September Newsletter: The Seasonal Shift - From Winters Rest to Springs Renewal
- Stephen Pate
- Sep 5
- 5 min read
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), spring is associated with the Liver and Gallbladder, organs that represent growth, renewal, vision and decision-making.
Just as nature awakens, buds begin to open, and new life emerges, our bodies are also ready to shake off stagnation, release what no longer serves us, and move forward with fresh energy.
Spring is the season of rising yang energy where upwards and expansive movement occurs, encouraging growth, creativity, and clarity.
The Seasonal Shift - What you might notice and how to support your body through the change.
With longer days and more sunlight, many people notice a natural increase in energy and motivation, although for some, this can also bring restlessness or irritability as the body adjusts. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the liver becomes more active during this season, influencing digestion, skin health, mood, and the smooth flow of energy and emotions. This shift can spark a desire to declutter both physically and mentally, while emotions dormant over winter may resurface for a gentle release. Supporting your body now means balancing movement and nourishment; staying hydrated, choosing lightly cooked vegetables over raw vegetables in meals, adding warm spices, and incorporating gentle exercises such as walking, stretching and breath-work to keep energy flowing and allow your body to transition into the new season with ease.
How PANM can help you during the seasonal shift.
Acupuncture and TCM treatments to support liver health and allergies
Naturopathy for tailored nutrition and detox support
Massage and Myotherapy to ease tension and keep energy flowing through the body
Kinesiology to clear emotional blocks and help you align with your spring intentions
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September is Mental Health Awareness Month
This month, two important awareness days remind us of the value of connection and support: World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10th) and R U OK? Day (September 11th). These days encourage open conversation about mental health and the importance of checking in with ourselves and with others. Caring for your mental wellbeing isn’t just for difficult times, it should be a daily practice that provides ongoing support through consistent care and attention.
Accessing ongoing support through therapies such as counselling, acupuncture, massage and kinesiology, can help regulate stress, improve mood, and create a stronger foundation for emotional resilience when life gets tough or overwhelming at times.
Creating Space for Your Teen’s Emotions:
Adolescence can be a turbulent time, with many teens experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, or difficulty expressing their feelings. Parents often find it hard to start conversations, worrying their teen may shut down or withdraw. What helps most is creating a safe, non-judgemental space where their emotions can be shared at their own pace. Sometimes, this means connecting during activities like driving, cooking, or walking, rather than through a ‘serious talk’.
Teenagers are sensitive to criticism, so listening without rushing to fix or correct builds trust and encourages openness. Using creative tools such as music, drawing, videos or even humour can make it easier for them to engage in the conversation, open up and express themselves. It’s also important to normalise ups and downs, showing that these emotions are temporary and manageable, and celebrating the small wins along the way.
If your teen is withdrawing, expressing hopelessness, or showing significant changes in mood or behaviour, professional support can be beneficial in working through these struggles. Counselling provides a safe place for them to be heard and supported to help develop resilience skills, stress regulation tactics and improve overall emotional wellbeing. At PANM, we offer a range of options to help teens and their families feel supported, connected and empowered.
To explore this topic further, visit https://www.peninsula-mindcare.com.au/post/creating-space-for-your-teen-s-emotions for more resources and information.
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World Heart Day - 29th September
Later this month, we also acknowledge World Heart Day, raising awareness about cardiovascular disease’s (CVDs), which are still the leading cause of death globally, taking an estimated 17.9 million lives each year. More than four our of five CVD deaths are due to heart attacks and strokes, with one third of these deaths occurring prematurely in people under the age of 70 years old.
The most important behavioural risk factor is unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, tobacco use and excessive consumption of alcohol.
Protecting your heart involves making consistent lifestyle choices that support physical wellbeing. This could include choosing whole, fresh foods that are naturally low in sodium and cholesterol, engage in regular physical activity such as walking, yoga, or gentle resistance training, and managing stress levels effectively.
Food Recommendations for reducing CVD risk.
DO prioritise; vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean protein sources such as fish, use legumes as meal fillers, incorporate healthy fats such as nuts, seeds and olive oil, opt for fat-reduced dairy products and flavour foods with more herbs and spices over salt.
DON'T consume excessive amounts of; foods high in sodium and cholesterol such as fatty meats, full-fat dairy products and highly processed foods
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Heart-Healthy Lunch Prep
Spring Chickpea & Quinoa Salad Jars
(Low Sodium, Low Cholesterol)
Ready in just 30minutes and packed with plenty of fibre and protein!
This recipe supports cardiovascular health by lowering cholesterol, supporting healthy digestion and provides a steady release of energy.
TCM Perspective;
Quinoa and Chickpeas - strengthen the Spleen and support healthy digestion, helping transform food into lasting energy
Cucumber and Capsicum - clears heat from the body, has detoxifying and anti-inflammatory properties and benefits the heart
Parsley and Lemon - moves stagnant qi, gently detoxifies, supports the livers functions
Olive Oil - nourishes Yin and moisturises any dryness
TCM Tip; Add a small thermos of miso soup on the side to balance the cooler salad with warmth to support digestion
Serves; 5 Lunches
Ingredients:
2 cups cooked quinoa
2 cups canned chickpeas (rinsed well to reduce sodium)
1 cucumber, diced
1 red capsicum, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 block of Fat-reduced feta divided between the 5 jars
1 small bunch parsley, chopped
Juice of 1 lemon
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp cumin powder
Pepper to taste
Optional; Add a lean protein source such as chicken breast or fish for a higher protein/meat option.
Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine quinoa, chickpeas, cucumber, capsicum, tomatoes, and parsley.
Whisk lemon juice, olive oil, cumin, and pepper. Pour over salad and toss well.
Portion into 5 jars or containers. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
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From the PANM Team -
This month, think of your health like a garden in spring: clear away what is no longer serving you, nourish your body and mind, and create space for growth and vitality.
We look forward to helping you embrace the season with renewed energy and balance.
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Practitioner Updates for September
A quick update on our team’s availability over the coming weeks:
Caitlin will be away on holiday from the 1st - 28th of September
Michelle will be away on holiday from the 3rd - 14th
We appreciate your understanding during this time and look forward to welcoming you back soon! If you have any questions or would like help booking an appointment or finding a practitioner suited to you needs, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Call 5973 4116 or visit www.peninsula-acupuncture.com.au to book an appointment
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