Fall is an excellent time to start receiving acupuncture!
The changing of the seasons can be taxing on the body, and in the Autumn, the Lungs and Large Intestine are most impacted. Dryness is the environmental state of the fall, and lungs are especially susceptible to its negative effects(think of forest fires that can impact us so much this time of year). Nourishing the Lungs with acupuncture and herbs will help strengthen the body's immune system for the incoming flu season. It will also allow the Large Intestine to release (energetically, emotionally, physically) what no longer serves us.
The emotion associated with the fall is grief, and letting go is a healthy (though sometimes challenging) thing to do right now. Going inwards and embracing the darkness of the longer nights ahead is natural and healthy.
One formula I especially like for an immune system boost this time of year is Yu Ping Feng San, or Jade Windscreen. It contains Astragulus, known as Huang Qi in Chinese, a powerful Qi tonic that stregnthens the exterior/defensive qi level. This is a great formula to take *before* getting sick, one of the only formulas used preventatively in TCM. To get such a formula, just let me know during your intake, and we can get it prescribed to you!
The weather this season has been so lovely, I was lucky enough to get out and see some spawning salmon in Welches last Wednesday. Here is a photo of me then! Salmon are a great reminder of the energy of fall, contracting, coming back, the ending of a cycle. What a beautiful thing to be apart of!
In health,
Erin Cranford, LAc, MAcOM
Winding Willow Acupuncture & Wellness - 1540 Se Clinton St. Portland, OR 97202 - 503.914.2747