Pumpkin spice is in the air, the crunch of leaves is underfoot, and the West has finally admitted that fall is here.
According to the Huang Di Nei Jing, the Autumnal Equinox seasonal node is the halfway point between the beginning of fall and the beginning of winter. The way we see it is that fall is born in the warmth of August but we don’t really start feeling it until it has grown big enough to notice.
Well, we’re here.
Preventative health techniques for the Autumnal Equinox seasonal node
- Do not expose yourself to the cold. – I know that we’re still waffling between hot and cold weather but this is sock season. And a cardigan if I can convince you. Sheddable layers are your friend. Protecting your kidney channel means that we’re not tapping into your long term supportive energies too soon (not to mention, this is the Fire Rooster month which is a time to build Kidney energy but that’s another post for another time.)
- Get treated now if you tend to run cold or are generally fatigued – Your Chinese medical practitioner can support you with dietary recommendations, herbal tonics, moxa, and acupuncture to make sure this coming winter is as healthy and comfortable as possible.
- Protect your lung yin – Drink soups and and teas and inhale the steam. Put chapstick on your nose. Pull out the humidifier (yes, this early.) Keep those nasal passages moisturized and free.
- Go to bed early and get up “with the chicken” – Keep your circadian rhythm well oiled with good sleep hygiene. In bed by 10 pm. And then up early enough for that morning sunlight to hit your eyes.
Dietary recommendations for the Autumnal Equinox seasonal node
In general, we are looking for things that nourish yin and support the lungs.
Consider fruits like apples (cider, anyone?), peaches, and pears. This is my favorite time of year to have baked pears with walnuts and honey.
Yin nourishing foods like milk, honey, tremella (Bai Mu Er or Cloud Fungus) and black sesame seeds are amazing right now. White sesame seeds will do as well, but those will be more focused on shoring up your energy.
Having sticky or glutinous rice as a side dish or in congees is another way to build up energy.
For now, reduce spicy foods because they consume yin though acrid foods like scallions and onions in your soups can help support your immune function.
This is also the time of year to start steaming or lightly stir-frying your veggies to preserve your yang for the upcoming winter
Moving through the node
As you move through the next two weeks, spend some time thinking about all of the things you have accomplished throughout the year. It is the harvest season after all.
At the same time, think of the things you have let go. Give their memories a grateful pat. Then send them on their way (for more, make sure to check out the Grief blog).
And finally, do internal work. Journal, meditate, find some time to practice a bit of slow living and see how it feels in your body. Set yourself up for success this winter by changing gears now.
The Autumnal Equinox node only lasts for two weeks, so make sure you get your winter preparations in now, because that cold is coming.
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Disclaimer: I am an acupuncturist in the state of Minnesota, and the information falls within my scope of practice in my state. However, unless I have directed you here as your homework I am probably not your acupuncturist. The information in this post is for general purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. As always, check with your own acupuncturist or primary care provider before making any lifestyle changes. This post does not create a patient-practitioner relationship and I am not liable for any losses or damages resulting or relating to the content in this post.
Jessica Gustafson is a licensed acupuncturist in St Paul, MN specializing in women’s health and fertility. She loves working with patients through the Twin Cities Birth Center on Grand Avenue in St Paul and doing home visits in the Twin Cities area. Check out the services page for more information! Follow Reverie Acupuncture on Facebook and Instagram for updates!
