We are not separate from our environment. As the seasons change outside, so do our bodies. Just like a new job or a new relationship, we need a bit of time to "warm up" to the changing climate. I love turning to Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda (traditional Indian Medicine) to help guide me and my clients through this transition. With each tradition over 5,000 years old, I reckon they know what they're talking about!
Observing nature, we can see that the plant life is slowing down and contracting in Autumn, preparing to rest. It is wise for us to follow suit. Simple changes like sleeping a little longer, eating warming foods with longer cooking times (root vegetables, soups, and stews, for example), and looking inward (i.e. paying closer attention to our inner world) will all help to serve us and keep our bodies feeling balanced. Autumn is often windy, dry, and unpredictable - counteract the erratic nature of this season by creating a sense of stability, routine, and groundedness. Warm baths, journalling, quiet alone time, getting outside for a walk, and self-massage are all easy ways to feel more grounded.
Signs of imbalance moving into autumn include:
Anxiety or nervousness
Loneliness
Poor ability to focus or commit
Interrupted sleep
Gas, bloating, or constipation
Dry skin, hair, and/or nails
Weight loss or irregular appetite
Irregular menstruation
Low libido
With knowledge and understanding comes power. BodyTalk leverages both TCM and Ayurveda and uses their principles to to bring our bodies into balance with nature. If any of the above symptoms ring true for you, BodyTalk can provide you with a tailored explanation as to why your body is reacting in that way. As we become aware of the why we allow our bodies to heal naturally, from within, without the use of any drugs or medication. For example, a build up of grief or sadness creates bodily dysfunction. From a TCM perspective, the Metal element (associated with Autumn) becomes imbalanced and this can lead to problems within the lungs and large intestine (i.e. coughing, sinus and lung infections, constipation, IBS, flatulence). Who would have thought all these different aspects were related? Bodytalk has an incredible ability to untangle complex problems and effect healing at a very tangible level.
One last note, if you are interested in learning more about your body I would highly recommend taking an online Dosha Test (it’s like a personality test for your body), it will provide you with invaluable insights. Or if you’d like to get super specific, boost your immune system, and heal imbalances showing up in your body, mind, or life, click here to book in a 1-on-1 BodyTalk session.