Fall is a favorite season for many people. The weather starts to get a little cooler, things begin to slow down and preparations for the holidays are in full swing. For many others, fall is not so festive. Many people get sick during the fall months, allergies can flare up and many don’t like that the hours of sunlight decrease steadily, sometimes leading to seasonal depression.
There are many reasons to get acupuncture during the fall. One of the biggest reasons is to avoid getting sick as the seasons change. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), fall is associated with the lung and large intestine energetic pathways. These two pathways work symbiotically to control the immune system from both the inside and outside of your body. And, if you take good care of these energetic pathways during the fall, you are bound to feel better throughout the season. But just to be sure, getting regular acupuncture treatments might be a good idea. It is recommended to start a couple of weeks before fall really kicks in.
Autumn is associated with the element of metal. According to TCM, the element of metal governs the mind, order, stability and organization. As fall approaches, we tend to be more reflective, turning inward and going into hibernation mode. It’s a great time to organize and prepare for the upcoming winter months. Emotionally, fall is associated with sadness and grief. Therefore, as the nights get longer, it is very important to keep the mind clear and let go of your negative emotions. Acupuncture can be a wonderful tool to help ward off depression, sadness and grief, both before and during the months of fall. Acupuncture treatments help balance moods by regulating hormones in the body.
For those who love the long hours associated with the summer months, fall is not easy to slide into, especially when it comes to sleep. Many people have difficulty going to sleep earlier, which is recommended when the days begin to shorten. This is where acupuncture can be beneficial. Certain acupuncture points are very effective at calming the mind and helping induce rest and relaxation. This is why so many people who receive regular acupuncture tend to take a nap while the treatment is taking place.
Getting a handle on stress before the full swing of the holidays hits is always a good idea. Acupuncture can help with that too. Acupuncture treatments are very relaxing for the majority of people. Around the holidays, people experience high levels of stress. But receiving regular acupuncture treatments ahead of the holidays, will allow for a smooth holiday season.
Lastly, acupuncture can help control, or at least tone down the allergy flare ups that frequently occur during the fall. This goes back to how acupuncture works on the immune system. But many people who suffer from allergies only experience minor symptoms, like a runny nose and watery, itchy eyes. A few little needles can help tremendously with allergy symptoms.
So what are you waiting for? Fall into hibernation mode through the use of acupuncture.
