Getting ready for Autumn
Melbourne is renowned for its unpredictable weather and four seasons in one day, so the recent stint of cooler days is only a little surprising (although not at all welcome). Thankfully, the weather is warming up over the next week or so and we will be seeing more of the summer we deserve. Still, it’s given us a taste of what's to come (please don't blame the messenger).
Recently I’ve noticed a lot of patients coming in who have or who are coming down with a virus of some sort.The transition from one season to the next can be a difficult time for our bodies-they have to work harder to adapt to the shifting temperatures and altered external conditions. This is thought to be because the body’s Qi (or life force) frequency falls out of harmony with the changing frequency of the season/s.
This imbalance can make us more vulnerable to colds and other illnesses, as our immune systems find it more difficult to adjust the changes in our environment. Acupuncture can be especially beneficial at these times of seasonal volatility—especially at the cusp of summer-to-autumn and winter-to-spring.
Autumn is also connected with the element of metal in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which controls the lungs (and so all of the respiratory system). Chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma can flare up and this is also a time when colds/flus are more prevalent in our community.
Acupuncture therapy may help to prevent or reduce cold/flu symptoms and reduce the length of time you have a cold or other virus. If you find yourself struggling with your health more than usual as we head into autumn, consider scheduling an appointment for acupuncture, so you can better prepare yourself for the coming changes.
Michelle Bryceland
Acupuncture & Wellness
