The Importance of Seasonal Changes for Our Health and Well-Being

The importance of embracing seasonal living for wellness

Many of us greet the coming of fall with an indulgence in cozy sweaters and pumpkin spice. But have you ever thought about why this is?

The color change in fall is a hint from Nature on the colors we can also wear to enhance our well-being.

Adapting to seasonal changes for better health

Turns out that ancient wisdom teaches us that certain lifestyle changes according to the cycle of the year can actually increase our healthiness and quality of life. 

Take that pumpkin spice latte. You may think it is just a basic white bitch thing, but there is something much deeper going on with this craving. The spices in the latte actually raise the heat in the body, making it easier to stay warmer as the weather gets colder. 

Ayurveda, the ancient Indian science of life, as well as Traditional Chinese Medicine, and many other traditional medical systems remind us that we are a part of Nature. 

And as a part of Nature, our bodies also change with the seasons. Elementally, as the seasons change, so does the balance or imbalance, as the case may be, of different elements in the body.

The vibrant colors of summer remind us this is a season of high action and of preparing to harvest. 

How seasonal transitions impact physical well-being

How do bodies react to seasonal changes? Can seasonal changes make you sick? In fall and winter we see an example of this in cold and flu season. From a traditional perspective, our bodies become more susceptible to what the ancient Chinese called “wind worms” as colder temperatures, wind, and improper nutrition make us less impervious to viruses. 

When we know, for example, that excess wind can disrupt our physical health in fall, we can be careful to wear scarves and to stay inside on windy days. 

Wind, too, is also part of the reason why many of us feel more anxious in the fall. It represents air and space elements which become in excess. 

How do we counteract this? By balancing it with its opposite element, earth.

There’s nothing quite like the perfume of fresh apples in autumn. 

This can come through grounding practices, spending more time outside, using earthing mats or sheets, and using essential oils that come from the ground, like vetiver and ginger. 

We can also choose to incorporate foods that grow on or in the ground, and interestingly, many of these happen to be in season in autumn. Pumpkin, squash, potatoes, and sweet potatoes are all excellent choices. 

Seasonal changes can cause changes in your period, your moods, even your mental function. 

The importance of embracing seasonal living for wellness

This concept of elemental balance is crucial in every season. This is why I created four seasons for you to learn how to hack your health seasonally in my Eastern Medicine Academy. 

Every season I break down for you wisdom from Ayurveda, TCM, and the modern science of aromatherapy to help bring balance to Body, Mind, and Soul. 

In Fall Session, we take you from confusion to clarity on the following:

• How to boost your immunity naturally
  

• Creating space for gratitude
  

• How to work on your money mindset
  

• Space clearing and smudging
  

• And I even offer a bonus section on home canning and preserving
  

All of these instructions help to create a sense of self-mastery for you in your life. You will be surprised by how much better you feel and how much leverage you create for yourself in your mindset and quality of life as you learn what Nature offers you in each season. 

Want more support like this within community? Join us in the Rewild + Untame Community where we dive deeply into these concepts.

Autumn is filled with natural abundance; reminding us to be intentional in our gratitude.