iStock_000018336633_LargeThe fall season is just around the corner so it’s important to think about arming yourself against the things that make this fun season a little less fun. Things like head colds, the flu, and upper respiratory infections can really slow you down and hinder your enjoyment of the excitement that the harvest season brings. To help you prepare for fall, here are five Chinese medicine diet tips that will help prevent seasonal bugs and help you feel healthy throughout the season:

1. Eat A Balanced Diet. Eastern medicine relies heavily on the concept of balance and moderation. Chinese medicine along with its tangential practices like acupuncture and qigong emphasize the healthier ideal of eating a truly balanced diet. These practices can help you become more aware of your bodies true hunger signals that will help you determine what your body needs and really craves. Eat foods that offer a mix of healthy fats, vegetables, fruits, and grains and you will feel better, have more energy, and be able to fight off infections more effectively. Also, drinking bone broth during the fall season is highly recommended. Focus on eating until you are 70{61f01383d01d1902bc1be2a2958661451147cacfa5d3dbcd0a91216d81c4887c} full, rather than filling up to the point of uncomfortable.

2. Treat Allergies With Diet, Herbs and Acupuncture. What you eat can play a major role in making allergies better or worse during the fall season. Allergies happen when a foreign body from the wind or air is introduced into your system and your system produces unpleasant reactions to this foreign body in the form of sneezing, watery eyes, and more. Allergies cause major mucous buildup which can in turn cause things like sinus infections and chest infections. It’s best to avoid foods like ice cream and yogurt during allergy season as dairy foods can cause excessive mucous to build up in your system which can stimulate a more intense allergic reaction in your body. Things like vegetable based soups and broths, warm vegetables, and grains will keep your digestion running smoothly which can also help prevent mucous buildup. Introducing regular acupuncture sessions into your weekly round can also help you prevent unwanted allergens and germs.

3. Eat Based On The Seasons. Your body is a truly amazing machine that is already in touch with the natural cycles of life and the seasons if you learn to listen to it. During the fall and winter months, we have a tendency to want to hibernate and remain inactive to focus on staying warm. Warming your body up with cooked, steamed root veggies like sweet potatoes, carrots, and beets, for example, can warm you up and insulate your body against the cold while you absorb life-giving vitamins and nutrients. Looking to nature as a seasonal food guide will provide you with foods that will help build your immune system while aiding digestion and vitality.

4. Get Moving. Perhaps one of the most important Chinese health tips that you should keep in mind is to keep your body moving during the hibernation season. Inactivity of the physical body promotes stagnation of the bodies’ energy, digestion, and blood cells which can cause illness and disease. Moving your body through even gentle exercise like yoga or walking will keep the oxygen, blood and digestion flowing which will help prevent sickness. It will also make you feel energetic and healthy. Acupuncture can also help remove blockages and keep your life forces running efficiently. It’s also important to keep the neck and shoulder areas covered as exposure to the upper back area is where pathogens enter the body according to Chinese medicine. So stay covered, and don’t sleep directly under air conditioner vents and fans.

To learn more about how Chinese medicine and acupuncture can help with your overall health and diet, call 832.282.3306 or email us today.