From summer to autumn: letting go and finding balance
From Summer to Autumn: Moving from Earth to Metal
The Acupuncturist’s Toolbox – Pepijn Zuurdeeg on Combining Acupuncture Styles
From summer to autumn: Digestion according to the Five Elements
The Acupuncturist’s Toolbox – Liesbeth Kerkhoff on Dr. Manaka’s Japanese Acupuncture Style
Stoptober: a fresh start for your health
October is the month of Stoptober. Every year, thousands of people decide to quit smoking together. A wonderful initiative that shows how powerful it can be to consciously choose for your health and to stick with it step by step. But why limit that movement to just smoking? Autumn is the perfect time to take a broader look at habits that hinder your well-being.
The transition from summer to autumn invites reflection. The long, light days are behind us, nature withdraws, and we turn inward. Right now, there is space to pause and consider yourself: what helps you move forward and what holds you back? Perhaps you notice that you often reach for sweets when tired. Or that in the evenings, you endlessly scroll on your phone when you really need rest. Maybe you're not getting enough sleep, or you've been carrying tension around for a while that you just can't shake off.
Breaking such a habit is not easy. We often do things without thinking, simply because they are familiar. Yet, one conscious choice can make a big difference. By deciding today to let go of something that no longer serves you, you create space for new energy and balance. It can be small. Stop buying soda, take a short walk every day, or schedule a moment to relax before bedtime. Small steps are often the most achievable.
And here too, acupuncture can be a valuable support. When you try to change a habit, you often encounter discomforts: restlessness, insomnia, tension, or sadness. Acupuncture helps bring your body and mind into balance, allowing you to experience more resilience and making it easier to persevere. Many people notice that they feel calmer, sleep better, and have more energy. This makes it easier to stick to your new path.
Stoptober is more than just quitting smoking. It's an invitation to reflect on yourself: what would you like to let go of this month? Which habit is hindering your health and well-being? Perhaps this is the perfect moment to consciously say goodbye to it.
Our NVA acupuncturists are happy to explain how acupuncture can support, aiming not only to work on letting go of habits that hold you back, but also discovering new, healthy habits.
