SHIFT AND TRANSITIONS INSIDE OUT IN THE SEASONS
It always amazes me how with the passing of late September into early October there is a somewhat melancholic shift in the emotional field of people. More sadness - fear of separation - expressions of grief. Just after the peak of harvest - this wonderful abundance of peaches, apples and the beginning of prevalence of yellow and orange root vegetables. All the "ornaments" flowers and leaves are at their peak of color and richness while making way for the "knowing" of how this abundance will too soon get blown away by the cooler winds and rains of autumn!
Chinese literature is full of descriptions of this process - and we know it in our hearts.
The organ systems that are particularly associated with the fall are the Lung organ system
and the Large Intestine.
The emotions that pertain to the these systems are sadness and grief - sense of loss and, depending of the balance in the person: the ability to let go and the understanding of boundaries.
So, there we have a clear explanation of why such feelings appear to be prevalent during this season as human being reflect their microcosmos within the macrocosmos of the Universe. In my many years of practicing acupuncture I have encountered this rythem and breath of life over and over again. People might be closer to tears - can't let go and forget of something they feel they did not want or deserve and any variation of this theme.
Maybe it stands to reason then why root vegetables help us ground in this vulnerability and greater emotional frailty.
Mother nature must have known because there are plenty of sweet potatoes, butternut squash, pumpkins and seeds as well as carrots and parsnips to help us ground and "be rooted".
Physical issues often pertain to the Lungs and the Large Intestine: so we have increase in allergies (beginning with golden rod)
asthma and breathing difficulties. Sometimes people will experience breathing difficulties right at the time on the Chinese Clock that pertains to the Lungs (from 3 to 5AM or possibly difficulties around Bowel Movements between 5 and 7AM.
So, In the fall - more than ever, it becomes us to do breathing exercises - increase our Yoga practice for opening our ribcages and B R E A T H E. Try it this season and rejoice at the fruits of your efforts. Also Acupressure is useful - you can rub and "pummel" the point LI4 halfway in the web between the thumb and index finger; or at LU9 around the radial artery at the wrist crease. Lastly there is the point LU10, midway on the fleshy part of the pad of the thumb. (the latter point is helpful with sore throat - loss of voice, also fever, etc.)
Sense of humor is also very important in this time when everything seems to have to let go - even if we don't "want to"!
Smiling and laughing about our selves helps! - I have learned that and whenever I rediscover smiles and laughter - I feel happier and relieved! Life is so much easier and truly abundant with possibilities and even choice of how we want to feel.
Even in the fall when everything appears to be vanishing.......
only to make room for the next installment of our learning.
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