GREETINGS

Autumn is upon us and the lung is the most vulnerable organ during this time.
The body is surrounded by an energy which helps protect it from the penetration of pathogenic factors such as colds and flu. This protective energy circulates in the skin which in turn is governed by the lungs. Thus if the lungs are strengthened your body’s resistance to cold and flu will be enhanced.
During Autumn hot spicy food such as curry should be avoided. Such foods will make worse some skin conditions.
It is a known fact that some winds can be responsible for making people feel depressed. In parts of Europe it is a defense to some crimes if the accused committed the criminal act during the season when the "northern winds" are blowing. In Australia, these winds are the "dry westerlys" which usually occur in autumn. So be careful. You may feel grief and sadness during Autumn – particularly if you have suppressed these emotions from some past trauma.
The most common problems affecting the lungs arise from dryness. Sneezing and a dry nose indicate that the lungs have been attacked by dryness. Mulberry leaf tea help moisten the lungs and is a good prophylactic.
For those of you who may wish to try a culinary adventure I recommend the following recipe as a nourishing Autumn soup:

• Soak white fungus overnight.
• Add pork bones or chicken and cook for 1 hour.
• Then add lily bulb and simmer for a further 2 hours.
• Season with salt.

You may be aware that Chinese medicine views the body as a balance of the five natural elements: Fire, earth, metal, water and wood. The lungs and the large intestine belong to the metal elements. Thus the bowels and lungs are "connected" to each other. Exercise of the lungs will help the bowels. Breathing exercises which expand the lungs and will enhance bowel regularity. Lung exercises bring more air ( and with it more "Qi" or energy ) into the body and energize the system. So take care of lungs and exercise !
Finally for those of you who are the dreamers, according to the "SPIRITUAL AXIS ( a famous Chinese medical text ) if you dream of battles or war in Autumn then your lungs are weak. Dreaming of flying also indicates a lung imbalance !

So take care of the lungs and enjoy Autumn.