AUTUMN
From Vlado...
Food for thought.
We still seem to be governed by principles coming from the depth of our consciousness. These principles have a do or die colour, where every decision is of paramount importance for our existence.
However, the last forty to fifty years has been coloured by an abundance of food, shelter, education, travel, health and longevity. So applying these archaic governing principles is quite inappropriate and damaging. They cause a lot of suffering (with a do or die attitude) for a relatively small problem (eg: My iphone is 3 days late.)
We are reconciling 40,000 years of survival wisdom verses 40 years of abundance and an assumed comfortable life in Melbourne, Australia. This dichotomy can recall or bring up inappropriate over reactions for relatively small problems, which can cause a lot of mental instabilities, anxieties and panic attacks.
There is no quick fix to bridge the gap between the severe unconscious reactions and the mild manageable reality, but at least it's a good start by naming it.
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Living with the Seasons – AUTUMN
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Traditionally, autumn is the harvest season. Internally, harvesting or gathering energy for the colder months ahead. During the autumn months, the yang energy which was dominant in summer subsides and the yin grows. This season brings an emphasis onto visceral substance, on nurturing, on supporting and building our organs, body fluids and blood. These substances are the foundations of everything we do.
The season of autumn in Chinese medicine is associated with the organs of the Lung and Large Intestine, these organs can be affected in this season by wind and dryness(colds and flus). Lung and Gi conditions are common at this time, so we need to take particular care with nourishing. moistening and protecting ourselves from the elements.
Usual conditions seen in the clinic at this time are tonsillitis, gastro, flu, bronchitis, common cold, sinusitis, skin conditions. Chinese medicine and acupuncture is renowned for treating these conditions- if you have any flare up of these, please be sure to call us to make an appointment and come in.
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Some foods and home remedies to assist the body during Autumn:
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The Autumn Season is associated with Dryness, adding moistening foods will assist the body during this time. Foods such as:
tofu, tempeh, soy milk, spinach, barley, pears, apples, millet, persimmons, loquat, seaweed, mushrooms, almonds, pine nuts, peanuts, sesame seeds, milk, eggs, clams, crab or pork.
In autumn, pine nut congee can be useful for constipation. It is especially good if taken for breakfast. The rice is gentle on the digestive system, and also calming for the mind, while the pine nuts moisten and balance the large intestine.
Congee is the Chinese name for rice porridge. It is a medicinal porridge served for centuries in traditional East Indian and Chinese homes. The congee is easy to make and with a single grain, it helps to improve digestive function, serving to nourish and moisten the body in the dry Congee is usually made on the stovetop, it can also be made in a slow cooker or rice cooker. Using a slow cooker means you can start your congee the night before and wake up the next morning to an already cooked, comforting breakfast.
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Basic Congee
serves 6
1 cup long grain white rice
9 cups water or stock (vege, chicken or fish)
Salt to taste
In a heavy pot, bring the rice, liquid and optional salt to a boil, then turn it down to a simmer and cover loosely with a lid.
Cook gently, stirring occasionally, until the rice is thoroughly cooked and the porridge has become thick and creamy, about 1 1/2 hours.
Serve up hot with the condiments of your choice or plain, just as it is, for a comforting, simple meal.
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Cancer Support, Infertility & IVF, Auto-Immune Support
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On Joy and Sorrow
Then a woman said, Speak to us of Joy and Sorrow.
And he answered:
Your joy is your sorrow unmasked.
And the selfsame well from which your laughter rises was oftentimes filled with your tears.
And how else can it be?
The deeper the sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain.
Is not the cup that holds your wine the very cup that was burned in the potter's oven?
And is not the lute tyhat soothes your spirit, the very wood that was hallowed with knives?
When you are joyous, look deep into your heart and you shall find it is only that which has given you sorrow that is giving you joy.
When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.
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Some of you say, "Joy is greater than sorrow," and others say, "Nay, sorrow is greater."
But I say unto you, they are inseparable.
Together they come, and when one sits alone with you at your board, remember that the other is asleep upon your bed.
Verily you are suspended like scales between your sorrow and your joy.
Only when you are empty are you at standstill and balanced. When the treasure-keeper lifts you to weigh his gold and his silver, needs must your joy or your sorrow rise or fall.
~Kahlil Gibran (The Prophet)
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A poem by Lisa Formosa (Melbourne based poet) about letting go, like an autumn leaf...
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Sometimes nothing is everything
The fullness of a pause
Silence
Emptiness
Because the space gets filled with whats real
This may be love
Acceptance
Passion
Lust
Yet it may uncover rage
Confusion
Betrayal
Loneliness
This can lead to hope
Longing
Yearning
For things to change
Or stay the same
Nothingness allows it all out
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To be seen and heard
Felt
Perhaps
If the selves can bare the truth
As truth can hurt
So white noise may be preferable
Distraction
Looking away
From that exact feeling
So nothing
Silence
Stillness
Allows movement
From the one moment to the next
Perhaps
If you let it
It may progress
From nothing to everything
The only way to know
Is to just let go
Relinquish
Surrender
And see
~Lisa Formosa
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CALL OUT for Contributions..
Do you write? Take Photos? Draw? Have an interesting hobby? Or even just have some thoughts you'd like to share with us?
We are welcoming contributions to be included in our seasonal newsletters.
Please email contributions to admin@westgarthchinesemedicine.com.au
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