Health, Beauty + Wellness Begins Within
Health, wellness and self-care are especially important as we approach the change in weather. As summer winds down, we are rapidly approaching a season in the Chinese medical system called late summer. This season is short with the transitional period beginning mid-August and lasting until the Autumnal Equinox. Late summer is the phase where things begin to slow down after several months of growth, productivity, and activity. It is the time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the abundance we have created before the preparation of Autumn begins. The season of late summer is correlated to the Earth element and the spleen and stomach organs, which oversee our digestion. The emotions of unbalanced Earth energy are worry and sympathy, which can often manifest itself as anxiety. To maintain and stay balanced with the Earth energy during late summer, it is important to look within yourself and assess how you are feeling. This is also the time to focus on self-care, in particular, diet and exercise.
As we approach into late summer, our balance begins to shift inward, so it is a good time to start building and strengthening our bodies for the upcoming cooler months. This can be done by implementing a diet that incorporates more protein and fat rich foods than what is typically consumed during spring and summer months. This includes consuming more whole grains, nuts and seeds, meat, eggs, and dairy products in addition to nature’s harvest of apples, pumpkins, squashes, and root vegetables. Sesame tahini and cooked beans are also a great source of protein if you do not consume meat or dairy products. Routine exercise is equally as important no matter what activity you do. However, as the cooler weather sets in, you may find your muscles and joints contracting so it is crucial to activate gently before use to keep them loosened. This can be achieved through light stretching exercises, simple yoga poses or even walking.
Finally, with the imminent change in the season, building and optimizing the immune system is essential. If you are prone to fall allergies, or seasonal colds, now is the time to incorporate prevention strategies. Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Herbal formulas are a great way to enhance natural immunity while at the same time addressing any other health concerns. It is important to optimize the immune system before any illness or allergies can settle in. Additionally, the amount of sleep also plays a key role in immune function. Therefore, receiving an adequate amount of sleep (7-9 hours) per night is ideal.
Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine is often overlooked in our current healthcare system, and I would encourage you to include it as part of your health and wellness management plan. If you are interested in exploring how I may help address your personal health concerns or needs, Sacred Spa + Wellness offers wellness acupuncture, a full body treatment customized to fit all your specific health needs.
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Dr. Karen Williams, DACM, L.Ac., O.M. is a nationally board certified and New York State-licensed acupuncturist and herbalist. Karen graduated with a Master of Science Degree with honors in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from the Finger Lakes School of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in Seneca Falls, N.Y., she has more than 3,000 hours of extensive training. She is committed to working with each patient to create a customized and comprehensive treatment plan to obtain the most effective results possible.
