spend some time in the last rays of golden sunshine of the autumn. It is good for your skin and bones, and good for your mood.

• This is a great season to treat yourself to a warm, nourishing massage. If it's not possible to get a massage from a professional masseuse, not to worry! Massaging your partner's head and feet before bedtime, or even self-massage of your own head and feet during your shower will have beneficial effects. According to Ayurveda, massage with warm oils individualized to your constitution will help prevent drying of your skin, relax and nourish your muscles, decrease pain in your joints, decrease stress and worry, and increase your sense of well-being. If you do not know your constitution, sesame oil is a good balancing oil for all three doshas.

In conclusion, pay attention to what Mother Nature has to say, and more importantly, what your body innately tells you. This will change from day to day, season to season, and year to year. Stay in sync with yourself – you'll feel the difference!!