Organ System: Lungs & Large Intestine
The beginning of a time when we begin to move our energy inwardly. WE nurture balance and harmony.
We begin to wear warm layers of clothing to protect us from the cooling temperatures. As the air dries and the leaves begin to change color and drop. We snuggle up under blankets by a warm fire and drink warming beverages.
The Autumn equinox is the pivotal change from yang (activity/movement) to yin (rest/restoration). Our qi (energy) is retracting from our ourselves and seeking a more calming balance within. This is the time of year for gathering ourselves into reflection and bringing balance to the inner-self creating that time and space for our abundance activation.
Autumn is when we begin protecting our bodies from cold winds, dryness, and colds and flu that always seem to come around during this time of year. The Bronchial system (lungs) interact directly with the environment through the air we breath. This system process air; the nose, throat and lungs. Each lung is a network of tubes and sacs that send oxygen throughout the body in exchange for removing carbon dioxide and impurities.
Meditation and pranayama practice during this time allows the body to oxygenate and relax our body. Restorative yoga, qi gong, pilates are just a few great ways to help the body restore, renew and rebuild during this beautiful season.
🦋 Supporting the body through holistic nutrition and regular reflexology sessions aims to help keep the Bronchial system clear🦋
To protect our internal yin during Autumn we need to add foods that our more sour, such as Apples, plums, grapes, pears, pomegranates, almonds, sesame seeds, beans, sourdough bread, vinegar, olives, mushrooms, sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, leks, onion, garlic, turnips, rice, and millet stimulates the body’s natural hydration system. Warming spices such as ginger, and cinnamon increase circulation and body fluids to help activate digestion
Cooking foods for longer periods of time at lower temperatures such as braising stimulates warmth in the body. Fermented foods are useful in replenishing bacterial support in the large intestine and overall balance of the microbiome. Fermented foods include cultured sauerkraut, sourdough breads, yogurts, sprouted and fermented grains.
~ bringing more spices into your cooking provides balance and movement from yang and yin
Foods to Avoid
Foods that are overly fatty, greasy such as deep fried foods as well as raw cold foods can burden the spleen and inhibit digestion which will not be beneficial to the balance of the digestion tract or the microbiome of the gut
Tend & Befriend tip of the Month:
the Spleen
When the spleen cannot transform food and absorb nourishment digestive disturbances will arise along with unwanted weight gain, lethargy and even depression.
🦋 Supporting the body through holistic nutrition and regular reflexology sessions aims to help keep the spleen balanced🦋
Recipe of a month:
Suzy’s bone Broth, chicken
- 5 lbs chicken bones: Carcass, legs, neck, feet
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 lg carrots, chopped
- 4 stalk celery, chopped
- 1 bunch parsley, chopped and divided
- 1 bunch fresh dill, chopped and divided
- 2 heads garlic, cut in half and divided
- 1 tbsp Celtic Sea Salt or Mineral Salt
- 1 Tbsp Black Peppercorns, crushed
- 16 c water or as needed
Instant Pot Method
Chops onion, celery, carrots, and skin all chicken place in instant pot. Place half the garlic, parsley and dill in the instant pot. Season with salt & pepper. Cover with fresh water, bring to max line. Secure lid. Press Soup/broth button. Set for 50 minutes. Let decompress naturally.
- Once lid can be safely removed. Add in other dill, parsley and garlic. Let steep 30 minutes. Strain and jar bone broth.
Crock Pot Method
Chops onion, celery, carrots, and skin all chicken place in crock pot. Place half the garlic, parsley and dill in the crock pot. Season with salt & pepper. Cover with fresh water, bring to max line. Secure lid. Turn on low and let cook for 24 hours up to 36 hours
Once you have cooked the broth for a min 24 hours. Add in remains dill, parsley and garlic. Let steep 30 minutes. Strain and jar bone broth.
- Notes: Place crockpot(s) on a rimmed baking sheet to keep counter clean of any boil overs.
