NEWSLETTER FALL 2005

The Changes of Autumn by Cynthia Yaguda L.Ac. O.M.D.

Welcome to Autumn! As the season changes, we experience a radical change in our external environment. We are a part of that environment; traditional Chinese Medicine views the body as an inner reflection of the seasonal change, something which we are “in concert”, or combination, with. What kind of music is playing right now for you?

Western Medicine tries to achieve health through correcting certain specific symptoms . Our bodies have been compartmentalized and we are led to believe that we are composed of separate parts. Many of its treatments are directed towards isolated symptoms. This begins to feel unsatisfactory when we are on a yogic path—we desire to hook up and connect, to feel the intermingling between our “inner” world (sensations, judgements, beliefs, thoughts and emotions) and the “outer” world.

Chinese Medicine views the body as a whole and the imbalances which occur are related to the whole body in some intrinsic way.

The Western view says “What a nuisance! I can't get strawberries in the dead of winter!” The Eastern view says “Enjoy the bounty in your own village!” Chinese Medicine teaches us to be present with our environment and its changes, and to see those changes reflected inside of us. When you really think about it, the average person actually breathes in their environment over 172,800 times per month!

The goal of health is to have a synchronicity with our environment. Sometimes we can feel a state of harmony, but it is not synchronized with our environment. It is a real challenge to experience an integrated harmony when the seasonal change is in a state of flux! Surrender to the changes! You have a natural flow of energy inside your body. You have natural flows and rhythms, just as the earth has her seasonal changes. Sometimes our own rhythms and energy flows get out of whack. Chinese Medicine does an outstanding job of reharmonizing the body when this occurs.

I also am truly appreciative of the gift we are all given, to be able to perceive ourselves with awareness from moment to moment . We may not be who we want to be at every moment, but to perceive ourselves and soften to ourselves in the midst of change is self-nurturing at its finest.

Here are some tools we can all use at this time of year to insure a greater harmony within our bodies, and to keep us healthy through this season:

IMMUNE BOOSTING
The herbal portion of Chinese Medicine is primarily used for illness and disease, but in the over 200 medicinal herbs I keep at my office there are some which have a protective, or immune enhancing effect. Often some of these herbs can be purchased from a health food store as well.

Astragalus root is something I always keep on hand by the pound in my office in the fall. Simmer 3 sticks of Astragalus in 5 cups of water and simmer for 40 minutes, or until 2 cups of liquid remain. Drink 1/2 cup 2 times daily for 2 days, and continue through the season.

Ling Jee mushrooms are a potent immune stimulant. Often they are available in capsules as well. Take 3 capsules 3 times a day. And keep warm!! Drinking warming teas when the weather gets colder will strengthen you. Ginger tea , Mu tea, Yogi tea, and Chai tea all will disperse a chill. Heating up your body in a sauna or steam room or a hot bath will also stimulate a strong immune response.

THE BEST MEDICINE
The best kind of medicine is preventive medicine. We need to incorporate things into our daily lives to keep us healthy! What grows in Nevada County in the Autumn? Peter Selaya, chef/owner of The New Moon Restaurant in Nevada City uses much local and seasonal food in his recipes. “Right now we've got lots of pumpkins, winter squashes, kale, and cabbages.” How about a wonderful butternut squash soup and cabbage cole slaw for supper?

Open to the many changes of the season. It can be a bumpy ride. Take what is outside of you in, and let what is inside of you out. Be Grateful. Be Happy. Be Well.

Cynthia Yaguda has a private practice in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine. She can be reached at 530.272.8935

back to newsletter index