Vital Habits: October 18, 2024 - V34
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Hi Reader, ​ I got fed up with our medical system! I had a broken brain and every clinician I went to wanted just put me on drugs. I knew there had to be a better way to figure out what was really going on in my body. With my health on the edge, I turned to ancient medicinal practices to explore natural, sustainable healing methods. One of the most impactful has been Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). With fall in full force, there’s no better time to share why this ancient practice can be vital to your health. ​ TCM focuses on the holistic balance between our organ systems, energy (qi), and how lifestyle behaviors can sustain homeostasis. While our medical system still labels TCM as an "alternative medicine," it is kind of hard to refute a practice that has been effective for thousands of years. In more recent years, TCM principles have become the backbone of functional and integrative medicine- which I believe will eventually become the primary method of Healthcare. Most importantly, it changed my life. ​ Autumn and Health In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), fall is a season of introspection and transformation—it's a time for "shedding our leaves." Just as trees enter dormancy and animals prepare for hibernation, we too undergo a similar process of inner reflection. While summer invites external expression, movement, and high energy, fall encourages us to turn inward. This season is about harvesting what truly matters and releasing what no longer serves us, allowing us to enhance our health, energy, and relationships while guiding us toward our authentic selves. Fall is a time to clean "inside your house." Letting go of unwanted energy, experiences, thoughts, and emotions. ​ Organ Systems Lungs: Respiratory function, immune health and vitality. The lung system also assists in letting go both physically and emotionally. The exhalation or sigh can help enhance letting go of trauma, grief, loss, angst, frustration, irritability and sadness. Keeping lungs hydrated will prevent the frequency of colds and sinus issues. Large Intestines: Supports digestion, detoxification, and elimination. This is symbolic of removing and letting go of what does not serve us. Eating nourishing foods, staying hydrated, and engaging in gentle movements like qigong, tai chi, and yoga all encourage the elimination process by enhancing circulation, relaxation, and motility–promoting overall digestive health. These practices help us release not only physical waste but also emotional and mental burdens, allowing for a more balanced and revitalized state of being. ​ Nourishing Fall Foods Warm foods, rich broths, and cooked vegetables. Root vegetables and squashes, cabbage, garlic, turnips, winter radishes, greens, spinach, broccoli, pumpkin, carrots, spinach, barley, nuts and seeds, ginger, and honey. Teas and soups are a staple during the fall season to support hydration, gut/brain health, and digestion. ​ Emotions Grief, sadness, weeping, sighing. Using journaling, meditation/visualization, talk therapy, or meeting with a friend can help process these feelings. It is important to allow these feelings to be released in some way in order not to suppress them which can create fertile ground for dis-ease. ​ Nature Maintain a connection with nature to align better with seasonal changes. Morning walks in the park or woods can help assimilate to nature's natural rhythms. Seated or standing meditation outdoors can ground you to the earth's energy. ​ Healing Methods Acupuncture: digestion, immune function, mood regulation, stress, emotional releases, and qi. Sleep: energy, mood, stress and emotional processing, cellular healing Tapping/Massage Lung Meridian: just between your upper pectoral muscle and shoulder joint is Lung 1/2 meridian. with your fingers massage or tap this area for several minutes. This point opens the lungs, frees up chi, and strengthens our immune system. This is also a way to release unwanted emotions like grief or sadness. Digestion Massage:
​ Balloon Breathing
​ Try one or more of these exercises and see how they help you continue striving for optimal health! ​ ​ To the continued pursuit of optimal health, wealth and happiness, Rich ​ NEW EBOOK ALERT! If you’re struggling with stress, anxiety, or burnout, grab my new ebook, The Ultimate Blueprint for Conquering Stress and Anxiety! It’s packed with insights from my own journey to help you tackle these challenges. Plus, I’ve included a curated list of top-notch supplement companies to save you time and ensure you get the best products. (I will be continously improving this product to bring you the most up to date natural solutions)
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