Late Summer update

As a nature inspired acupuncturist, last week I was reminded of this quote:

‘Earth season arrives, still taking my body by surprise. Summer’s Fire is dying down -not yet to embers but to a softer flame.’  By Lorie Dechar – Kigo

Last week Storm Erin brought rain to our much-needed gardens, but the process has swiftly heralded the end of summer, and I was a little in shock. Summer must end at some point, but I was reticent to throw myself into Autumn just yet. This announcement by nature can affect us all differently, bringing thoughts and questions from the last few months, feelings from the present but also the future:

·         Past thoughts - Have the longer days of summer been made the most of? Or have we had fun?

·         Present thoughts – I enjoy the start of the academic year and all that this brings.

·         Future - Maybe you are look forward to the autumn colours and Christmas planning.

For me, I am inspired to draw out the last few days of summer and all that it holds. In Chinese Medicine it is a transition time, known as Late Summer and lasts for two weeks or so. It is a time of physical harvest, a period to collect and literally harvest what we have planted in the months previously. In the past I have enjoyed collecting fruit from the garden and making jams or freezing a surplus crop of apples. These fruits are preserved for those moments in the longer, cooler months when I want a reminder, a smell or a memory of longer warm days.

Not only is the Late Summer a physical harvest but a time to collect our thoughts and digest a harvest of emotions. In this way we can become aware of our needs and capabilities. How can we nurture ourselves but also others. The natural world is already ahead of us. Animals are busy collecting and storing, whilst trees are retrieving necessary nutrients from their leaves before preparing to drop their leaves in the Autumn.

Acupuncture is not just about sticking pins into the skin on a physical level but a tapping into a ‘different language’ of Chinese Medical knowledge, which encourages us to reap the benefits of the Summer by connecting with Late Summer energy within ourselves and evaluating our resources on an emotional level too. In this way we can be ready for Autumn, which is a letting go of what we do not need. Without awareness of this step in the process we are unaware of what we can do to change, and our resources and health can be compromised in the future.

 Acupuncture treatments with the addition of what we call ‘special seasonal points’ or Horary treatments are often a welcome addition to a course of treatment. They softly encourage our bodies to transition better - adapting to the subtle messages surrounding us.

If you would like to find out more about how seasonal top up treatments work or just have an interest in Five Element Acupuncture, please get in touch on email at julie@jswiftacupuncture.co.uk or website- jswiftacupuncture.co.uk or mb 07718 222727

More information can be found here on 5Element Acupuncture Exploring Five Element Acupuncture

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