Annalisa Brown, L.Ac. is the founder and owner of AB Acupuncture
Walk down Columbus Avenue on the first crisp day of October, and you’ll notice it immediately: New Yorkers reaching for scarves. Sometimes it’s fashion, sometimes it’s habit — but in Chinese medicine, it’s actually prevention.
That cozy wool wrap is doing more than keeping you stylish. It’s protecting one of the most vulnerable entry points in your body.
The Neck as an “Open Window”
In Chinese medicine, the back of the neck is like an open window into your system. Cold, wind, and damp — the three big culprits for fall colds and flus — sneak in there first.
Modern science backs this up in its own language: when the muscles of your neck tighten against a sudden chill, circulation slows down and immune cells have a harder time getting where they need to go. That’s why you can feel fine one moment and sniffly the next.
A scarf, believe it or not, is one of the simplest forms of preventive medicine.
Fall Isn’t Just Flu Season — It’s Marathon Season Too
October doesn’t only test your immune system — it’s also peak training time for the New York City Marathon. That means lots of runners are logging big miles, pushing through fatigue, and sometimes hitting walls they didn’t expect.
Right now, I’m working with a runner who tweaked her back and couldn’t keep up her full training schedule. With acupuncture, herbs, and movement-based strategies, we’ve been getting her back on track (pun intended). It’s a reminder that seasonal resilience isn’t just about staving off colds — it’s about helping your body adapt to whatever stress you’re putting it under.
And you don’t need to be marathon-bound to benefit. Carly, who specializes in movement and recovery, sees plenty of weekend warriors, dancers, and parents who feel like they’re running their own daily marathons. The principle is the same: acupuncture helps your body reset so you can keep moving.
Practical Everyday Tips
Good news: the tools are simple.
- Wrap up. Wear a scarf on chilly mornings and evenings, especially if you’re running around the city or coming out of a sweaty workout.
- Spice it up. Add warming flavors like ginger, cinnamon, or clove to your tea or cooking. They gently stoke your system so it adjusts more smoothly.
- Don’t wait. Once you’re already knocked down, it takes longer to recover. Prevention really is the best medicine.
And yes, Chinese medicine figured all of this out long before “immune-boosting” products filled the shelves at Fairway.
How Acupuncture Strengthens Your Defenses
Here’s the part most people don’t know: acupuncture isn’t just for pain. It’s one of the most effective ways to help your body adjust to seasonal stress.
- Immune balance. Acupuncture modulates immune activity so you’re less likely to swing between “fine” and “flat out sick.”
- Better circulation. Improved blood flow means fewer “cold entry points.”
- Stress relief. Let’s face it — burnout lowers your defenses. Acupuncture calms the nervous system so your body has energy left to fight off what’s going around.
At AB Acupuncture, we often pair acupuncture with herbal medicine, red light therapy, or neurology-based techniques to strengthen the whole system. Think of it like a seasonal tune-up for your health.
A Local, Personal Approach
Carly Lepore, L.Ac and Annalisa Brown, L.Ac.
One of the things our patients love most about coming here (we’re at 118 West 72nd Street) is that it doesn’t feel like just another clinical box to check. AB Acupuncture is woven into the rhythm of the neighborhood — right by the same subway stops, cafés, and yes, the Zabar’s line you probably find yourself in after work.
That means we treat your health with a practical, real-world lens. We see what our patients go through in this city — from long commutes and tight shoulders to sudden weather swings — and we know how to help you ride through it with more resilience.
Time to Get Ahead
So yes — your grandmother was right: wear a scarf. But if you want to go deeper, acupuncture can help your body roll with the seasons instead of getting sidelined by them.
Whether you’re a first-timer curious about prevention, a longtime patient who hasn’t been in since spring, or a runner trying to get across the finish line in November, now’s the time to come in. Think of it as a seasonal reset — your body will thank you in February.
Our recommendations this fall:
- Vital Woman Reset: For women navigating energy dips, hormone shifts, or immune crashes.
- Centered: Real Maintenance for Real Life: For anyone who wants a nervous system and immune system reboot.
- Move Strong, Recover Fast: For runners and athletes who want to train smarter and recover quicker.
AB Acupuncture is right here on the Upper West Side at W. 72nd Street. If you’re ready to step into fall stronger, schedule your seasonal tune-up today.
