Tips for autumn PLUS 4 autumn foods you should have and what your looks say about your health
Ka Hang Leoungk | pointspace

Hello there...


It’s been a great summer but autumn is officially here. Soon the clocks will be going back, are you ready?



Prepare for the new season

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) autumn signifies the transition from the active and flowering spring and summer to a more passive season. This is the time to harbour your resources while getting rid of any excesses. Imagine it as your body’s way of preparing for hibernation after a season of hunting and gathering.



Last month I advised you to bring forward your health resolutions instead of waiting for deepest, greyest January to implement a new exercise regime. Here in London at least, it seems even the nice sunny weather was trying to encourage a bit of activity.

It may not seem like it when it’s raining a monsoon outside, but autumn is defined by dryness – think of leaves crinkling underfoot – which can play havoc with your skin. As the weather gets colder and wind picks up, you need to defend yourself from respiratory infections and protect from dry skin. I always recommend wearing a scarf at this time as the neck is especially vulnerable to invasions of cold and wind. 
 
While all the back to school promotions in shops have filtered outside of schools with people getting down to business and the manic chaos of London Fashion Week in the papers, it’s important to remember that you shouldn’t be overexerting yourself either. Plan and prioritise if you tend to find yourself swamped or make sure you set some time aside for social activities.
 
Shops are already selling Halloween decorations (and the treats which we will promptly ignore) and you can look forward to pumpkins and squashes which are in season later on in the month. Soups are probably the easiest way to take advantage of these warming vegetables which help nourish the qi, but you can also try them in stews.

Last year, in a moment of madness, I made a pumpkin pie fit for an American Thanksgiving meal. I added in nutmeg and cinnamon and it gave off a lovely aroma that was also warm and nourishing. Remember not to over do it with the cream or ice cream.

Want to read more? More tips for a healthy and happy autumn


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If you enjoyed this, then be sure to visit the blog The Happy Acupuncturist to read more articles, tips and health news.




4 autumn foods = Weight loss, heart health and immunity 

As the foliage starts to turn colors, we may notice a change in the foods our bodies crave. The desire for an ice popsicle just might be replaced by a yearning for a warm bowl of soup. In Chinese medicine consuming foods that correspond to each season is thought to create harmony and balance. Fruits and vegetables contain the most concentrated nutrients and flavor when they are consumed in season. Autumn is the perfect time to try new produce that is packed with delicious phytochemicals to keep your taste buds and health in shape throughout the entire season! Read more



What your looks say about your health

Good health often is reflected in an attractive, youthful appearance. So you might be tempted to blame aging and stress for facial lines, unsightly fingernails, or hair loss when, in fact, these flaws can signal underlying health issues, says integrative medicine specialist Molly M. Roberts, MD, of the Institute for Health & Healing, in San Francisco, and president of the American Holistic Medical Association. Read more


 

Apple, table, penny

Health is one of the most important things you have but memories are what make you who you are. These very abstract yet so very tangible things (the smell of freshly baked cookies, the way the light hits that jasmine plant, the sound of sprinklers) are the fabric of you, just as important as the bones and muscles and tendons in your body. So can you imagine if you lost them? Read more



Read past issues from the newsletter archive.



Referrals

If you have been kind enough to refer someone to me – I want to say a big THANK YOU. That is the highest compliment and it’s warmly appreciated every time.



Other news:  Just a reminder

Appointments are available only on Tuesdays at
Neal’s Yard Remedies on King’s Road, 020 7225 2842.
 
For all other days, you can book a treatment at
The Hale Clinic 020 7631 0156.
 
More information can be found on my website www.pointspace.co.uk.



And finally...

Prepare for the shorter days by surrounding your home with plants. Try the Zanzibar gem (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) for the ultimate low-maintenance plant (seriously, they can handle dim light or bright light and only need to be watered a few times a year). For an extra dash of colour, nothing beats the exotic Chinese lantern plant (physalis alkekengi) with its gorgeous papery “lanterns” that go from green to orange. Cut them to dry for an autumnal display or wait for it to turn into a lacy surprise.



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That's all for this month... 

As always, you can email me at hello@pointspace.co.uk about anything you’ve read here, and please do share this with your friends and family.

Have a great month!


Ka Hang
 

 


 

Coming Next Month

Six stretches to do at your desk



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