Autumn - The Metal Element
It is Wednesday, October 2, 2019, on the cusp of Autumn. We have begun the descent into the quiet and still time of the year. We're not there yet, and this season is the one in which we learn to discover that which matters most. We gather up and hold on to what's precious and we let go the rest.
In the Five Element tradition of Acupuncture, the season is associated with the Metal element. The organs, or officials, are the lung and large intestine. They are the inner workings of us that allow for being inspired, regulate our breath, and hold on to the goodness and let go of what no longer serves us. We have talked before in our Needle Notes about CSOE - Color, Sound, Odor and Emotion. Each of these correspondences has a relevance in each season. For the Autumn, the CSOE is Color = White, Sound = Weep, Odor = Rotten and Emotion = Grief.
A few weeks ago Barry and I started working through Julia Cameron's book,
It's Never Too Late To Begin Again.
If you don't know her work, Ms. Cameron wrote,
The Artist's Way
in 1992. These books are geared toward putting us in touch with our creative selves through writing, basically in journal and memoir form. Her format is an excellent way to rediscover our essential self. I'm remembering how much I really love to be out in nature, hiking, mountain biking, sitting quietly on a screened in porch and simply being grateful for the clean, cool, crisp air. Grateful for my freedom as I know it and grieving for those who are less fortunate. These emotions can be heightened at this time of year, as we follow the more yin energy as it cycles down and we prepare to rest deeply in the upcoming stillness and quiet. What no longer serves you? Clothes in the back of the closet, old furniture, old habits, and beliefs?
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Acupuncture Point of the Season
Lung 8- Meridian Gutter
- Lung 8 - Meridian Gutter - is on the anterior surface of the forearm about one inch above the wrist crease, upon the radial artery. This point is used when someone is constantly trying to prove themselves. Clears out the negativity that leads to that kind of thinking or behavior. This point helps when someone feels the need to cry and can't. Also helpful when someone is demeaning themselves or when there is no sense of accomplishment when an achievement is made. This point is good for treating bronchitis, chest pain, asthma, cough, fullness or discomfort of the chest. It is also a relevant point when someone is feverish but not sweating: helps to clear Wind-Heat.
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Suggestions for living well and fully in the Fall
Breathe Deeply.
A helpful exercise: Take a deep breath in, as deep as you can, then pull in a half-breath more and hold it. Hold it until the lung involuntarily releases, then let the air out - and then push out a half-breath more. Repeat three times. Notice how good it feels to be empty, then how good to be full. This joy is always available, a gift of the Autumn.
Write.
Each evening write a few words about one wonderful thing in your life. It might be small - a kindness, a leaf, a bit of a favorite song. Life is full of small and precious moments.
Transform.
We all have habitual ideas, fears, moods and memories that do not serve us.When one of them visits, just "give it a kiss and skootch it over to the side."
Let Go.
Ask yourself what possessions you have that you no longer need, then gently, let those things go. Find them a home where they can once again be useful.Try this simple exercise. Pick a room or category: clothes, books, etc. Set a timer for 20 minutes. Put the treasures you are keeping in one pile, the things you'd like to give away or donate in another pile and what you're going to take to the dump in another pile. You might be amazed at how liberating it is to simply let go and create space for something new!
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Seasonal Recipe - Grilled Cole Slaw with Lemon-Herb Vinaigrette
- ¼ small green cabbage
- ¼ small red cabbage (about 12 ounces)
- 1 large carrot
- 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 large lemon, halved
- 1 tablespoon minced shallot
- 1½ teaspoons honey
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs, such as dill, parsley and/or basil
Preheat grill to medium. Cut each cabbage quarter into 3 wedges, trying to keep an equal portion of the core attached to each wedge to hold it together on the grill. Brush the cabbage wedges and carrot with 1½ tablespoons oil. Grill the vegetables, turning occasionally, until lightly charred and starting to soften, 10 to 15 minutes. Grill lemon, cut-side down, until grill marks form, about 4 minutes. Juice the lemon halves into a large bowl. Whisk in the remaining 2½ tablespoons oil, shallot, honey, salt and pepper. Stir in herbs. Chop the vegetables into ½-inch pieces. Add to the bowl and toss with the dressing. This is yummy warm and the flavor is much greater the next day!
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Movie Night Recommendation
"The Art of Racing in the Rain"
Based on the best-selling novel by Garth Stein, THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN is a heartfelt tale narrated by a witty and philosophical dog named Enzo (voiced by Kevin Costner). Through his bond with his owner, Denny Swift (Milo Ventimiglia), an aspiring Formula One race car driver, Enzo has gained tremendous insight into the human condition and understands that the techniques needed on the racetrack can also be used to successfully navigate the journey of life. The film follows Denny and the loves of his life - his wife, Eve (Amanda Seyfried), their young daughter Zoe (Ryan Kiera Armstrong), and ultimately, his true best friend, Enzo.
Make sure to have the Kleenex nearby!
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Breathe Deeply this Season!
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| the Acupuncture Works | 802-748-2020 | theacupunctureworks.com
offices in St. Johnsbury, VT and Hanover, NH
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