What To Eat This Fall To Stay Healthy According To TCM

As a holistic medicine, TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) puts a huge emphasis on living in harmony with our natural environment in order to maintain health and encourage longevity. It is recommended to have a diet that includes foods that are local to your area and in season, and each season has specific foods that are beneficial to your health. I will help you find the ones that you should be eating this fall.

Spicy (Pungent) Flavors: Spicy or pungent foods are good to circulate the body’s Qi and Blood. They are also beneficial for the Lung organ, particularly if there is congestion which can be typical of the fall. The Lungs are the organs related to this season making them more vulnerable to illness. That’s why we start to see more people with colds and fall allergies now.

  • Garlic and Onions

  • Curry

  • Ginger

  • Peppers

  • Cinnamon

  • Horseradish

  • Nutmeg

  • Cayenne

  • Turnips

  • Parsnips

  • Daikon Radish

  • Cabbage

  • Mustard Greens

    Cooked Vegetables: In moderation, raw vegetables are ok to consume in the swarmer months, but once fall rolls around, you should start cooking your veggies. This helps your body to stay warm and it helps to protect the function of your digestive system which is also important for the immune system.

    Warming Soups & Stews: Not only are they so yummy, soups and stews are warming to our bodies and easy on the digestive system. If you want to take it up a notch, add some medicinal herbs to your soups.

    Orange Vegetables: Orange vegetables (rich in beta carotene) are also good for your digestion and immune system.

    • Acorn Squash

    • Butternut Squash

    • Pumpkin

    • Carrots

    • Sweet Potato

  • Foods That are White: Many fruits and vegetables that are white in color are beneficial for the Lung.

    • Pear (especially for dry cough)

    • Onion

    • Apples

    • Daikon Radish

    • Ginger

    • White Pepper

    • Horseradish

In addition to diet are are some other things that are helpful for living in harmony this fall season.

  • Dress the Part: Layer up and be prepared for sudden changes in temperature. It’s a good idea to carry a scarf around with you. Avoid catching a chill!

  • Brisk Walks: This is the best time of year to get outside and take a brisk walk. You’re lungs will appreciate the fresh air and it helps to circulate Qi and Blood.

  • Letting Go: If you carry unprocessed grief or hurt, now is a good time to work on letting go. A heightened awareness of these emotions can coincide with the change of season and this can affect your physical health. Perhaps this is when you start seeing a therapist or begin a meditation practice.

  • Sleep: It’s ok to get more sleep in the fall and winter. We left the more expansive season of summer to enter a more contractive time. Your body will appreciate more rest now than it needed in the spring and summer.

Sarah JohnsonComment