It feels like summer just arrived…yet we’re already looking ahead to the fall season! Changes in the seasons can affect your body. The temperature shifts (from warm to cooler), daylight hours drop, and your activity levels may change with “back to school.”
Many clients report experiencing increased stiffness, fatigue, and mood changes during the transition from summer to fall. These changes also affect our immunity, but have no fear because osteopathy for the seasonal transition can help you boost your health.
Take a proactive approach to your health this season by working with an osteopath now to focus on strengthening your immunity. Keep reading to learn how an osteopath can help.
How seasonal changes affect the body
The transition between the warmer summer weather and the cooling fall season can cause significant strain on your muscles and joints. This is usually because the cooler temperatures contribute to decreased physical activity. Dropping temperatures cause our blood vessels to constrict, allowing us to conserve heat. This all leads to restricted blood flow and reduced circulation, triggering the stiffness.
Shorter days can also affect our mood and sleeping patterns. In the fall, the sun begins setting earlier every day, and we may find ourselves going to bed (or getting sleepier) earlier. This change in sleeping patterns may temporarily affect our circadian rhythms, and we’ll notice a drop in our energy and mood while our body adjusts to the new sleeping patterns.
Unfortunately, as we experience these seasonal changes in our body, cold and flu season begins to rear its head! As our body adjusts to seasonal changes, it becomes more susceptible to catching colds and flu viruses.
The good news is that strengthening your seasonal immune support now can help keep it as strong as possible during this transition, lessening your chances of getting sick.
The osteopathic approach to seasonal wellness
Osteopathy offers a holistic, natural approach to your overall health and wellness. It helps boost your immune system by balancing the structure and function of your musculoskeletal system and body alignment.
Your osteopath will use gentle, manual techniques to help release tension in your body, improve mobility, and encourage better circulation so you don’t experience muscle pain and stiffness during the seasonal transition.
Your osteopath can also help boost the function of your lymphatic system. Your lymphatic system is responsible for maintaining fluid balance, removing toxins from your body, and supporting your immune system in fighting infections. A strong lymphatic system can help ward off colds and the flu. Your osteopath can perform gentle massage and dry brushing to help encourage circulation. With increased physical activity and staying well-hydrated, you can help boost this crucial bodily system at home.
If you’re feeling stressed during the seasonal transition, osteopathy can help you better manage stress and mood changes by releasing muscle tension, boosting circulation, and improving a nervous system reset. They may also help you engage in mind-body therapies, such as breathing exercises, meditation, and mindfulness, to help calm your mind and body.
Key benefits of osteopathy in the summer-to-fall transition
Preparing for the fall season begins now, as we wrap up the summer season. Here are a few benefits you may experience when you see your osteopath now:
- Lessened muscle and joint stiffness
- Boosted immunity through improving lymphatic and circulatory flow
- Reduced seasonal fatigue
- Better sleep patterns
- Less dramatic mood shifts
Being proactive in addressing these health issues now can help you have an easier transition between the seasons later.
Lifestyle tips to ease seasonal transitions
Your home fall wellness routine is also essential. In addition to regular osteopathic visits, there are many things you can do at home to ease the seasonal transition and build your immunity for the fall:
- Stay active. Find ways to stay active (going to the gym, daily stretch routines, doing exercise videos in your living room, going for daily walks).
- Eat nutrient-rich foods. Seasonal, healthy foods can provide your body with the energy it needs for healing and navigating seasonal transitions.
- Maintain regular sleep patterns. If you struggle to sleep, start your evening wind-down activities (such as reading a book, practicing mindfulness, or meditation) earlier so you’re more tired by bedtime.
- Stay hydrated. Carry your water with you throughout the day and choose water over caffeinated or alcoholic beverages as much as possible to avoid dehydration.
When to see an osteopath in autumn
Visiting your osteopath now is a proactive way to prepare for the transition from summer to fall. However, we understand that you’re probably quite busy enjoying the summer and may not have time.
That’s okay, you can still benefit from osteopathy in boosting your immunity if you start in the fall. Here are the top four signs it may be time to book your next appointment:
- You notice unusual stiffness, discomfort or fluid buildup in your joints or muscles
- You feel tired, sluggish, or have brain fog, with no other apparent cause or trigger
- You’re experiencing headaches, sinus congestion, or signs of weakness from a cold
- You’re struggling to focus on your work or daily tasks
Be proactive in your health this fall
Seasonal transitions don’t have to take a toll on your daily life. With a proactive approach to your wellness starting now, you can help your body stay in top shape and give your immune system a much-needed boost before the busy cold and flu season.
Osteopathy is a natural way to help your body better adapt and thrive, regardless of the seasonal transition you’re in. Regular osteopathic visits throughout the year can help ensure your body is in optimal shape, allowing you to focus on living your best life, rather than being hindered by pain or discomfort.
Ready to boost your wellness and immunity now? Book an appointment at Thuja Wellness to get started.
