27 Oct Grief and Healing your Lungs
During the Fall season, we focus on the health of our lungs.
Your lungs have a direct connection to the outside world. We take in air (prana) from our environment and bring it into the body. This natural act supports the circulation of lung qi or life force to the rest of your organs. This organ is our first line of defense from the outside world and the last organ to fully develop in the womb.
According to Chinese medicine, the lungs also relate to experiencing, acknowledging, and releasing grief. Learning to process and be with your own grief is essential for the health of your lungs and thus the rest of your body.
Earlier this month, my dad was taken to the Cleveland Clinic on an emergency visit to help solve the mystery of his rapidly declining health. I was sitting at my kitchen table chatting on the phone with Taylor, discussing the week’s goals for the clinic, when I received a slew of texts coming in from my siblings.
I felt my stomach drop and everything in my body tighten. I could no longer focus on what Taylor was saying on the other end of the line. I didn’t know exactly what was going on from the texts, but I knew in my gut something was terribly wrong. It was my utter fear of losing my dad.
A few hours later, my sister-in-law called to share the details of my dad’s condition. It was then that my body let go and started to cry. The floodgates opened, and all the grief and fear of losing my dad and so much more came pouring through. It was intense and such a good release. My body needed to let go.
Sometimes healing shows up in the form of tears. After a good cry, I am exhausted, relieved, and reminded of my body’s natural ability to heal. Allowing your tears to flow is just one way to support your Lungs this season.
See below for more ways you can stay healthy this Fall:
- Start taking (or increase) your dosage of Vitamin C, Vitamin D & Zinc.
- Decrease sugar intake and increase water intake.
- Prioritize good sleep hygiene (ex: no screen time at least 1 hr before bed).
- Develop and practice good boundaries with yourself and others.
- Practice letting go of things in your life & don’t sweat the small stuff.
- Move your body anyway that feels good – walks, gym, box, dance, stretch.
- Increase foods that support the lungs, such as lentils, broth, cooked pears & honey.
- Cover the back of your neck when outside with a scarf or other warm material.
- Come in for Acupuncture & Chinese herbs.
In good health,
Jamie
PS: After spending 6 weeks at the Cleveland Clinic hospital, where he received amazing care, my father was able to return home and is recovering well ❤️