“Fall” Into Health With These 5 Immune-Boosting Tips
#1:
Eat Seasonal Foods
Depending on where you live, it might still be warm or even hot in the beginning of autumn. However, even if the weather still doesn’t feel fall- crisp, start eating more cooked foods, especially stews and soups. In the late summer, people tend to eat more salads and other raw veggies. But raw foods may actually do your body more harm than good. That’s because according to TCM theory, uncooked is very cooling for the body. So, this time of year, in addition to stews and soups, eat yams, sweet potatoes, cooked green veggies such as asparagus and broccoli. You should also eat plenty of seasonal produce such as apples and pears. Try to eat a little garlic, ginger and onions, too. These pungent foods can help build your protective Qi (the immune system.)
#2:
Protect Yourself
It turns out that mom was right—you should bundle up when you go outside. According to TCM theory, Wind and Cold are 2 of the 6 pathogens that can invade the body and weaken your immune system. Going outside in a T-shirt for even a short duration, is all it takes for Wind and/or Cold to weaken your “Protective Qi”, the TCM equivalent of the immune system. In addition to keeping your body warm, another easy way to boost your body’s defenses is by consuming Chinese herbs. One of my favorites for Autumn is “Jade Wind Screen” this ancient and still highly popular herbal remedy boosts the body’s exterior defenses, meaning it doesn’t allow Cold and Wind to penetrate deep within the body.
#3: Boost Lung Qi
Eat warm cooked foods, get more sleep, practice breathing exercises, sing, play a wind instrument ☺ get acupuncture and take Chinese herbs preventively
#4: Drink Water and Tea
As the weather starts getting cooler and dryer, many people forget the importance of keeping the Lungs moist. Drinking water will also benefit the organ that’s paired with the Lungs—the Large Intestines.
By drinking lots of water, your Large Intestines will have an easier time with bowel movements. Keeping your digestive system strong will benefit your overall immunity.
#5: Start Taking It Easy
Although it’s important to get sufficient exercise, it’s equally important during this time of the year to start going within. Take 5-10 minutes at night to meditate. Doing so may help keep your emotions more balanced. That being said, just remember, if you’re feeling a bit sad, there’s no more appropriate time than autumn to have a good cry. Sadness is the emotion associated with autumn and the lungs.
So, if you’re suddenly finding yourself more emotional for no apparent reason, you’re perfectly in tune with nature, according to the 2,500-year-old 5 Element philosophy.