Letting Go and Finding Gold: Autumn Practices in Chinese Medicine

This past September 7th, we officially shifted from late summer to autumn. The air is getting drier, the mornings and evenings are getting cooler, the leaves are changing their color and falling to the ground, and animals are starting to grow their winter coats. The autumn equinox, the time the sun shines directly on the equator as the rays shift south, is September 22nd. 

The Five Elements in Chinese medicine are a metaphorical framework that gives us a larger sense of what’s happening energetically each season and helps us to see how those changes impact our bodies. In Chinese Medicine theory, autumn is the time of the Metal element. The spirit of Metal, the Po, is our corporeal soul, our sense of survival or intuition. It is our instincts and our ability to connect with our body on a spiritual level. This is the time of letting go and finding what is gold or divine within ourselves. As the leaves fall and rot to restore energy needed in Winter, this is a time for self-restoration. Get rid of what is not needed. 

In Fall, Lung energy is at its highest. So, Fall is the best time to support the Lung channel and function. 

Fall or the Metal element is associated with the Large Intestine and Lung channels. Seasonal symptoms often manifest in relation to these channels. Typical problems with these meridians can include: emotional disconnect, dry skin, shallow breathing, poor circulation, oppressive grief, constipation, and respiratory issues.

Seasonal Practices:

• Reflection and Decluttering: This is an excellent time to reflect on your achievements, redecorate, and get rid of unnecessary items. It’s also a perfect opportunity to deepen your spiritual practices and meditation.

• Dietary Adjustments: Incorporate foods that nourish dryness (pears, sweet potatoes, pomegranates), loosen phlegm (onions, thyme, radishes), and expel cold (cinnamon, cloves, ginger).

• Physical Activities: Engage in light movements like yoga and qigong, along with breathwork, to strengthen your lungs and enhance bodily awareness.

Lifestyle Tips:

• Slow Down: Adjust your schedule to allow for more rest, and consider going to bed a bit earlier to align with the natural rhythm of the season.

• Stay warm: Start wearing closed toe shoes,  and keep your neck covered to protect from the chill and the wind.

Need help? Reach out to schedule an acupuncture tune up.