Beat the Dryness of Fall Season with Traditional Chinese Medicine

In Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), "Qi" (pronounced 'chee') is considered the universal life force. Qi is responsible for our daily activities such as working, eating, sleeping, exercise, breathing, and so on. When our Qi is in harmony, we are not only preserving our health, but also our ability of fulfillment, happiness and well being. Seasonal change is one of the factors that can affect the balance of the body. In TCM, there are five seasons namely, spring, summer, autumn (fall), winter, and transitional stage at the end of each season.

Fall is on it way, so are you ready to beat the dryness of the cold months. In TCM, it is important to retain our good health especially the transitional stage of summer through the fall season. In China, people would lie up to have the doctors put Moxa cone with ginger on their back to help preventing cold especially in winter.

In my clinic, I also utilize these methods in combination of acupuncture treatment, herbal medicine, Qi Gong exercise and Asian Bodywork since these solutions can be done easily with little adjustment.

Since summer is more than half way through, so I will mention this briefly. Summer affects the heart or fire element. Hot weather especially in the hot long day, heat may injure the heart. This can be seen in acute cases of heatstroke, where the person becomes incoherent and sweats because the heart controls speech and perspiration. In less severe conditions, where heat arises from indulging hot and spicy diet or emotion (angry easily), a person may experience insomnia or night sweat. In TCM, we recommend people to ward off heat buy eating colorful food, using spices with cool energy such as mints, and cooking food quickly. We should use less salt, but more water, and drink only room temperature or slight warm liquid. Eat smaller and lighter portion especially on the long hot day. Some people may need herbs to help calm the mind if they feel agitated easily or others may need herbs to detoxify if there are signs of heat or fire. Chrysanthemum or Ju Hua tea* is a good choice. This tea can be found at the Asian grocery stores. The tea can be dry flower or granule form. It is best if you can get the dry one since you can control the amount of sugar in your tea.

The transitional period is approximate 2-3 weeks before the autumn equinox. This time of change relates to the spleen and the stomach or the digestive system, so we need to pay more attention to our digestive system. People tend to have digestive problems. In, TCM, this is the earth element and everything needs to be grounded before it transformed in to something else, so we need to eat more grains and vegetables. Sweet rice, whole wheat, Oat etc. are good and nurturing. We should eat regular meals and eat slowly. Food should be prepared with little seasoning or bland. Eat only a few foods at each meal to ease digestive system.

Summer heat gradually turns into the cooler day of fall. Fall is the season when all things are ripen. Leaves change their colors and finally fall off the trees. The weather becomes, windy, dry and shatters. This time is the season of the lungs and large intestines. In TCM, the lungs control not only breathing, but also the body fluids, skin and head hair. If the lung or large intestines are injured by dryness, a person may experience cough, asthma or constipations. Skin and hair become dry, dull and wither.

During this season, we should eat more nurturing food. Food should be baked or sautéd with pungent spices such as cinnamon, gloves and nutmeg etc. This helps stimulate the sense of smell. Pumpkin, sweet potatoes or apple pies are good examples. They need to be cooked with less water on the low heat and required longer cooking time. Root vegetables such as sweet potatoes, yam, beet, or pumpkin family vegetables are good choices. People who are susceptible to dryness may choose herbs to help strength the qi such as Dang Shen or American Ginseng or the herbs that benefit the lung such as Bai He (Dry Lily Bulb) or Feng Mi (Mel) or honey.* Many Chinese teas may help ward off cool/cold climate such as Wuyi Shan Shui Xian "Water Fairy Tea" or Wuyi Shan Rou Gui. In Asia, applying acupuncture with moxa is believed to help with lung function and Wei Qi or protective Qi. Ai Ye (Folium Artemisiae Argyi) has a warming property and is the main ingredient in this Moxa. It main therapeutic effect is to help circulate qi and blood, warm peripheral channel and collaterals. When moxa is burned, the heat can penetrate deeper into the muscles, sinew and bones.

In addition, people should go to bed early at night and get up early as the sun rises. We should keep ourselves calm and relaxed. This helps allay the effects of the cool weather on the body. This way, our body can safeguard our vital Qi and preserve it in harmony.

Finally, healthy Qi results from a healthy lifestyle. Working too much can lead to exhaustion of Qi. Poor eating habit can cause digestive issues. Excessive sleeping or inadequate sleep can damage vital Qi. Extreme exercise can weaken the body. Poor breathing habit may not allow the lungs to fully filled or emptied. Therefore, we should do everything in moderation.

For more information about Chinese Medicine and what can be treated effectively with acupuncture and chinese medicine, please contact Sumalee Griffith (720) 252 3964 or

Good Qi to health

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Sumalee Griffith is a Diplomate in Oriental Medicine, and is a license acupuncturist. Sumalee currently has a private practice in Denver and can be reached at East Denver Oriental Medicine, LLC. 1315 Krameria St., Suite 200, Denver, CO 80220 ((next to Kingsooper). Ph: (720) 252 3964. www.eastdenverorientalmedicine.com