Be healthy in Autumn by Little Jasmine Therapies in Brighton

As the warm ( and wet!) days of summer faint away in Brighton to give way to cool crisp autumn weather we have to make sure that we make simple lifestyle changes to give ourselves the opportunity to adjust to the change of season.

Ancient sages advise us on how to leave in harmony with seasonal changes based on the principles of YIN and YANG. The changes affect our bodies - particularly the respiratory system leading to an increase in colds and allergies.

Five simple lifestyle tips with assist your body to adjust gradually making sure that you keep healthy this fall and coming winter

Autumn massage in Brighton

1. Food choices - eat juicy fruits and healthy vitamin filed veggies :  Changes in the climate in autumn leads to dryness affecting the entire body, especially skin and lungs, resulting in dry skin, dry cough and constipation. Eating more moistening, juicy fruits like pears, pomegranates, persimmons and apples can reduce these effects. To assist boost the immune system, add some vitamin-packed seasonal vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, yams and winter squash. If you do come down with a cold or allergies, try adding some pungent flavored foods to your diet such as green onions, fresh ginger or sweet onions.

2. Food preparation: warm it up. As the weather becomes cooler, prepare warm cooked foods and reduce the amount of cold raw foods in your diet. Try using cooking techniques like baking, braising, roasting and stewing to improve nutrient absorption in the cold weather months.

3. Exercise: be gentle. Avoid heavily aerobic exercise outdoors in the autumn months, as it reduces vital energy or qi, and weaken your system. Focus on gentle or moderate exercise like brisk walking, tai chi or yoga. Light exercise boosts your immune system by enhancing the activity of neutrophils (a common white blood cell), which are instrumental in protecting the body against viral and bacterial infections. Traditional Thai Massage or "lazy man's yoga" as some people call it, is another gentle option of keeping the body energized and in tune with the environment. 

4. Early to bed and early to rise. According to ancient Chinese philosophy, sleeping habits should adjust with the changing length of days through the seasons. In fall, as the days become shorter, try going to sleep earlier to avoid the chilly nights and rise early to enjoy the crisp morning air.

5. Layer, layer, layer. A Chinese folk saying states that one ought to "muffle the body in spring and freeze the body in autumn." That is to say, people should avoid wearing heavy winter coats and adding thick quilts too early in the autumn season. Especially in the beginning of autumn, the body needs some time to cool down from the summer heat. Careful though adding too much clothing may prevent the body from adjusting to the cooling temperatures. 

As the weather cools more, add gradually more clothing and blankets to your bedding to give your system time to adjust. Layering is so important in autumn, as evenings and mornings tend to be cooler than the warm afternoons. Carry a sweater and scarf  on when spending time outside in the wind or shade.

Finally try to be positive and enjoy your life!