The Four Seasons of Integrated Care

I came across this article today and couldn't wait to share it with you.  

Practitioners at Well Within, two in particular, very much embrace and understand the deep connections between the physical and emotional changes that occur with the changes of the seasons.  

In the article, the writer Tracy Marciano says: "Western medicine has traditionally recognized the emotional and physical aspects of life divided into two separate categories; an approach believed to have originated from French philosopher René Descartes (1596-1650) who argued that intangibles like (religious) faith have no place in the physical world. His theories about dualism implied the body worked like a machine and the mind and/or soul were “nonmaterial entities that lacked extension and motion and did not follow the laws of nature.” This approach has left the western world fragmented because it usually lacks symmetry and balance between the mind and body when medical care is sought out"

She goes on to explain the principles of traditional Ayurvedic medicine and the five element theory derived from Chinese medicine.  

Well Within pracitioner, Janel Houton, has developed a highly unique form of bodywork called Seasonal Stone Massage which uses the Chinese Five Element system as a point of departure.  Each of the five elements carry a corresponding season, and organ systems which are vulnerable.  Treatment sessions are designed around this concept.  Essential oils traditionally appropriate for the season are used in a myofascial and swedish based massage followed by a hot stone meridian layout based on organ systems and acupressure points.  Ayurvedic Marma points and a moon stone fascial massage may also be included.  The Seasonal Massage aims to boost the body’s inherent vulnerability as the season’s change.  Clients find the combination of different modalities extremely relaxing and grounding, reconnecting our bodies to natural and environmental cycles.

Marciano also addresses nutritional shift that occur with the change in seasons.  She notes "We begin to have less interest in lighter refreshing foods and beverages such as cucumbers, watermelon and cold mint tea and begin gravitating to toward foods such as butternut squash baked with cinnamon and nutmeg and warm chai tea."   

At Well Within (and in her anticipated daily food tips on Facebook) , Holistic Health Coach Susan Altman educates clients about seasonal shifts in eating based on our bodies unique needs during these times and also on what is most abundant and fresh each season.  A recent post from Susan: 

Susan Altman Health Coach

Many people I speak with are having a hard time getting into the fall routines. In order to be as healthy as we can, we need to get into our fall rhythms. To do this, focus on setting a bedtime, and sticking to it. Cook more, eat out less. Try and exercise 4-5 times a week. Lastly, nourish your adrenal glands with good self care. Healthy adrenals will support you on the inside when seasons change on the outside.

She also hosts both spring and an autumn cleanses that help your digestive system transition from one season of eating to the next.  I participated in the last Spring cleanse (and plan to participate in the upcoming Autumn cleanse as well).  I felt a tremendous difference in my energy level and in the types of food I was craving as a result of this experience.

This understanding of seasonal shifts in wellness is just one (of many) layers of thought that makes integrated care such a rich and dynamic model for helping people get well and feel their very best.

Do you notice any physical or emotional changes in yourself when the seasons change?  

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If you haven't yet experienced one of our award winning services (including massage, acupuncture and more), come on over to http://www.bewellwithin.com today and book your first appointment in our Newton, MA office online!