In Traditional Chinese Medicine, each season is associated with different organ systems. Fall is associated with the Lung system.

The Lungs are traditionally connected not only with breathing, but also with the body's exterior defenses.

Chinese medicine describes a type of protective energy called Wei Qi, sometimes translated as "defensive Qi." You can think of Wei Qi as the body's protective barrier against outside influences.

While Wei Qi isn't the same thing as the immune system in modern biomedical terms, the concept has historically guided Chinese medicine's approach to seasonal wellness and prevention.

During fall, treatment may therefore focus on strengthening and supporting the systems associated with Lung Qi, digestion, energy, sleep, and resilience based on each person's individual presentation.

Acupuncture isn't a substitute for vaccination, appropriate medical care, good nutrition, sleep, or basic infection-prevention measures. Instead, it can be one part of a comprehensive approach to staying well.

Depending on the individual, acupuncture treatments during the fall may focus on:

• Managing stress and helping the body relax
• Supporting healthy sleep
• Addressing fatigue and low energy
• Supporting healthy digestion
• Managing seasonal allergy symptoms
• Supporting respiratory comfort
• Helping you feel more balanced during seasonal transitions

Chinese medicine is individualized, which means two people coming in for "immune support" may receive very different treatments.

One of the things we love about Chinese medicine is that acupuncture is only one part of the picture.

Depending on your needs, a seasonal wellness plan may incorporate acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, moxibustion, cupping, dietary recommendations, and lifestyle guidance.

Moxibustion

Moxibustion, often simply called moxa, uses the warming properties of the herb Artemisia near specific acupuncture points. In Chinese medicine, it is traditionally used to warm and strengthen the body, support Qi, and address patterns associated with cold or deficiency.

Cupping

Cupping may also be incorporated when appropriate, particularly for muscle tension and certain respiratory presentations. Many patients associate cupping with athletes, but it has been used within Chinese medicine for centuries.

Chinese Herbal Medicine

Chinese herbal medicine provides another highly individualized tool. Herbal formulas may be selected differently depending on whether we're focusing on seasonal wellness or addressing symptoms that have already developed.

Herbs aren't automatically appropriate for everyone, especially if you're pregnant, undergoing fertility treatment, taking prescription medications, or managing a medical condition. That's why herbal recommendations should be individualized rather than chosen simply because a product says "immune support."

Don't Forget the Kitchen

As we transition from summer into cooler weather, this can be a good time to move away from an abundance of cold, raw foods and incorporate more warm, cooked, nutrient-dense meals.

Think soups, stews, broths, cooked vegetables, squash, sweet potatoes, oats, rice, beans, lentils, pears, ginger, scallions, garlic, and warming herbal teas.

It doesn't have to be complicated. Sometimes seasonal wellness starts with something as simple as getting enough sleep and replacing an iced breakfast on a chilly morning with a warm bowl of oatmeal.

When Should You Start?

You don't have to wait until November or December—or until everyone around you is coughing and sneezing.

Late summer and early fall are excellent times to begin thinking about seasonal wellness.

If you've noticed that you tend to feel run-down every fall and winter, experience frequent seasonal illnesses, struggle with allergies, or simply want to be more proactive about your health, this is a great time to talk with your acupuncturist.   

Your Fall Tune-Up at Lotus

At Lotus Acupuncture & Wellness, our goal isn't simply to treat you when something hurts. Chinese medicine gives us an opportunity to look at the bigger picture—your sleep, stress, digestion, energy, lifestyle, and the seasonal changes happening around you.

Your fall treatment might include acupuncture alone or a combination of acupuncture, herbs, moxibustion, cupping, nutritional guidance, and other Chinese medicine therapies depending on your individual needs.

Don't wait until you're already feeling depleted to start taking care of yourself.

This fall, consider giving your body a seasonal tune-up and heading into cold and flu season feeling rested, nourished, and supported.