Now that Labor Day Weekend has passed, and we're officially making our way into autumn, it's time to think about gearing our bodies up for the cooler weather ahead.

Many of us are probably noticing that our digestion isn't working quite as well as it was just a few scant weeks ago - perhaps we've noticed a little bloating, or maybe a some indigestion. In addition, we may be feeling a bit spaced out or sluggish. If so, not to fear - this is completely normal for this time of year.

One reason is that most of us tend to drink more alcohol in the summer. The days are long and hot, and alcohol is actually tolerated better by our bodies during this expansive time. However, by the time summer is over, we can end up feeling too expansive - and begin displaying the "beer belly" symptoms and spaciness described above.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, each season has a pair of organs that are most dominant during that time. Right now, we're in late summer, and our stomach and spleen are in the forefront. As we move into fall, our lungs and large intestine will take over the limelight. This means this is the best time of year to give these organs a little extra support and attention.

One of the best ways to support your body as it transitions through the seasons is with a gentle cleanse. Dedicating a few days to cutting out extreme foods like alcohol, sugar and processed foods - while simultaneously introducing more simple meals made from whole foods - can go a long way toward eradicating that late-summer bloating and sluggishness.

Cleanse with us!

LSW will be hosting our annual group Fall Cleanse throughout the month of October. Many of the cleanses available out there can be very extreme - and therefore hard on the body. We've created our own super-supportive whole foods cleanse, done in the comfort of your own home but with the support and guidance of the LSW counselors, as well as a whole community of women - that you're connected to via our online forums - who are all doing the cleanse at the same time.

For more information on this transformational event, just fill out this short web form and we'll be in touch with more details. Or, call us at 212-581-0001 to register now and reserve your spot!

In the meantime, here's a few tips to get you started:

* Increase dark leafy greens: Try kale, collards, and mustard greens, to name but a few. Try them lightly steamed with a little of your favorite oil and vinegar to dress - delicious and oh-so-good for your body! Greens help clear mucus and support the lungs, in addition to providing important fiber for digestive health.

* Add in some fennel: This incredible plant (tastes like licorice!) is great for getting some relief from bloating. Use both the bulb and the little leaves - either raw on a salad or lightly steamed.

* Increase water consumption: An old standby, but most of us need to do it. Water not only feeds our cells and keeps us hydrated, it also helps keep things moving, and aids in flushing out wastes.

* And of course, reduce (for a little while at least!) your consumption of alcohol, sugar, and processed foods.

LSW is committed to helping you understand the amazing natural healing options that are available to you, so that you can make knowledgeable, powerful choices about how to care for your body and your menstrual and sexual health.

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