The stunning foliage, crisp air, and vivid colors of fall make it a favorite season for many. Fall brings much to look forward to—cozy sweaters, fun Halloween celebrations, delectable flavors, late night bonfires! The transition from one season to another though can prove, for some, to be a physical and emotional challenge.

In Oriental medicine, autumn is identified by the element of Metal. It’s a season of reflection, and a time to focus on organization and stability. The introspective nature of fall can make some people more susceptible to negativity and vulnerable to illness.

Acupuncture is an effective, natural tool to help to ease your seasonal transition, and care for your mind and body. Focus on self-care this season and take advantage of all the ways acupuncture treatment can help you this fall!

1) Enhance your immune system.

Seasonal transitions can take a toll on your physical health. Lung is one of the governing energetic pathways of fall, meaning your respiratory system becomes particularly sensitive at this time of year. You’re more prone to sinus infections, the common cold, allergies, and the flu during these months.

Acupuncture can give your immune system the extra boost it needs this season, and treat symptoms associated with ailments of the Lung—such as cough, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath. Use regular acupuncture sessions to promote good lung function!

2) Fight autumnal dryness.

Fall is a dry season, and its effects are often felt throughout the body. In TCM theory, Lung is the organ most connected to the skin, resulting in a lot of exterior dryness and sometimes rashes. Facial acupuncture is an excellent way to keep your skin hydrated and sustain your natural glow throughout the season!

Fall dryness is also known to impact the other organ that governs the season—the Large Intestine. As a result, constipation and other digestive issues tend to flare up during this time. Acupuncture harmonizes digestion and relieves constipation, an ideal solution for the internal effects of seasonal dryness.

3) Manage seasonal sadness.

As mentioned earlier, fall is governed by the Metal element, meaning the dominant emotion this time of year is grief. It can be difficult to accept the diminishing daylight and colder temperatures that fall brings.

You may find yourself with a heightened sense of awareness when it comes to negative emotions. Some people even fall into a seasonal despair that medical professionals refer to as SAD—Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Fall is also a time of letting go, an emotional process closely associated with the Large Intestine. You might have trouble saying goodbye to the positive energy and upbeat mood of summer—acupuncture can help. Acupuncture helps restore mental balance and treat symptoms of depression that commonly crop up during these months!

4) Reduce stress and anxiety.

Transitions can produce a lot of stress and trigger anxiety in many people, especially those who experience difficulty with changes. Fall is a busy season! There’s a lot going on between school starting up again and holiday preparation. It’s easy to feel jolted by the increase in responsibility and having to grieve the end of a carefree summer.

Acupuncture stimulates the production of serotonin and dopamine—the neurochemicals that boost your mood and make you feel happy. It helps restore balance in your mind and body, promoting relaxation and minimizing anxiety symptoms.

5) Regulate sleep patterns.

Emotional distress can often cause fatigue and insomnia. The challenges of fall make irregular sleep patterns a common issue for many this season. Daylight savings and the early onset of darkness can throw off your circadian rhythm. It’s important to focus on harmonizing your body’s energies to promote easier rest.

Not only does acupuncture stimulate melatonin production in the body, but it has also been proven to improve your quality of sleep, reducing disruption and arousal throughout the night. It achieves this by resetting the cyclical flow of Qi and adjusting your internal clock.

If you’re struggling to adjust as the sun recedes and the leaves begin to fall, acupuncture may be exactly what you need to realign yourself! At WellStream Acupuncture, we understand how difficult it is to be productive and stay positive during the fall.

Let us help you regain control of your health and wellbeing. Contact us online or give us a call at 323-620-4934 to schedule your first appointment and start feeling like yourself again!