I love New York City in the fall. The leaves are changing and falling, the air is crisp, and everywhere you look—store windows, grocery store displays, brownstone stoops—you can see indications that the holidays are just around the corner.
Fall also indicates a pivotal yin/yang shift. In preparation for the cold, dark winter, the season of utmost yin, we start pulling in yang energy from outside and rooting it with yin inside.
Unfortunately, this inward movement makes fall the season when we are most susceptible to colds and flus.
Wei qi, or defensive qi, usually flows outside the vessels where it regulates the pores and warms the organs. During the transition to fall, it too is drawn inward leaving the pores and exterior of the body exposed and vulnerable to pathogens.
Wind pathogens (hot or cold) are our worst enemy in the fall entering our internal environment via 2 "gates" or points of entry. The Wind Gate is located on the back of the neck and the Life Gate is located on the lower back.
What to Wear:
Fall is a time to put away the midriff revealing clothes, exposing the Life Gate, and swap them for cozy scarves and turtleneck sweaters that protect the Wind Gate. But be careful not to be so cozy that you induce sweating. Opening the pores is just another invitation to wind pathogens.
Take a look at this fantastic video on 25 ways to wear your scarf this winter:
http://www.youtube.com/v/5LYAEz777AU?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0
What to Eat:
With your external environment becoming cold, dry, and dark, you’re going to have to cultivate and maintain the energy you need from within this season. Eat warming, nourishing foods like ginger, ginger tea, beans, grains, and vegetables such as winter squash, cabbage and kale. Avoid cold drinks, ice cream and other cold foods.
What to Do:
Avoid excessive exercise, cleanses and other activities that deplete your nourishment and energy stores, which you will need to get you through the fall and winter. Finally, get plenty of sleep.
Stay balanced!
