The dragon is considered the luckiest year in the Chinese Zodiac. It symbolizes vitality, determination, abundance, adventurous intelligence and ingenuity. To honor this special pre-spring festival, we’re once again offering our 15 % off acupuncture for new patients. Call Charles at 858-755-5215

Each season is associated with different organs and elements. Fall is the season of the lungs and large intestine and the element of metal, which governs organization, communication, order and boundary setting. The yin energy becomes dominant as days grow shorter and the weather becomes colder. So it’s a natural time to slow down, become more introspective and create more order in your life.

The lungs are viewed as the ‘tender’ organ in Chinese medicine because they are the uppermost organ in the body and very susceptible to being adversely affected by cold and wind. Therefore it’s important to dress warmly and protect yourself from getting chilled. They also control the Wei-Chi which is the defensive energy on the surface of the body, rather like the auric field. I find that doing some vigorous deep breathing in the morning and at times throughout the day helps to invigorate this auric chi.

Lungs also are connected to the emotions of grief, sorrow and nostalgia, which are part of our human experience and not to be avoided. Grief that is fully processed can be strengthening. It can also awaken a sense of deep compassion for self and others.

The large intestine is paired with the lungs and represents our capacity to let go of what is no longer needed, just as leaves of hardwoods fall to the ground and decompose. So releasing whatever we might be hanging onto in both body and mind is a good practice along with making sure that our elimination is regular. Balancing the microbiome in the gut is also vital for a healthy immune system.

Come in for an autumn acupuncture session to strengthen the lungs, intestine, and immune system and receive a 15% discount until Dec. 21.