Autumn in Chinese Medicine: The Season of Letting Go
The seasonal shift from summer to Autumn is a beautiful period of transformation. The lush, Summer green of tree foliage turns rich shades of orange, red and yellow before falling to the earth and decomposing beneath blankets of snow, feeding the soil for growth in the Spring. Almost like clockwork, the fall equinox turns the air crisper and cooler - sweaters are unpacked, grocery store displays topple with the harvest’s bounty of apples and pumpkins and summer, as we know it, is suddenly over.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the arrival of Autumn connects to the Metal element and with it, the Lungs and Large Intestine - the organs associated with what we take in and release, respectively. In response to this seasonal transformation, the body’s outward flowing energy begins to turn inward as it prepares for the colder months ahead.
Like any period of adaptation, this refocusing of energy can sometimes trigger disruptions that manifest both physically and emotionally within the body. Our skin may feel dryer as it acclimates to crisper, colder air. Our lungs, open pathways that regulate the movement throughout our entire body, become more susceptible to external pathogens and irritants. As such, it’s considered the ideal time of year to strengthen our Lung Qi, treating them for prevention of illness and to keep them working efficiently.
Spiritually, this seasonal shift stimulates a sense of renewal. From reorganizing closets and decluttering the home to setting new goals or evaluating relationships and the self, it’s not uncommon for autumn to inspire change. This time of year may also bring about feelings of heaviness, grief or nostalgia as we’re met with a sudden and increasing darkness to our days. For many, a response to navigating these emotions may cause us to hold on to them; to internalize their weight as they physically manifest in our body. Constipation is a common bodily response to this, which can greatly affect our mood, metabolism, hormonal balance and a host of other digestive disorders. Experiencing a sense of release, both inside and out, can be an arduous process during a period that is both transformational yet constrictive all at once.
Turning to Traditional Chinese Medicine during this autumnal shift can be instrumental in this process of “letting go.” Acupuncture treatments target points in descending action that aid in the circulation of Qi and healthy blood flow. These treatments are also beneficial to your lungs as they adapt to harm done by the sudden crispness of the air. Herbs and dietary therapy augment treatment to help ease digestion as well.
The following foods and supplements support the Lung and Large Intestine throughout the Autumn season (both physically and spiritually):
LUNG QI NOURISHMENT
Pears
Water Chestnuts
Cauliflower
Lotus root
Almonds
Yuca
LARGE INTESTINE SUPPORT (FOR CONSTIPATION)
Magnesium Glycinate or Citrate
Flax Seeds
Omega 3 fatty oils
Probiotics
Warm Water and Lemon
Dried Fruits
Oatmeal
Chia Seeds
REDUCE PHLEGM:
Mustard Greens
Dandelion Leaves
Eliminate Dairy, Sugar, and Wheat
Quercetin (found in many fruits, vegetables, leaves, seeds, and grains; capers, red onion, and kale)
In addition to nourishing your body, Autumn’s Metal energy leads to more intentionality with our words, thoughts and actions; an opportunity to be more deliberate with our day-to-day routine.
OTHER WAYS TO SUPPORT YOURSELF DURING THIS TRANSITIONAL TIME INCLUDE:
Waking up earlier
Beginning the day with some light exercise
Working by a window to receive natural light
Incorporating Vitamin D or Adaptogenic supplements to aid mood swings and sluggishness
As we imbue the period of autumn as a time of winter’s impending return, the trees, as they let go of their leaves, suggest an opportunity to let go of the things in life that no longer serve us and in turn, enjoy the weight that is lifted from letting things go.
For more information about ways I can help you achieve that sense of release during this autumnal shift, please feel free to reach out! I have two convenient locations in Noho and Williamsburg, Brooklyn to support you during Autumn and throughout the year.
