One Step Ahead
This was posted on Aug 17th on Substack.
At this time, I feel it is even more important to share the idea of being one step ahead with you, as I have been seeing more people with respiratory issues in the last month.
September 22nd marked the Autumn Equinox, when the length of day and night were equal. Therefore, the night gets longer until the next Spring Equinox.
If we follow and live in accordance with nature, we would slow down our lives. However, the reality is that many people are very busy during this time of the year. Hence, the rise of respiratory illnesses.
"Superior practitioners prevent diseases before they arise; mediocre practitioners treat diseases before they are evident; inferior practitioners treat diseases when they are evident."- Huang Di Nei Jing, "The Yellow Emperor Classic".
In another passage, the text also discussed practitioners should work with the patient to prevent disease one season in advance. For example, treating summer diseases in the spring, so they don't manifest or reduce the severity in the summer.
August 7th marked the first seasonal node of Autumn, and the more drastic temperature contrasts during sunrise and midday in the past week remind us that we are in transition. This shift offers us a perfect opportunity to embody that ancient wisdom of staying "one step ahead" – preparing our bodies and minds for the season to come rather than simply reacting to what we feel.
Some of you might have noticed this change, or you might have felt something within you that has shifted. Whether physical or emotional, these responses are natural during seasonal transitions. Our bodies intuitively know that autumn calls for a different rhythm than summer's expansive energy.
The days grow shorter during Autumn and Winter, making them naturally more introspective seasons. These are times for rest, sleeping longer hours, traveling less, and having fewer desires and preoccupations. In other words, this is when we honor our need to conserve energy, both mentally and physically, rather than pushing against nature's rhythm.
From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, autumn governs the lung organ and meridian, making them most susceptible to imbalance during this season. This can manifest as respiratory issues, skin conditions, and since the lung pairs with the large intestine meridian, making gastrointestinal conditions common concerns as well.
Here are some general guidelines for autumn health practices that embody this preventive approach – small and cost-effective adjustments we can make now to support our wellbeing through the coming months:
1. Go to bed early and wake up early, take a walk upon sunrise or open the window for fresh air to cleanse the lungs (go somewhere with a lot of trees would be ideal). Do not wear sunglasses or sunscreen during your walk, which defeat the purpose when it comes to mitochondria and metabolic health
2. Avoid cold draft on the neck – the back of the neck is susceptible to cold draft and compromise. Recent research also shows that sudden temperature drops in the nostrils can compromise our immune system. Bring a jacket or scarf with you for these colder mornings and evenings. Also, many offices and public places turn the AC high during hotter days, which prevents our bodies from naturally acclimating to weather changes.
3. Take on less tasks and slow down the outward facing life – it is time to harvest whatever has already been done, not to overuse our will and desires. If you think of the long game, this is the moment for us to slow down and recharge, until the spring uprising lifts us up again.
4. For those who need to clear summer damp heat – this can be addressed through acupuncture, herbal medicine, and dietary changes.
5. Consume a variety of seasonal foods – apple, pear, pumpkin, lotus, daikon, pork, almonds, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, etc.
6. For those who tend to train in higher volume (4 days plus), this is a season to start deloading and focus on skill development, such as coordination, motor control skills, sport specific skills, etc.
7. For those who still need to engage in more physical activity, don't let the weather stop you. Dress appropriately and go outside to engage in activities you enjoy.
8. Regarding immune system support and supplements – while supplements can be useful, the practices listed above naturally support your immune system. For those prone to seasonal illness who need extra support, acupuncture or other modalities that help regulate immune response and nervous system can be particularly beneficial.
These insights are shared from a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective for educational purposes and general wellness. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace professional medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider for personalized medical guidance.
Ducks have a strong sense of community, yet very adaptable and resilient animals who are independent, which we can all learn from.