As the temperatures begin to cool during the transition from summer to fall, many people with chronic back pain will likely experience the symptoms flaring up. Back pain can have a number of causes, the most common being arthritis, structural abnormalities of the spine, bulging/ruptured discs, or strained muscles and/or ligaments.
Acupuncture has shown to be very effective in helping your body adjust when the seasons change. Not only does it help to ease the symptoms of back pain, but it also allows the practitioner to determine and treat the root cause. Disharmonies such as a deficiency, stagnation, or a cold/damp obstruction are typically to blame.
Preparing Our Bodies for Autumn
Autumn signals the start of the yin cycle, and like all of the animals who prepare for hibernation, this is the time our bodies start to hoard energy for the long, cold winter ahead.
Fall is associated with the lungs and large intestine. Our lungs are in charge of qi circulation, so it’s really important for us to keep our bodies warm and healthy throughout the season. This is because the lungs are especially susceptible to cold and illness. If the qi circulation is compromised, the body cannot be warmed properly leading to stagnations and deficiencies.
Eating vegetables rich in Vitamin A will bolster the immune system as well as strengthen the lungs and large intestine. This includes kale, carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, broccoli, parley, pumpkin, turnip greens, and spinach.