Harmonize with the Seasons According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Did you know the seasons have a profound impact on your health and wellbeing according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)? 

From a TCM perspective, we should aspire to live in harmony with the seasons to promote balance in our bodies. Acupuncture, nutrition, exercise, and other lifestyle modifications are great ways to support your health and wellbeing through these seasonal transitions.

Spring

Spring is all about growth and new beginnings, so rise early with the sun and be mindful of how you show up and express yourself in the world.

In TCM, we associate Spring with:

• Wood element

• Liver & Gallbladder

• Green

• Wind

• Birth

• Sour flavors

• Eyes

• Sinews

• Anger

Ways you can harmonize your health in Spring:

• Incorporate foods like rice, buckwheat, garlic, basil, fennel, marjoram, rosemary, dill, spinach, celery, sprouts, legumes, seeds, beets, carrots, radishes, and green tea

• Brisk walks outside in the fresh air

• Stretching, tai chi, qigong, or yoga

• Prioritize sleep

• Clean and declutter your space for a fresh start

Summer

Summer is a period of brightness and outward activity. Take advantage of the sunlight and get outside, work, play, travel, and enjoy what is around you.

In TCM, we associate Summer with:

• Fire element

• Heart & Small Intestine

• Red

• Heat

• Growth

• Bitter flavors

• Tongue

• Blood Vessels

• Joy

Ways you can harmonize your health in Summer:

• Incorporate foods like wheat, barley, sprouts, cucumbers, tomatoes, endives, spinach, salads, tofu, apples, watermelon, lemons, limes, pears, pineapples, tangerines, cherries, strawberries, goji berries, flower teas, and green tea

• Incorporate moderate exercise and try to avoid oversweating and over exertion

• Stay hydrated

• Listen to your body and take it easier on hot days

Late Summer

Did you know there’s a season called Late Summer in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)? This season marks the transition period between Summer and Fall. Embrace the natural rhythms of the transition period between the outgoing energy of Summer and incoming energy of Fall through centering practices like meditation and breath work.

In TCM, we associate Late Summer with:

• Earth element

• Spleen & Stomach

• Yellow

• Dampness

• Maturity

• Sweet

• Mouth

• Flesh

• Rumination/Worry

Other ways you can harmonize your health in late Summer:

• Incorporate foods like millet, rice, corn, carrots, cabbage, garbanzo beans, soybeans, squash, potatoes, string beans, yams, tofu, sweet potatoes, peas, apricots, and cantaloupe.

• Try some centering practices like meditation and breathwork to help you ground through this seasonal transition

Autumn

Autumn is the harvest season, so take this time to pull inward and nourish your mind, body, and soul as you plan for the winter ahead.

In TCM, we associate Autumn with:

• Metal element

• Lung & Large Intestine

• White

• Dryness

• Withdrawal

• Acrid, Pungent, Spicy

• Nose

• Body hair

• Grief

Ways you can harmonize your health in Autum:

• Incorporate foods like oats, millet, rice, corn, carrots, radishes, olives, pickles, leeks, sauerkraut, tofu, lemons, limes, grapefruits, sour apples, sour grapes, pears, peanuts, cinnamon, ginger, vinegar, rosehip tea, cheese, yogurt

• Make sure to bundle up with a scarf and coat to protect you from wind and cold which carry pathogens and illness into our bodies

• Dry your hair before leaving the house to help keep the body warm and the cold out

Winter

Winter is the end of the cycle of seasons. Honor this introspective time by storing your physical energy and refining your sense of spirit through rest, meditation, and gathering with loved ones.

In TCM, we associate Winter with:

• Water element

• Kidney & Urinary Bladder

• Black

• Cold

• Dormancy/Death

• Salty flavors

• Ears

• Bone

• Fear

Ways you can harmonize your health in Winter:

• Incorporate foods like hearty soups, whole grains, oats, quinoa, roasted nuts, black beans, kidney beans, asparagus, steamed greens, grapes, seaweed, miso, poultry, beef, and duck.

• Add gentle, restorative indoor activities like qigong or yoga

• Try seasonal outdoor activities like snow shoeing, ice skating, or skiing

• Keep the feet warm with socks or slippers to keep the cold out

Looking for extra support to boost your health and wellbeing during the seasonal shifts? Schedule your free 30 minute consultation with us in Saco, Scarborough or virtually today!

Learn more about our Acupuncture services in Saco and Scarborough, Maine and meet our Acupuncturists HERE!

At Root to Rise Physical Therapy & Pelvic Health, we believe in a holistic approach to physical therapy.  Our Acupuncturists are specialized in treating hormone conditions and fertility support.  We are located in Scarborough, Saco, and Bath, and are here to support you!

At Root to Rise Physical Therapy & Pelvic Health, we believe in a holistic approach to physical therapy, pelvic floor therapy, acupuncture, and therapeutic yoga. We are located in Scarborough, Saco, and Bath, and are here to support you!

~Dr. Jenn & The Root To Rise Team