Autumn Equinox

The autumn equinox, occurring on September 22nd ( 12.43 UT/ 13.43 UK  time)  signifies a transition from the warmth and light of summer to the cooler, darker days of autumn. This shift can affect both our physical and emotional well-being, making it an important time to adjust how we care for ourselves and, in the context of therapy, how we approach treatments for clients.

What is the Autumn Equinox:

The autumn equinox, also known as the fall equinox, occurs when the Earth's equator passes directly under the Sun, causing day and night to be nearly equal in length. It marks the beginning of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere, and spring in the Southern Hemisphere.

During the equinox, the Earth's axis is tilted neither toward nor away from the Sun, meaning both hemispheres receive roughly equal amounts of sunlight. After the autumn equinox in the Northern Hemisphere, the days begin to shorten, and the nights grow longer as the Sun appears lower in the sky, signalling the approach of winter. The opposite occurs in the Southern Hemisphere, where days begin to lengthen, and nights shorten as they move toward summer.

This balance in day and night occurs only twice a year, during the autumn and spring equinoxes. 

1. Decreased Energy Levels: As daylight decreases, the body produces more melatonin, the hormone responsible for sleep. This can lead to feelings of sluggishness and fatigue, requiring treatments that promote relaxation while also gently stimulating energy.
2. Changes in Skin and Body: The drop in temperature and humidity can make skin drier and more sensitive. The body may feel more prone to stiffness as it adjusts to the cooler weather.
3. Immune System Challenges: With the change in season, the body becomes more susceptible to colds, flus, and other illnesses as the immune system adjusts to the new climate.

1. Emotional Introspection and Balance: The equinox represents a time of balance in nature, and clients may feel a similar pull toward inner balance. However, the emotional transition from the brightness of summer to the darker, reflective period of autumn can also bring about feelings of sadness, introspection, or anxiety.
2. Changes in personal and family life: This is a time where the family dynamic may change. Young children may be taking their first steps in education, older ones going on to college or university others leaving home to start their life away. This can cause a significant shift as life changes, feelings of “empty nest”  etc.  
3. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): The decrease in sunlight can trigger SAD in some clients, leading to mood swings, depression, or a sense of lethargy.
4. Desire for Grounding and Stability: The equinox often leads to a desire for stability and grounding as clients navigate the emotional changes of the season.

• LaStone Therapy or Stone Therapy Treatments: As clients may experience feelings of sluggishness or coldness due to the changing weather, stone massages are ideal for providing warmth and soothing stiff muscles. Using basalt stones, which retain heat, can enhance circulation, grounding the client and releasing tension.
• Stone Cocooning (Castle Building): This nurturing treatment can be combined with other therapies bringing a sense of grounding.
• Aromatherapy: If qualified Integrating essential oils like into treatments can create a warming, grounding experience. These EO’s can help stabilize emotions and promote relaxation during this transitional period.

• LaStone Crystal Face Sculpting: These treatments are not only calming but also revitalizing for the skin, which may start to become dry and sensitive as temperatures drop.
• LaStone JadeTherapy: Jade's healing and energetic properties can balance inflammation while promoting a sense of calm and renewal.
• LaStone StoneSoul: For those who are Reflexology using stones including Jade in treatments can have help balance emotionally, spiritually and physically through transitional periods.

• Crystal Healing: These treatments help clients reconnect with themselves emotionally during the equinox. Using stones like quartz or sardonyx, which promote emotional clarity and stability, can be effective in helping clients feel more grounded and in control of their emotional transitions.
• Smudging for Emotional Cleansing: Introducing clients to smudging techniques can help them release negative energy and mental clutter, allowing them to embrace the balance that the equinox offers. Using herbs like sage or rosemary, or offering alternative smudging techniques such as using crystals, water, or sound, can be a therapeutic way to reset emotionally.
• The altar to the four directions: Each direction represents different energies and times of the year with Autumn represented by the West. The west represents the setting sun, signalling the time of harvest, reflection, and preparation for winter. It’s a time to gather the lessons and experiences of the year, let go of old hurts, and prepare yourself emotionally and mentally for the colder, quieter months. This direction is about healing, feeling safe, and creating a sense of security as you "make good" for winter. You might imagine it as a time of letting go of what no longer serves you, like clearing out the garden to plant anew in spring. This is an intention you may include in your healing treatments.

• Immune-Boosting Treatments: Focus techniques and treatments that stimulate the immune system and help the body ward off seasonal illnesses.
• Hydrating and Nourishing Skin Treatments: Using nourishing oils in body and facial treatments  can help address the dryness and sensitivity that often accompany the cooler weather.