Transitioning into Autumn through a Holistic Perspective

Today I will like to bring you this small guide that combines some Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine wisdom to have a holistic transition from the last days of summer into Autumn.

I love to tap into the seasons, to witness the beauty and changes of nature from one season to another and to adapt my habits, nutrition and schedules accordingly. So hopefully this short guide will help you tap into nature’s wisdom as well. I like to introduce Ayurvedic habits as well as concepts from Traditional Chinese Medicine, and let the wisdom of these two disciplines guide me through the seasons.

To begin with, according to TCM, Summer is the season of dampness and transformation - a time when the earth yields its harvest, and our bodies mirror this process by digesting, absorbing and transforming nourishment.

Late Summer corresponds to the Earth element, which is tied to balance and stability. The Earth element is in charge of the organ systems of the Spleen and Stomach. The Spleen transforms food and drink into Qi that fuels our bodies, and the stomach is the one that receives nourishment and begins the process of digestion.

Each element is also connected to certain emotions. In this case, the emotion of earth is worry and overthinking, specifically rumination, heaviness, and difficulty finding clarity. Some symptoms of imbalance are over-analyzing or feeling mentally stuck, digestive upset brought on stress or irregular eating. It could also be being out of balance due to fatigue from giving too much without taking care of ourselves.

Symptoms of Imbalance

• Excess worry, overthinking, feeling ungrounded

• Digestion: bloating, nausea, loose stools, poor appetite

• Fatigue, heaviness, brain fog

• Swelling or fluid retention

• Sinus congestion or skin eruptions.

Tips for Staying Healthy according to TCM

Some easy habits that you can incorporate into this transition are:

• Earth-nourishing foods: warm, cooked meals with seasonal vegetables, whole grains, legumes. This ones are the ones you should prefer:

  - Root vegetables: sweet potatoes, carrots, beets

  - Squashes: butternut, zucchini

  - grains: millet, rice, oats, barley

  - Legumes: chickpeas, lentils, peas

  - Fruits: peaches, pears, figs and dates

  - Other sweet foods such as: Corn, yams, chestnuts

• Remember to eat mindfully: take meals at regular times, chew thoroughly and avoid multitasking while you eat

• Keep your body’s temperature while sipping on warm or room temperature drinks and avoid iced beverages

• Move the Qi (which is the energy): walking, qigong, yoga helps to transform dampness and lift the energy. As a woman, incorporate mindful, sensual and nodular movement into your routine to tap more into your senses.

• Nurture the mind: find spaces for silence, rest, and contemplation, or do mindful activities such as journaling, meditation.

Do not forget to hydrate!

Have hot water to nourish the stomach and the spleen. You can use warming spices such as cinnamon, ginger, cayenne pepper in hot water or use herbal teas: specifically astragalus and thyme. You can also Incorporate some herbal teas: specially those made from ginger, licorice to promote digestion and warmth in the body.

Have you been thinking of a detox? It is not a good time for a detox but if you want a gentle restart you can lead towards a mono-diet type of cleanse. Since we require adequate nourishment, it is better to avoid long fasts.

When it comes to the daily routines: incorporating a self-massage routine to calm your nervous system, awaken the tissues and ground your energy. Follow a self-massage routine with a warm and relaxing shower, leaving the oil in your skin so it is absorbed throughout the day. Also… Indulge in your senses by using warming aromas: such as vetiver, geranium and citrus.

Remember to move your body gently, ideally in the early morning and evening. So, you can go for forest walks, biking, jogging, or yoga.

Lean towards adaptogens to support your body, for example: Ashwagandha, which stabilizes the mind and nervous system, and can promote good sleep, better digestion, and good elimination. Support and strengthen your Immunity with herbs such as astralagus, reishi mushroom and ginseng.

Adjust your daily routine to the sun changes: develop a daily routine with regular sleep and meal times to help maintain balance amidst the erratic energy of the season.

Remember that autumn is the season of letting go: physically and emotionally, ruled by the metal element that is associated with grief and sadness. And it is also a time for transformation. Self reflection, journaling, meditating to release old patterns and emotions.

Here, a a few ideas holistic and feminine ideas to add into your routine:

• A cozy autumn night-time routine: prepare a golden milk, light a pumpkin spice candle and start reading a good book, or do some journaling.

• Prepare a good seasonal batch of soup once per week

• Daily walks in a park, and bring mindfulness into the seasonal changes

• Go to a farmers market and pick those delicious pumpkins, oranges and lemons.

• Adapt your skincare to the season: maybe your skin needs richer formulas with thicker, creamier consistencies.

• Romanticise your body care: you can add essential oils like eucalyptus or vanilla to your shower routine.

• Do a Breathwork session as part of your routine to strengthen the lungs and improve energy flow.

I hope you can tap into the seasonal changes through a holistic perspectives and that these ideas have been useful, thank you for reading and I hope to see you here again soon.