Today is 秋分の日 or Shūbun no Hi is the Autumnal Equinox (called Qiū fēn (秋分) in Chinese/TCM). The day and night are exactly equal as we transition to cooler weather and the shift to more In/Yin energy (think: quiet, cold, internal). Here is Wisconsin, cooler weather is arriving, so it is a bit easier to think of eating warmer foods, covering the back of your neck, and going to bed a bit earlier. But wherever you are, these practices can help you preserve your energy, prevent fatigue, and protect against dryness (think: coughs, itchy skin). Eat seasonal, moistening foods like root vegetables, warm grains, and pears, as well as use moistening modalities of cooking like steaming or boiling (SOUP SEASON, BABY). Also, as the trees start to shed their leaves during this season (my favorite), it is a great time of year to let go of any physical or emotional burdens. As I study TEAM (Traditional East Asian Medicine), including TCM, JMT, and Kampo, I want to share with you here. I am studying ...