If you take a look outside you may notice that things do not seem as they usually do. The shadows underneath the trees are longer, the days are getting shorter, and the weather is becoming crisper and dryer. Autumn is here, and just as the outside environment begins to the changes, so does the body’s internal environment. To maintain health and happiness, we as individuals must make changes in our daily routines to keep a harmonious balance with the shifting season.  This newsletter is designed to equip our valley, desert and mountain clients with information on how to synchronize our bodies for optimal wellness in the autumn season.

In holistic medicine, autumn corresponds to the Metal element. Metal is a material of war and conflict and corresponds to the organs in our body that are the battle grounds for infections and parasites- the Lungs, Large Intestines, and the Skin. In fact, if you think about it, the Lungs are the inward foldings of the Skin, as is the Large Intestine, so we can think of them all as one generalized organ.

Southern California Autumns bring the notorious Santa Ana winds, and this effects the body in two immediate ways. First, all the dust, pollen, debris and microbes that have been festering all summer become stirred up and carried in the winds, which make their way into the Lungs/Sinuses. Sinusitis, post nasal drip and irritated swollen eyes are all symptoms of this. This is a wonderful time to bring out the netti pot, and begin sinus irrigation, as well as begin herbal therapy for irritation and mucous build up.

Autumn also brings dry air which depletes moisture in the Skin, Lungs and Large Intestine. Our “Cocoa Butter skin balm” and “Golden Myrricle skin cream” are perfect solutions for chapped skin and lips, especially when combined with our “Lilly Bulb skin tonic.”

Cold and Flu season also begins in autumn. To prevent colds and flu it is important to eat right for the season. Spicy warm foods should be eaten whenever possible. Examples of these foods are cinnamon, ginger, hot peppers, garlic and scallions. Using a sauna regularly to encourage lymph movement and sweating out pathogens is also very important. At home hot baths with our “Sweathouse bath salts” will encourage lymph drainage and if used at the very first signs of cold/flu can eliminate them. In addition to the sauna, using dry brushes can move the lymph and simultaneously erase fine line and wrinkles.

Colonics and probiotics greatly help to detox and cleanse the body of parasites, yeast, and many other lingering pathogens. Since autumn is the time that resonates with the Large Intestine, any colonic series done during this season will have an enhanced effect allowing organs to dump toxicity and parasites more readily.  It will also provide more hydration more directly to dry Skin and Lungs.

Emotionally, autumn can be a tricky time for some people. Since autumn marks the recession of maximum light (summer) to maximum dark (winter) we begin to lose some of that Spring/Summer solar energy, making our bodies slower, cooler, and more easily overwhelmed. It is very important to lessen ones emotional baggage at this time. Do just as the Large Intestines do, dump and let go of grudges, grief, and any other emotions that you should not own.  Colonics and Acupuncture, or just a spa day,  can help to manually release emotional baggage and can significantly reduce or prevent a case of autumn depression.

For those that look up at the night sky, after midnight November 20th – 21st you will have a good opportunity to see a shooting star or two.  If you are more of a morning person, pre-dawn multi-colored meteors will be visible on December 12th- 13th.

Be Happy, Health and Safe. by Robert Luna L Ac.