Autumn is a season of transition, that marks the shift from the vibrant, yang energy of summer to the more introspective, yin energy of winter. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Autumn is associated with the metal element, which governs the lungs and large intestine. Autumn is therefore the perfect time to dedicate some care and attention on nourishing the lungs and the large intestine, as well as conserving energy and aligning with the natural rhythms of nature.
Autumn and the metal element with it associated, also invite us to move inward, to let go, clear, organise and refine. If Spring is for ‘cleaning’, Autumn is for ‘clearing’ – literally and metaphorically.
Here are some recommendations based on the ancient principles of TCM to support you during this shift of seasons.
Energy: Yin
Element: Metal
Motion: Inward
Organs: Lungs (Yin) & Large Intestine (Yang)
Emotion: Grief
Flavour: Pungent
Focus: Protection & Consolidation
Preparation for Winter: Conserve energy
Autumn is a dry season that can leave the lungs vulnerable. TCM emphasise consuming moistening foods to protect the lungs and prevent dryness. It is a good time to move away from cold, raw foods and incorporate more gently cooked, warming foods.
Introduce more pears, apples, almonds, honey, pumpkin for their moistening effect, and white radish, ginger and garlic for their pungent taste and warming quality. Consume miso and other fermented vegetables to support digestion and a healthy microbiota in the large intestine.
Maintaining adequate hydration continues to be important, especially as indoor heating comes on later in the season. In good TCM habit, lukewarm or hot water is recommended over cold water, as the latter is believed to weaken stomach and spleen, disrupt Qi flow and cause dampness in the body. You can also use warming spices (cinnamon, ginger) in hot water or infuse herbal teas (astragalus*, thyme), both of which will contribute towards your overall daily hydration.
Engage in deep, belly breathing exercises or practices, such as breath work or qigong, to strengthen the lungs and improve energy flow. This can help you feel more centred and preserve good energy.
As the weather cools and the winds pick up, protect your body by wearing layers, particularly covering the neck and chest. TCM teaches us that exposure to sudden gusts of cold wind or currents can weaken the immune system, leaving you more vulnerable to catching colds and infection.
“Wind is the origin of the one hundred diseases. In case a person is clear and calm, the flesh and the interstice structures are firmly closed up and resist. Even though there is a strong wind which is a violent poison, it will be unable to harm that person. This is so because one follows the sequence of the seasons”
– Huangdi Neijing
As the days shorten, aim to go to bed earlier and wake up with the sun. Adequate rest is crucial for conserving energy in autumn and preparing for the winter ahead. Exposure to daylight within 10-15 minutes of waking (despite the weather) can help adjust the sleep-wake cycle.
Autumn is the season of letting go, both physically and emotionally. The metal element of Autumn is associated with grief and sadness in TCM, but it’s also a time for transformation. This season invites us to practice self-reflection, journaling, or meditation to release old patterns, emotions, or habits that are hindering you, mirroring the trees shedding their leaves.
Build Wei Qi (Defensive Qi)
In TCM, Wei Qi is your body’s immune energy, an invisible shield said to live right under the skin surface to protect and guard us against harmful pathogens. Think of it as an effective extension of your immune system. You can support this by incorporating immune-supporting herbs like astragalus, reishi mushroom, and ginseng, commonly used in Chinese Herbal Medicine. Please remember to always consult with your GP or nutritionist before taking any new supplements / herbs.
Acupressure is a fantastic tool that can be supportive for any time of year or circumstance. For this occasion, we have put together a sweet little acupressure guide with our favourite acupressure points for the Summer-to-Autumn transition. You can download this here.
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