With another holiday season just around the corner, it’s time to reflect on the lessons of this past year, while looking to more possibilities still ahead. Autumn is often symbolic of abundance. We lean into the warmth of traditions that have been passed on through many centuries and generations. We honor what has come before, then embrace the winds of change and renewal that await us. This issue of Natural Awakenings will explore traditional healing wisdom from cultural and ancestral practices all over the world. Let’s have a peek inside!  

As usual, we begin with the feature article, and this month’s is a must-read — “Traditional World Healing Wisdom: Lost Practices Get New Respect.” According to recent statistics from the World Health Organization, 88 percent of countries across the globe still use ancient medicinal techniques, such as herbal remedies, shamanism and acupuncture. Many of these Indigenous practices have also been integrated into Western medicine for a more natural, holistic approach to healthcare. If you want to learn how time-honored wisdom can benefit your spiritual, mental, emotional and physical wellness, this article has you covered. 

While we are on the subject of traditional wellness practices, this month’s “Healing Ways” article delves into the benefits of QiGong and Tai Chi. These ancient Chinese martial arts combine breathwork, meditation, stretching, and intentional movement in order to strengthen the natural mind-body connection. These holistic exercises will harmonize your internal energies, alleviate stress, increase heart and function, bolster immune health and cultivate self-awareness. Both practices will also give your fitness routine a fresh, enjoyable boost! 

Traditional healing wisdom takes nutrition into account as well, as this month’s “Conscious Eating” article points out. The macrobiotic dietary plan was created 100 years ago by Japanese educator George Ohsawa, but it’s still just as effective today. This flexible, intuitive diet teaches you to eat in accordance with the natural progression of seasons. It centers around wholesome ingredients that are harvested in each cycle of the Earth’s orbit. So as cooler weather ushers in, think: Root vegetables, juicy apples and pears, leafy greens, winter squash varieties and other seasonal produce available at your local farmer’s market. 

From welcoming in the breezy temperatures and classic autumn flavors, to honoring seasonal celebrations — such as Indigenous People’s Day on October 9 — this time of year is full of excitement. I hope that you’ll find the healing wisdom in this issue impactful and beneficial to your own wellness journey. And on that note, I will see you right back here next month as we round the corner into this final stretch of 2023!