Fall has arrived! The heat of the days lasts longer, we may be going into or leaving our daily commitments in the dark of evening or morning, and the light just looks…different. With new routines, commitments, and the rush of the holidays coming up, it can be daunting to look ahead at Winter, and hard to savor the present moment of the yearly cycle. Here are some tips for taking care of yourself this Autumn.

Get real about what you are letting go of.

As we leave the abundance of the harvest season, it can be a time to be more realistic about what you no longer have time or space for in your life. For some people, this may be choosing to wind down a project, relationship, or habit. For other people, this might be a more active choice like choosing to clean out a closet or old collectibles.

Embrace sweater weather.

Choose clothing that is cozy and comfortable, and lets you enjoy the often beautiful weather outside. Scarves, including bandanas, hoodies, and light shawls can be especially warming and pleasant. Chinese meridian theory says that colds, fevers and chills enter the body at the back of the neck, so it is an especially important area to protect.

Breathe deep.

As the humidity level drops, take time each day to enjoy the feeling of breathing as a way to center yourself in the present moment. Here are two tips to assist you in this practice:

Autumn face massage.

 

Spend time exploring your face, especially around your nose and the lower orbit bone below your eye. Points along these meridians (Stomach and Large Intestine) are associated with the transition from Late Summer into Fall and can also help with seasonal allergies, colds, sneezing and/or post nasal drip. Using moderate pressure and pressing with one or two fingertips, move slowly from the highest point of your cheekbones directly downward until you are level with your nose. Spend time with each small movement to gently press, moving lymphatic fluids that can get stuck in the sinus cavities of the small bones of this area. Press gently on the teeth and gums, rubbing in gentle circles towards the outside of your face. Once you feel more movement in this area, move your fingers inward to touch your nose at its widest point, and massage gently, pressing outward in each direction – down towards the gums, out towards the cheek bones, and upwards to the bridge of the nose, releasing the important acupuncture point Bi Tong.

Open the Chest Stretch.

The Lung and Large Intestine channels both correspond to Fall and extend down the arm to the thumb and index finger. Use the following movements to gently move this channel and open the connective tissue around your clavicle, sternum, and ribs. First, tap on Lung 1, located just below where your clavicle joins your shoulder joint on the front of your chest. To find it clearly, stick your arm straight out in front of you (making the “Stop in the Name of Love” gesture) and feel for the triangular depression that forms below your clavicle. You can do gentle massage on this area, or tapping with a few loose fingers. This opens up the channel and begins to release the chest.

Next, standing up – extend your arms downwards, with your palms facing backwards. Your arms should be slightly extended outward, pointing to about 5 and 7 if your feet are pointing to 6. With a slow and even inhale, push your hands backwards just a few inches, keeping your face, neck and jaw relaxed. Notice what you feel in the center of your chest and around your rib cage. On your exhale, return your hands to their gently extended position and release any tension. Repeat this for 5 breaths. Next, rotate your palms forward and lift your arms slightly – your hands should be at about 4 and 7 now, finding what feels good for your body. Do a similar set of inhale – press back, exhale, relax forward. Extend especially through your thumb and first finger, trying to increase the distance between the two fingers and keeping the rest of your body neutral. After you complete 5, allow your hands to hang at your sides and notice any changes in your chest, neck, lungs, and body.