Autumn in Focus
Autumn is a season marked by transition, cool temperatures, shorter days, and a shift in nature’s energy from abundance to conservation. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Autumn is associated with the Metal element and the Lungs and Large Intestine organs. It is a time for introspection, and preparing the body for the cold Winter months ahead. Because it is a time for letting go of emotions & habits that no longer serve us, Autumn is an ideal time to begin TCM treatments to improve health and wellness. As discussed in previous posts, in TCM, maintaining balance with the natural rhythms of the greater macrocosm is crucial for staying healthy during seasonal changes. Let’s look at a few key elements and tips for this colourful season of transition.
Autumn's Associations in Summary
Nature: Yin within Yang
Element: Metal
Organs: Lung & Large Intestine
Flavour: Pungent/Acrid
Emotion: Grief & Sadness
Pathogen: Dryness & Wind
Colour: White
Health Recommendations for Autumn
1. Nourish & Protect the Lungs to Boost Immunity
Breathe deeply: Try daily breathing exercises, Qigong routines.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of warm herbal teas, and avoid cold/icy drinks.
Eat Lung-Nourishing Foods: Eat poached pears or apple with raw honey, almonds, dikon radish, green onions, and ginger/garlic to boost immunity.
2. Support the Large Intestine to Support Detoxification & Letting Go
Eat Fiber-Rich Foods: Root vegetables like sweet potatoes & carrots, squash, whole grains, such as brown rice and quinoa.
Stay Warm: Avoid cold & raw foods; opt instead for warm, cooked meals like soups, stews, and porridges.
Let Go of Emotional Baggage: Connect physical health with emotional health through journaling, meditation, and talking with a trusted friend or therapist.
3. Eat Seasonally & Warm Your Digestive System
Embrace Warm, Cooked Foods: Transition to soups, stews, and porridge.
Use Warming Spices: Include spices such as ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Incorporate Seasonal Foods: Seasonal foods include carrots, beets, sweet potatoes, apples, and pears.
4. Strengthen Your Immune System
Immunity Herbs: Speak to your practitioner about Astragalus, schisandra, garlic and ginger.
Cover Up: Protect your neck, upper back and chest from wind and cold
Acupuncture & Eastern Bodywork: Seek treatments with a licensed practitioner to prevent respiratory illnesses.
5. Balance Activity and Rest
Moderate Exercise: Include gentle exercises like walking, Tai Chi, Qigong, and Yin Yoga.
Rest and Rejuvenate: Prioritize rest and sleep; go to bed earlier and rise with the sun to support immunity.
Three Stages of Autumn
Let’s take a look at how the three stages of the autumn season affect our bodies and how we can work along with nature to eat and drink what will make us feel great through seasonal changes.
Early Autumn
Coming out of late Summer, many people enter Autumn with excess dampness. To eliminate this pathogen that can make us feel sluggish in mind, body, & spirit, supporting the Spleen is key. It is best to avoid damp producing foods such as anything cold & raw, potatoes, pasta, bananas, wheat, & dairy.
Mid Autumn
During this time, the dryness of the environment damages yin. In TCM, health is maintained when yin and yang are in balance (homeostasis), so nourishing yin is very important in Autumn. Avoid dry, fried, & smoked foods. Opt for juicier options like raw honey, soymilk, pears, and white wood ear mushrooms. A simple gogi berry, red date, and longan fruit herbal tea is ideal for nourishing yin.
Late Autumn
With this final stage comes colder weather accompanied by the same dryness we see in mid-autumn. The Lungs are most affected at this time and we’re more likely to catch a cold or the flu. It’s an excellent time to choose more black-colored foods such as black sesame and black beans as well as nutrient rich foods like sweet potato, grapefruit (in moderation), and squash.
Final Thoughts
As Summer comes to a close and trees shed their leaves in preparation for Winter, we too should be preparing our bodies during Autumn. It is normal to experience grief, so let yourself feel. It is normal to feel dryness, so choose herbal teas and foods to moisten the Lungs and Large Intestine.
Autumn is a great time to come in for immunity building acupuncture and Eastern body work treatments. When you book your appointment, our Registered Acupuncturist will also share at-home acupressure and guasha tips to enhance your immunity.
Note: These are general recommendations and may not be appropriate for everyone. A TCM assessment with a licensed practitioner is recommended for suggestions best suited to you as an individual.
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Really great advice, thank you!