The Wash

The central theme of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) tells us that in order to achieve harmony within ourselves, we need to live harmoniously with the seasons. Fall is the season of transition, when the outward, expansive energy of summer begins to draw inward in preparation for winter's stillness. Here is what you need to know about the fall season, and the steps you can take to stay balanced as the days shorten and the air turns crisp. TCM: The Fall Season In TCM, fall is ruled by the metal element, which governs the lungs and large intestine, the organs responsible for taking in what nourishes us and releasing what no longer serves us. Fall is also associated with grief and letting go, echoed in how the natural world sheds its leaves before winter arrives. Dry air and dropping temperatures can deplete the lungs and skin alike, which is why dryness, both respiratory and dermal, is one of the season's most common imbalances. Breathe Deeply As the metal element governs the lungs, fall is a season to prioritize the breath. Simple practices like a few minutes of deep breathing each morning, or a slow walk outdoors, help draw in fresh air while supporting the lungs' natural rhythm. This is also a season for release. Journaling what you are ready to let go of, much like the trees releasing their leaves, can support the emotional side of the metal element. Nourish From Within As the air dries out, so does the body. Focus on warming, hydrating foods like root vegetables, bone broth, and pears, which are traditionally used in TCM to moisten the lungs. Reduce raw and cold foods, which can be harder to digest as temperatures drop, in favor of cooked, warming meals. Replenish Your Skin's Moisture Barrier Skin often mirrors what is happening internally, and fall's dry air can leave it feeling tight, flaky, or dull just as quickly as it affects the lungs. Combat this with a layered approach that builds hydration rather than product sitting on the surface. Start with our Replenishing Mist as a pre-step that helps your skin absorb everything more effectively. Follow with a few drops of Bioactive Regenerating Oil, which penetrates to the lipid barrier where dry skin starts. Finish with Sensing Repair Cream, a rich, emollient layer of shea butter, calendula, and carrot seed that locks all the goodness in and the keeps skin hydrated through the day. Layering these three, from lightest to richest, gives skin what it actually needs each fall: hydration it can hold onto, not just moisture that sits on top and evaporates by afternoon. Fall is a season of adjustment. Breathing a little deeper, eating warmer foods, and layering in more hydration are small, practical ways to support what the body is already trying to do on its own. TCM has understood this for centuries. The work is simply paying attention.

January was Thyroid Awareness Month! This month and every month we should stay vigilant about supporting our thyroid as it can affect almost every aspect of our health and wellness.  I started learning more about the thyroid on my own journey with hypothyroidism during this 15 year journey I’ve made many lifestyle changes to support my overall thyroid function. This launched my passion for living a toxin-free life and has led me to share a few thoughts as we wrap up awareness month. Why is the Thyroid Important? The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of your neck. It's responsible for producing tetraiodothyronine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which are hormones that are necessary for how cells utilize energy.  The thyroid plays a significant role in metabolism, growth, and body development. It also supports and regulates many body functions by continually releasing thyroid hormones into the bloodstream.  Our bodies are so intelligent! The thyroid knows to do its job when the pituitary gland releases Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) and then tells your thyroid gland to make thyroid hormone - T4. T4 must then be converted into T3, the active form, to be used as needed. What Affects Thyroid Health? 1. Stress     The more stress you have, the more the stress hormone cortisol is released. Your body is so focused on releasing cortisol that it cannot focus on the conversion of T4 to T3.  2. Gut Health      Your gut is another place for T4 to be converted to T3, so IBS, leaky gut syndrome, and lack of good bacteria in your gut hinder this conversion. 3. Diet       Low-calorie diets will hinder T4 conversion and cause a drop in your metabolism. Ultimately weight loss is not achieved, and the thyroid cannot function as needed.  4. Chemicals in Skincare       Many beauty products contain chemicals to reduce production costs and increase shelf-life. Unfortunately, these chemicals can have an effect on the thyroid, causing it to fail in producing enough hormones.  Be on the lookout for these common toxic ingredients: parabens, synthetic fragrance, oxybenzone (often used in SPF products), and phthalates. Did we mention these ingredients are banned in other countries!?  What You Can do to Support Thyroid Health Reducing stress is paramount. I know it's easier said than done but find time in your day for meditation, journaling, deep breathing, yoga, or anything that brings you back to a relaxed state. Also, make sure your gut is healthy, and you eat a healthy diet. This may mean making changes, such as taking digestive enzymes and/or probiotics, finding out your food sensitivities, and eating a diet rich in fiber and low in processed foods.  As for beauty products, read the labels. If you can't pronounce it, it's most likely not good for you. Let me say that one more time...If you can't pronounce it, it's most likely not good for you.  One of the main reasons Tori and I started TOMA was to offer results-driven skincare products that are completely toxin-free. Remember, the more you avoid toxins, the healthier you'll be overall!    In health and wellness, Marla - Co Founder, TOMA   Image by stefamerpik on Freepik