I got it: the end-of-summer cold
Ugh. I got it.
The end-of-summer cold came knocking on my door and has been wreaking havoc in my throat and my head today. I tested for covid today for the second time this week, and it is negative. I am reminded that there are other germs besides covid out there, and you can’t be too careful.
The end of summer signals the transition from summer to fall, and transitions are where the Qi, the life force, is. I am also reminded that transitions are not necessarily the most comfortable place to be.
In case you need a little boost or a little encouragement to get through this part of the year, here are some simple suggestions meant to encourage you to treat yourself well during this time of transition.
Remedies for the summer cold
Per Traditional Chinese Medicine, the autumn is the time of the lungs and breathing. So, if you have a cold or if you are coughing or congested right now because of allergies and irritants, you are right on schedule in terms of the energetic manifestations.
A cold energetically means there has been a sense of “too muchness” going on in the body-mind. Slowing things down is an intelligent response to that feeling that things are too much. Taking more time with everything may be exactly what is needed right now.
Here are four things that can help you ride the wave of having a cold or feeling out of sorts during this time of transition:
Cancel what you can, declutter your schedule or declutter little part of your physical space, and then rest. Easier said than done, but moving things around, clearing up even just a few areas in your living space, and postponing things and clearing up your schedule, can give you a sense of control over what you do with your time, attention, energy, and space.
Treat the body well. Massage the lymph nodes (at the neck, armpits, inguinal area at the base of the trunk) with a light touch or with a soft dry brush. Brush your bare body with a natural fiber brush at the neck, armpits and torso. Use strokes that brush towards the heart. Do this before you shower, and then visualize the old energy going down the drain when you shower. Drink soothing non-alcoholic beverages. The acts of waiting for water to boil and selecting ingredients for tea can invite a gentle and nurturing sense of taking care of life. I made a lemon-oregano-ginger-clove tea with local honey just now, and my throat is feeling better as I sip and tap the keys here.
Keep moving the body gently. Full blown sessions at the gym may be too strenuous for now, but some light walking and gentle stretching can improve the mood and clear your mind. A little breathing and moving can also remind you to conserve your energy and be selective about how you use your energy.
