In Chinese medicine the end of each season marks a time of transformation and there is no season where this is more prevalent than at the end of summer. This time is always associated with the “earth” element which represents our center and is linked to our digestive function. This is an important time to shift the diet to more nourishing foods likes roots and tubers, slow cooked meats, roasted vegetables and baked fruits. The Qi needs to be grounded and moving inward, and a warming diet helps to guide it inside.
To ensure the regulation of Qi and to prepare the body for the transformation that comes with the change of this season, we always recommend doing things to strengthen our center, like yoga, meditation, endurance exercise, and as we discussed in “Eating For Beauty Inside and Out”, including organic and locally grown foods.
Thinking about this transition as “back to school” time can be equally effective on preparing the mind and body for this seasonal change. No matter how long someone is away from the school year calendar, it is difficult to not feel the energetic shift that happens in September. As the lazy, dog days of summer come to an end and summer vacations wrap up, there is a shift towards getting organized at home and back to work, by discarding what you don’t need and storing what can be re-used.
From a health and beauty standpoint, it is a great time of year to re-evaluate our diet and exercise regimes, and take a look at all of our skin care products, updating where necessary. Fall and winter are notorious for drying us out, requiring us to use products that moisture deeply. Choose oils and serums over lotions. They have no water and therefore, get right to work!
This is also the time to exfoliate more regularly to clear away the dead skin and help the natural detoxification process that comes with activating the lymph system.
Another important thing to think about when looking at skin care products is how long you’ve had them. Anything that has been unused in your medicine cabinet for more than 6 months is something you should consider pitching. Freshness improves efficacy and there is less opportunity for bacterial contamination if you’ve had a product for less than six months.
By harnessing the transformative energy that is abundant this time of year, you can easily be prepared to fall into fall with a calm mind and beautiful skin.
Seek Peace ~ Find Beauty,
Laura and Beth
Laura Kauffmann and Beth Hooper are licensed acupuncturists and certified Chinese herbalists practicing in New York City. Co-Founders of Shē Essential Beauty, a natural and organic skincare line based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Tags: Chinese medicine, Natural beauty, NYC, She Essential Beauty, skincare
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