AUTUMN FOODS
Autumn is the season in which you can often feel a little depressed, lethargic, and indecisive. The ancient Chinese discovered that autumn relates to the lungs and large intestine.
You can regulate the intestines, tone the lungs, cleanse the blood, and increase stamina by emphasising the following foods in your diet during the season: brown rice, miso, lentils, tofu, tempeh, sturdy greens & root vegetables, varied seaweed vegetables, cooked seasonal fruits, ginger, onions, and garlic.
As the lungs and large intestine are nourished, you’ll notice that your thinking becomes clearer, you’ll have more energy and feel more optimistic as well as more connected to life and people.
AUTUMN COOKING STYLES
With the seasonal change from late summer to autumn, we tend towards heartier and richer dishes. A little more sea salt and oil, which warms the body, is used, along with fewer raw foods. Salads are lightly boiled, and vegetables are cut into larger chunks for longer cooking.
Rice, which is harvested around this time, is the most suitable grain. Stews, deep-fried vegetables, soups, and longer sauteeing dishes are all ideal ways to get in tune with the season.
SHIATSU POINT THERAPY FOR UPPER BACK PAIN
In the ancient 5-Element theory, Autumn relates to the Metal element which includes the Large Intestine and Lungs meridians.
When the Lung Meridian is functioning well, we feel more optimistic, joyful and trusting in ourselves and others.
Lung Meridian Point 2 – LU 2 is located in the depression below outer extremity of clavicle.
It can offer symptomatic relief from upper back pain between the shoulder blades.
SHIATSU POINT THERAPY
Using the thumb or finger apply pressure until you feel the soreness in the point. Taking deep breaths and maintaining the pressure breathe slowly in and out of the point until you feel the tension and pain disappear.
Please note:
The above technique is for symptomatic relief only If symptoms persist please consult a qualified shiatsu therapist for a full treatment.
You can find more points at our shiatsu blog page.
WHEAT-FREE CARROT COOKIES
- 3/4 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup barley flour
- 1/4 cup brown rice flour
- 2 cups cooked millet
- 1 cup grated carrot or pumkin
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon sunflower seeds
- 1/2 cup water
- Dry roast the roll oats, then dry roast the flours lightly.
Mix all ingredients and add just enough water to shape the dough into. Put the cookies on an oily baking dish. Bake at 180C (350F) for 30 minutes.
BACH FLOWER REMEDY – BEECH
Beech can be taken when we find ourselves becoming particularly critical of others and the manner in which they go about things.
This can also apply when there’s difficulty in digesting new situations or experiences. As a result we can become more rigid in our behaviour and thinking.
Spiritually, Beech can be helpful when we don’t trust that we are part of a greater whole and a greater purpose.
Taking Beech can help us regain a truer perspective and realise that we don’t need to constantly protect ourselves. We can then open up to receiving all kinds of support and inspiration from others as well as our own inner guide.
General dosage is 4 – 5 drops under the tongue at least 3 times a day.
YOGA POSE FOR AUTUMN – THE STANDING POSE
This pose straightens the spine and improves balance and general posture.
Stand straight,with the arms by your side, feet together with big toes touching, and the heels slightly apart.
Head straight, tuck the chin in and visualise a string pulling you up from the crown of the head towards the ceiling.
Inhale and raise the arms up. Exhale while relaxing the shoulders
Hold the position while you inhale, then bring the arms down as you exhale. Repeat 3 times.
A TEACHING TALE FROM MILTON ERICKSON
A man came to see Milton Erickson claiming that he was experiencing pain in an arm that had been amputated. Doctors and psychologists up to that point had all told him that it was not possible to feel such pain. They called it phantom pain and said it was all in his head.
Erickson, however, used a different approach. He sat down with the man and patiently asked questions about the nature of the pain, when and how often it would occur, was it a sharp or dull pain and so on.
After some time, Erickson turned to the man and said, “That’s quite amazing that you have such pain in an arm that has been amputated. Obviously it’s very real and quite painful.
However, I was wondering if you can experience phantom pain, I wonder if you can experience phantom pleasure?”
ESSENTIAL OIL FOR ASTHMA AND STRESS
Clary Sage essential oil is extracted from the leaves and buds of the plant that grows in the Mediterranean region.
It can provide symptomatic relief from asthma as well as general stress and tension.
Essential Oils Application:
Bath: Use 10-15 drops in a tub of water and soak in it for 15 minutes.
Massage: Blend between 1% and 3% of essential oil with a carrier oil of your choice such as jojoba, almond, peach, apricot, soyabean, sesame, or vegetable oils.
please note:
do not apply pure essential oils directly to skin (except for Lavender) and never take any essential oils internally.
Inhalation: Place a few drops of essential oil in an oil burner or small bowl of boiling water to freshen the air and create a special atmosphere.
Compress: Add 5 drops of essential oil to 200 mls of warm water. Place cloth in the water then wring out and lay over affected area for a few minutes.