Seasonal Changes – Roberta Reeve

As we enter the fullness of summer, we spend more time outdoors and typically become more active: whether gardening, walking along the beach, or getting out to social events,
this new level of activity can bring aches, pains, and niggles to our attention.
Traditional Chinese Medicine, taught me to observe that during the during the transition between seasons our bodies must adapt to the changing environment, this requires energy. If we’re depleted due to improper diet, hectic lifestyle, or chronic stress then our body will draw on our deeper energy reserves, which over time can bring disharmony and dis-ease. This is where the benefits of acupuncture can help.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

In TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) we are taught to adapt our day-to-day habits (and treatment strategies) to the season and our individual bodily requirements. This can include things as simple as eating foods that are in season, and dressing appropriately, as well as more esoteric principles; such as finding harmony between the climate outside and the climate in our hearts and minds. 

What does TCM mean?

The basic premise of TCM is to bring our bodies back into harmony within ourselves and in relationship to our physical and emotional environment.
Acupuncture can act as a reset button for our bodies. Research has shown that acupuncture treatment activates the parasympathetic nervous system which works alongside our sympathetic nervous system; these two systems are more well known as ‘fight or flight’ and ‘rest and digest’.

When we are in ‘sympathetic mode (aka fight or flight) our bodies preserve energy in readiness of the need to defend ourselves and/or run away from danger. This was useful when we were hunter gatherers to be able to quickly escape from predators. Two things that happen in sympathetic mode one: our digestive system slows down because more blood is being saved for our heart and the big muscles in our legs should we have to run, and two: more cortisol and adrenaline are secreted into our bloodstream. Our predators have mostly changed, no longer apex predators (thankfully!) maybe now its things like fear of losing a source of income to provide for our loved ones; fear of losing our shelter; fear of negative judgement from others or feelings of inadequacy in the face of an ever-changing world.

If we get stuck in these feelings and thoughts, our bodies over time age faster and we become weary and depressed. It’s not natural to be stuck in sympathetic mode but its easy to forget how to truly relax and access the wonderful resources and tools that our miraculous bodies have.

How acupuncture can help

Acupuncture can be a resource, alongside some lifestyle advice, that can help to balance and  enjoy each season of the year (and their lives) in the fullest possible way. 
If you’re struggling or simply not feeling quite right, whether that be emotionally, mentally or physically- there’s a chance acupuncture could help you.

If you’d like to find out more about services offered please feel free to get in touch via the clinic or with Roberta directly at robertareeveacupuncture@gmail.com to arrange a free phone consultation to discuss what you might like help with.

Published on: 7th July 2023

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