Embracing Autumn & Winter

Spice Up Your Life...

As the leaves change color and drift from the trees, Autumn offers a gentle reminder to let go and move on. Lately, warm, nourishing meals and hot, spicy drinks have been a recurring theme in QHHT when people seek advice on supporting their health.

In Daoist philosophy behind Qi Gong, Autumn is linked to spicy foods and Winter to salty ones. Autumn is connected to the lungs, while Winter relates to the kidneys. Eating garlic nourishes our beneficial gut bacteria, and chilli boosts our metabolism. Both garlic and chilli support the immune system and help fend off the cold, damp congestion of mucus. A charming film that showcases the healing power of spice in food is Master Cheng.

This time of year is perfect for getting cosy, but it’s also a great opportunity to immerse ourselves in nature. Taking walks that clear our minds can leave us feeling refreshed and energised when we return home. After all, as the saying goes, there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.

The Body Clock...

While getting outside might take more effort, the restorative benefits feel even greater. If you can, try a dawn or sunset walk for the most energising part of the day under mauve skies. Or head out at noon to soak up the sunshine or enjoy the calm of a peaceful grey. Switch on your mindfulness and savour the gentle mizzle on your face.

The big moons this time of year seem to play with our sleep. Difficulty drifting off or staying asleep is often a first sign of stress, thus an opportunity to take action for our wellbeing. Many ‘early birds,’ who get their deepest REM sleep early in the night, tend to wake around 3 a.m. In Daoist tradition, waking between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m. suggests the liver is working overtime to detox, especially noticeable after drinking alcohol. Like the moon, our energy naturally waxes and wanes throughout the day. From 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., linked to the pericardium, is considered a great time for a foot massage, cosy socks, or even some intimate moments.

The Micro Joys...

For a cozy evening ambiance at home, try using Cedarwood Atlas in a diffuser. During the day, shake off that afternoon slump with the refreshing scent of neroli orange blossom or grapefruit essential oil. Just remember to always dilute essential oils in a carrier oil or lotion.

Like all seasons, there are plenty of micro joys to be had in Winter!