Welcome the Autumnal Equinox and the five-phase element of Metal 金 in traditional Chinese cosmology. We are all a microcosm of nature, the elements, and seasons. With the arrival of fall we enter into the transformational phase of the Alchemist. Lung and Large Intestine are the Yin-Yang paired organ systems that are most sensitive to seasonal excesses of dryness and contracting tendencies of fall. Typical fall-related ailments that we see include allergies, common colds, sinus problems, skin problems, grief/sadness, changes in bowel movements, fatigue, and depression. Maintain your health utilizing Chinese medicine.

4 Reasons We Get Sick In The Fall

If you feel like you experience seasons where you just can’t catch a break and continuously fall ill, there’s likely a few areas you may be shortcutting yourself and your immune system. And a worse-than-usual flu season may not be, solely, where the blame should lie.

Here are 4 ways you could be weakening your immune system and how to combat that.

Vitamin D Deficiency

Not only is Vitamin D helpful in staving off or reducing your chances of getting cancer, but it also guards against colds and flu as well as helping to combat risk of infection.

So how do you get more Vitamin D if you feel like you’re not getting enough? From the sun! Not only does it provide your body with this essential vitamin, but it also helps to balance your Qi (vital life energy). That in turn helps nourish our Kidney energy, which helps to give your body warmth, thus keeping your tissues and organs functioning properly.

Not enough sun? Not to worry! Pick up some Bio-D-Mulsion supplement here.

Lacking In Sleep

The National Heart Blood and Lung Institute states that “during sleep, your body is working to support healthy brain function and maintain your physical health.” In children and teens, sleep also helps support growth and development. The damage from sleep deficiency can occur in an instant (such as a car crash), or it can harm you over time. For example, ongoing sleep deficiency can raise your risk for some chronic health problems, including an improper balance of Cytokines. Cytokines are inflammation and infection targeting proteins both produced and released during sleep. In short, skipping that shut eye can affect how well you think, react, work, learn, and even get along with others.

The National Sleep Foundation suggests the following sleep range based on your age:
Newborns (0-3 months): Sleep range narrowed to 14-17 hours each day (previously it was 12-18)
School age children (6-13): Sleep range widened by one hour to 9-11 hours (previously it was 10-11)
Teenagers (14-17): Sleep range widened by one hour to 8-10 hours (previously it was 8.5-9.5)
Adults (18-64): Sleep range is 7-9 hours (new age category)
Older adults (65+): Sleep range is 7-8 hours (new age category)

Trouble getting and staying asleep? Get some help with regenerative sleep. Grab some Alpha-Theta Ultra PM .

Wishing everyone health, stability, and well-being,
In better health,
Steven Sonmore, Licensed Acupuncturist
https://stevensonmore.com/