health advice for transitioning into the cold seasons

Today the clouds and rain are here, and it leads me to reflect...
As late summer is peaking and transitioning towards fall, it is important for us to observe the changes in nature and reflect them in our own lives and habits. Late summer is a time of fullness, of stillness, of the harvest. Life has been outside, but it is getting ready to move inwards for the cold seasons. Yet it is still full, the fruits are ripe and ready to eat. It is a good time to clean up the yard, to take care of those unfinished projects, to reflect on what we have done over the past year, to enjoy the fruits of those labors, and to begin thinking about how we will approach the coming year.
The cold seasons provide time for inner work, for creative activities like the arts, for learning about new things, for reading, for indoor activities. So especially in the NW where it is such a long cold season, I think it is important to get outside as much as we can in these last few weeks of nice weather. This will help carry us through the rainy season.
This is also a time when animals in nature put on that extra layer of fat for the winter. We may not like this idea so much ourselves, but it is a natural part of the season- fruits and vegetables are plentiful, it is a good time for sharing group meals etc. So don't be too hard on yourself about it. Spring and summer are really the natural times to get active and try to lose weight, we are now getting into the seasons of more internal work.
    So take those walks, try to get up into the mountains if you can, take time to reflect, to enjoy the stillness, enjoy and give thanks for the abundance of fruits and vegies, and take in those last rays of sunshine!

advice for summer colds

A few people have recently asked me for advice on getting over a summer cold, so I wanted to share a quick and easy tea recipe to help you clear out your summer sniffles. This is for a mild cold that may include head or neck- aches, possibly mild fever or chills, and runny nose or congestion.

1) boil water

2) Once the water reaches boiling temperature, take it off the heat and let it cool for 30 seconds (this is the best way to prepare teas made from leaves or flowers).

3) Add mint leaves, ideally fresh, and cover. Use a loose handful (6-10 leaves). When we make medicinal teas, we make them stronger than a normal beverage.

4) Let the tea steep for 5-10 minutes, add a tablespoon of honey, stir, and drink.

       You can drink this throughout the day, but I recommend at least 3 times a day (morning, afternoon, and evening).

    

     If you are feeling strong, you can also try eating spicy foods (like chilies). Then cover yourself up in clothing or a blanket in order to sweat out the cold. This is generally only effective in the first day or two. If you do try to sweat it out, be sure not to expose yourself to the weather for a couple hours after the sweat (and no cold bathing). Also be sure to drink lots of water to replenish your fluids. If this doesn't work the first time, don't try it again. Try something different. Bitter foods like radishes are also a good way to clear out the stagnant energy in the resperatory system associated with colds.

    If you are feeling weak, it is better not to use purging methods as these will only make you weaker. Rather make a tea with ginger, honey, mint, perhaps a little black pepper, and a touch of cinnamon.

    And as always, remember to get plenty of rest and fluids.

good luck,
Keith

welcome to my new blog!

Greetings and welcome to the Hillside Acupuncture and Healing Arts blog. I run an office/ healing center in Seattle, WA, USA dedicated to helping you get the most out of life. I specialize in acupuncture, East Asian Medicine (the new descriptor for Chinese medicine), and qi cultivation (i.e. exercising to build up our vital energy). This blog is meant to be a place to discuss any issues related to natural medicine, keeping ourselves healthy, and whatever else we deem relevant or worthwhile of a post:). I will try to post regular tips on how to stay in harmony with the seasons, so that our vitality can flourish and we can live a full, happy life. We all hit the rough spots, and sometimes we just need a little help or support to get back into the flow of life. Please feel free to contact me through the website (www.hillsideacupuncture.com ) if you have any particular questions or topics you would like me to address.

take care,
Keith Judelman, EAMP