Autumn: arguably one of the most enjoyable seasons in terms of temperature. We have officially arrived at more consistently cooler weather, leaves are changing colors, and boots, sweaters, and all things cozy are coming out of our storage closets. Autumn is a gorgeous season, and sometimes, if we’re lucky, the Colorado skies grant us a full month (or two, fingers crossed) before it starts to feel more like winter.Along with the pizzazz of pumpkin spice and the enchanting delicacy of adorning earth tones, we unfortunately are used to seeing a spike in colds and flus with this cooler season.
Organs we focus on in Autumn in Acupuncture:
Not to worry! There are many ways to support yourself this autumn. We believe this fall may be the best time to focus on your Liver, in both a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), as well as allopathic perspective. Normally fall is dedicated to the Lung and Large Intestine organs, but we feel it appropriate to also focus on the Liver.
October is Liver Awareness Month, a movement started by the American Liver Foundation (ALF), the largest US non profit organization promoting liver health and liver disease prevention. The ALF was formed in 1976, and since then has been funding countless research projects and supporting the education of the masses as to the dangers of liver disease. With over 100 different types of liver disease, the ALF has continued to stress the importance of prevention, rather than just treatment, and a thorough education is the best way to spread the word on how to avoid disease in the first place.
As mentioned before, the Autumn months are traditionally linked to the Metal element, and thus, the Lungs and the Large Intestine. However, with the pandemic and its lingering effects being rather untraditional and still prominent, we thought it appropriate, as Spring of 2020 year was when the majority of our Liver Qi (or the energy associated with the Liver organ and the spring season) began to significantly stagnate. So it seems befitting, thus, to take notice of the effects of Liver season carrying through, even into the Fall.
Why Should I Care About My Liver Now?
In terms of TCM, Liver is known as the “Commanding General” of the body, boasting over 500 different functions. The Liver is an organ that plays a huge role in connection with stress and emotional trauma. Admittedly, we are taking a slight departure from the traditional representation of the seasons by focusing on the Liver. Liver and Gallbladder are the paired organs that relate to Spring, not Fall. In Liver Qi Stagnation, Liver Qi becomes “stuck,” as a result of stress and blocked emotions. Irritability, frustration, anger and depression can all result from Liver Qi Stagnation. If the stagnation is not dealt with appropriately, these stagnant emotions can begin to amplify, leading to other symptoms.
What Foods Will Support These Organs?
In addition to herbs and acupuncture, a healthy balanced diet can play a huge part in helping individuals avoid both liver disease and Liver Qi Stagnation. The ALF reports that a “balanced diet” includes foods from all food groups, including grains, meat, dairy, fruits, vegetables and fats, but stresses moderation and paying attention to the body’s individual needs. In fact, an unhealthy diet and being overweight often leads to one of the most common types of liver disease — Fatty Liver Disease. Everything a person consumes, including food, drink, and even the air we breathe, passes through their liver. The liver transforms food and drink into energy, simultaneous cleaning the blood as it passes through. This is why keeping the liver healthy is so important; we only have one, and without one that can function properly, we would perish.
In TCM, we promote diets that are not just healthy, but appropriate for the season. As the weather cools, TCM stresses the importance of consuming warmer foods, to keep the digestion happy. Yes, salads may seem like a healthy option, but a diet of salads every single day will hurt digestive function over time, whereas taking the time to cook or warm your fruits and vegetables in the cooler months of the year will support digestive function. Like western medicine, TCM also recommends avoiding greasy fried foods and over-processed junk foods, overly sweet and sugary foods, as well as keeping alcohol intake to a minimum. Excessive alcohol consumption can damage liver cells, and can ultimately lead to the build up of fat in the liver, inflammation, swelling, and scarring. This can lead to fatty liver disease, alcoholic hepatitis, and liver cirrhosis, respectively. Care should be taken with alcohol especially for those taking medications. The combination of alcohol and pharmaceuticals can be extremely damaging for the liver, and the results can often be fatal. Green tea is a good alternative to support liver function, with lots of antioxidant qualities. Garlic, beets, grapefruit, and carrots can also promote overall liver function. Finally, avoiding eating late at night, or less than 2 hours before bedtime, can aid the liver in cleaning and repairing itself while our bodies sleep.
Now it’s time to focus on the organs of autumn! By eating according to the season, we can avoid many illnesses and diseases. If we continue to eat raw, cold foods during the cooler fall and winter months, then we set ourselves up for digestive problems, colds, sinus infections and even painful joints. When a person eats seasonally, they will inevitably notice that certain foods are no longer abundant or available. During fall, one should fill his or her cupboards with dried foods, heavy grains, seeds, roots and squashes. Foods that are nourishing to the lungs are very important during fall. Since many people get sick during these months, lung tonifying foods can be very beneficial. Below is a list of beneficial foods to eat in the fall season:
Garlic
Sweet potatoes
Ginger
Onion
Cabbage
Pears
Walnuts
Black pepper
Radish
Rice
Chili
Cinnamon
Cardamom
Leeks
Mico
Navy beans
Soy beans
Almonds
Asparagus
Broccoli
Cucumber
Celery
Mustard greens
Apricot
Banana
Eggs
Sourdough bread
Sauerkraut
Olives
Pickles
Vinegar
Cheese
Yogurt
Lemons
Limes
Grapefruit
Apples
Plums
Grapes
By treating yourself to the healthy habits of eating well, taking herbs that promote Liver Qi movement, and getting regular acupuncture which can support your Liver’s ability to regenerate itself, we may prevent Liver Qi Stagnation, and keep liver function at top condition this upcoming season. Get in touch with your acupuncturist to schedule a treatment, or to have a conversation about diet and herbs that are best for you!