For me September always represents the beginning of the fall, yet in Traditional Chinese Medicine it is the fifth season, Late Summer. It always feels like change, the weather begins to change, although the bay area has some last summer days in September. But school starts, routine starts, sitting starts.
The Spleen is one of the most used and taxed organs in modern life. It closely relates to the Stomach and the pair are most directly involved in digestion. Since most of us don't spend too much time, grocery shopping, cooking or eating the Spleen often gets hit with absorbing the way we live.
You know that feeling when your body feels whiny or needy? Like "I'm tiiirreed" "I need a masaaagggeee" "I want chicken noodle souppppp".... That's your Spleen. It's letting you know that life is catching up to it and it needs some TLC. The time you spend taking care of that little one, the less you will hear the whines.
Say yes to:
- touch, massage, hugs, cuddling
- cooking with and eating with aromatic spices: black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon etc.
- cooking and eating warm foods
- chicken noodle food
- sitting, chewing and enjoying your meals
- getting acupuncture
Say no or limit:
- eating cold foods/drinks - ice in drinks, smoothies
- eating raw foods - sashimi, uncooked veggies, uncooked fruit
- sitting all day
- sugar
If you are having digestive problems, menstrual problems, low energy in the afternoon, feeling very worried, up at night over-thinking, or just find your mind spinning - getting acupuncture through the season will help keep things a bit more balanced. Looking forward to the onset of Autumn, keeping a healthy Spleen will help boost immunity in the next season. The Spleen greatly assists the Lung's function of keeping the body healthy. With great diet, rest, exercise and turning your mind off the Spleen will be ready to help the Lungs.
