Why You’ve Been Doing Fall All Wrong: TCM Edition

Dietary Missteps: The Foods and Herbs You Should (and Shouldn’t) Be Consuming

The No-Nos:

• Pumpkin Spice Lattes: While pumpkin itself is a good fall food, the sugar and caffeine in these popular drinks can disrupt your Qi (energy flow).
• Ice Cream: Cold foods can dampen digestive fire, which is a big no-no in TCM, especially as the weather cools.
• Raw Salads: Cold and raw foods can also weaken the digestive system, making it harder for your body to process nutrients.
• Tomatoes: These are considered too “cooling” for the fall season in TCM.

The Go-Tos:

• Ginger: This warming herb is excellent for stimulating digestion and improving circulation.
• Cinnamon: Another warming spice, cinnamon, can help balance blood sugar levels and improve digestion.
• Sweet Potatoes: These are nourishing and warming, making them perfect for strengthening the spleen and stomach in TCM terms.
• Pears: In TCM, pears are good for nourishing lung Yin, which can be beneficial as the dry fall air sets in.
• Goji Berries: These berries boost the immune system and are considered a balanced food in TCM.

By swapping out some of the common fall foods and herbs that are not TCM-friendly with these recommended options, you can align your diet more closely with Traditional Chinese Medicine principles. This will not only make your fall more enjoyable but also healthier!

Lifestyle Choices: The Do’s and Don’ts According to TCM

The Don’ts:

• Overexercising: While staying active is important, excessive cardio can deplete your Qi and Yin energy, making you more susceptible to illness.
• Late Nights: Staying up late can disrupt your body’s natural rhythms and deplete your kidney energy, which is essential for overall health in TCM.
• Ignoring Rest: Skipping out on rest days or not taking time to relax can lead to an imbalance of energies in your body.
• Stress Overload: High stress levels can disrupt the flow of Qi and create imbalances in your body, making you more prone to illness.

The Do’s:

• Moderate Exercise: Activities like Tai Chi, Qi Gong, or gentle yoga can help maintain a balanced flow of Qi.
• Early Bedtime: According to TCM, it’s beneficial to go to bed early and rise early, especially in the fall, to align with the natural rhythms of the sun.
• Mindfulness and Meditation: Taking time to relax and focus can help maintain a balanced flow of Qi and reduce stress.
• Warm Baths: Soaking in a warm bath with Epsom salts or essential oils like lavender can help relax your muscles and improve your flow of Qi.

By making these simple lifestyle adjustments, you can better align your daily routine with TCM principles. This will help you enjoy a more balanced and harmonious fall season.

Immunity Boosters: What Works and What Doesn’t According to TCM

The Don’ts:

• Overuse of Vitamin C: While Vitamin C is good for you, too much can actually be counterproductive and create imbalances in TCM terms.
• Energy Drinks: These may promise quick immunity boosts, but they can disrupt your Qi and Yin energy, making you more susceptible to illness.
• Ignoring Gut Health: Many people focus on quick fixes and ignore the importance of a healthy gut, which is crucial for strong immunity in TCM.

The Do’s:

• Astragalus Root: This herb is a staple in TCM for boosting Qi and strengthening the immune system.
• Reishi Mushrooms: Known for their immune-boosting properties, these mushrooms also help balance Qi.
• Bone Broth: Rich in nutrients and easy to digest, bone broth is excellent for strengthening the spleen and stomach, which in turn boosts immunity.
• Green Tea: Full of antioxidants, green tea can help detoxify the body and improve the flow of Qi, thereby enhancing your immune system.
• Acupressure: This traditional Chinese practice can help balance the flow of Qi, making your immune system more robust.

By incorporating these TCM-approved immunity boosters into your fall routine, you can strengthen your body’s natural defences and better prepare for the season ahead.

Mind-Body Connection: The Missing Link in Your Fall Routine

The Don’ts:

• Ignoring Emotional Health: Many people focus solely on physical health and ignore the emotional aspect, which is crucial for overall well-being in TCM.
• Neglecting Mindfulness: Skipping practices like meditation or mindfulness can lead to a disrupted flow of Qi.

The Do’s:

• Deep Breathing: Simple deep breathing exercises can help balance your Qi and reduce stress.
• Mindfulness Meditation: Taking 5-10 minutes daily to meditate can improve your emotional well-being and Qi flow.
• Positive Affirmations: Repeating positive affirmations can help balance your emotional state, which balances your Qi.

Last fall, my friend Sarah was feeling out of sorts. She was eating all the pumpkin spice treats, staying up late binge-watching shows, and ignoring her emotional health. She caught a cold, felt constantly tired, and was emotionally drained.

After a chat about TCM, Sarah decided to make some changes. She swapped her pumpkin spice latte for a warm ginger tea and went to bed earlier. She also incorporated Astragalus root into her diet and began a simple mindfulness meditation routine.

Within weeks, she noticed a significant change. Not only did her cold disappear, but she also felt more energized and emotionally balanced. She realized that by aligning her fall routine with TCM principles, she was able to enjoy the season to its fullest while staying healthy both physically and emotionally.

By focusing on the mind-body connection and incorporating TCM principles into your fall routine, you can achieve a more balanced and fulfilling season.