New Season. New Instructions.
Posted by Tamara at 9/23/2008 7:46 PM and is filed under uncategorized 
It is autumn, or fall as we say here in the States. Like every other season, fall has it's own unique set of directives with respect to Chinese medicine.
Fall's corresponding organ is the lungs. It is imperative that one takes particular care of the lungs throughout the season. Fall kicks off cold and flu season. Before I studied Chinese medicine, I always thought this was just a coincidence. Now I get it. The lungs manifest in the nose. Of all of the organ manifestations listed in Chinese medicine, this one makes the most sense since the nose is a portal to the lungs. It's corresponding color is white and the flavor is pungent.
So, just how do you care for your lungs during this season? Here's my short, but effective list:
- Practice deep breathing exercises. In yoga, this is called pranayama. I recommend taking a class. Jeanne Heileman at Yogaworks is one of the best in Los Angeles.
- Pungent, white foods supplement the lungs. Mushrooms and jicama are good choices.
- Keep your chest open with restorative yoga poses.
- And, last but not least, and easier said than done is to avoid sadness as sadness diminishes lung qi.
As always, I look forward to your questions and comments.
Thank you for reading.
Tamara ZumMallen
Great entry! So true - its no coincidence that fall and colds/flu go hand in hand. And for those who unfortunately do 'catch' a cold (which is an oxymoron in my opinion!) and accumulate phlegm in their lungs, my Chinese dietary therapy is to avoid cold foods & dairy! But hopefully with the insight in this blog, none of us will suffer this fall!
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I never would have made that connection but I do get how the lungs corresponds in the fall. Great tips and really, not so hard to follow. Thanks for sharing.
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