Supporting Vitality into the Fall

Fall marks the transition from the yang bright, active time of year to the yin quiet, dark time of year. Now is the time to begin storing our reserves and vitality for the winter to come.

Believe it or not, according to the ancient Chinese lunar calendar, we are already full swing into the season of Autumn! The shift from summer into fall is important because it marks the transition from the yang bright and active time of year to the yin stillness and darkness time of year. The temptation to continue to living a Summer lifestyle in Fall can be easy here in California, when it is still so sunny out. However, now is one of the most crucial times to begin conserving ones energy for the cooler months to come. Upon entering the yin time of year, our bodies’ energy is begins to turn inward, and it is important to support that movement now in order to prevent colds and flus in the winter.  This keeps our wei qi protective field harmonized and strong so we don’t succumb to illness. The element of Fall is Metal, and just as Metal relates to the storing of minerals in the soil, Metal also relates to the storing of minerals in the body. Below is a recipe for a strengthening, mineralizing broth that will help support energy and immunity during the fall. FALL IMMUNITY BROTH 3 slices of Huang Qi (Astragalus root) 1-2 strips kombu seaweed 4-6 dried shiitake mushrooms 3-4 chopped green onions ¼ inch ginger, chopped 1 bundle of kale 3 tablespoon of fresh miso paste of your choice Add Huang qi, shiitake mushrooms, kombu and ginger to 4 cups water, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer covered for 20 minutes. Add the greens and cook until tender. Turn off heat and stir in and dissolve the miso paste. Enjoy!