Welcome to the Autumn!

So Summer has now officially come to an end after the autumnal equinox that took place on Monday. An equinox is the time when the plane of the Earth’s equator passes through the centre of the Sun. It’s the time when day and night have approximately the same length and the northern and southern hemispheres are equally illuminated. There are two equinoxes each year, one in March and one in September.

The September equinox marks the start of Autumn. Autumn is the time during which temperatures become colder and we prepare for Winter. Some animals gather food in preparation for hibernation whilst others travel South where temperatures are milder. Leaves fall from trees (hence the American name ‘Fall’) and change colour.

Whilst many of us find Autumn a magical time of the year, others struggle with the shorter days and the colder weather. In Chinese medicine this is the time of the year when the yang energy of the summer shifts towards the yin energy of the winter. Yin energy is much softer, slower and relaxed.

So how can we make the most of this natural shift in energy, minimising the struggle that many of us face? Well, you have guessed it! This is a time to slow down, take a rest, sleep for longer hours and eat warmer, more comforting foods. Yin yoga works with the same principles and encourages restorative and deeply nourishing practices so give it a try if you haven’t before.

Keep well x