As the days shorten and “spooky season” begins, the fall equinox invites us to take this natural opportunity to pause and recharge. In Chinese medicine, this time of year holds profound significance. The fall equinox is a reminder of the power of balance and transition.
By understanding the significance of this season through the lens of Chinese medicine, we increase our capacity to support our health and well-being. So, we’ve compiled traditional practices, health advice, and seasonal foods that can help you thrive this autumn season.
As you welcome Autumn 2024, take a moment to appreciate this season of life with the opportunities for deepening discernment and preparing for renewal that it brings.
The Significance of the Autumn Equinox
The autumn equinox, occurring September 22-23, 2024 represents a moment of balance, where day and night are equal. This moment of equilibrium symbolizes the transition from the vibrant energy of summer to the more introspective and discerning energy of autumn. The fall season is a time to take an internal inventory, reflect on what is or is not working in your life, and prepare for the colder winter months ahead. Just as the trees shed their leaves in fall, we must also prepare to let go of what is no longer serving us in order to make room for the new growth that will greet us in Spring 2025.
Chinese Medicine: The Metal Element
In Chinese medicine’s Five Element Theory, the autumn season is associated with the Metal element. This element embodies qualities such as structure, justice, strength, and clarity. The Metal element’s associated organs are the Lung and Large Intestine, each of which is responsible for determining what is worthy of being retained, and what we must let go of in order to grow.
Lung: provides Qi to the body by breathing in oxygen and eliminates waste on the exhale. The Lung is an extremely important organ for healthy immune system function, but since it is open to the outside of the body, it is also highly susceptible to attack from exterior pathogens. During the autumn season, it is key to support and strengthen the immune system to protect against infections during winter.
Large Intestine: This organ is crucial for the elimination of waste, both physically and emotionally. It helps us let go of the old in order to make way for the new.
Common Autumn Season Health Challenges
As the season shifts from summer to fall, health issues related to the Metal element organs, the Lung and Large Intestine, may arise. The climate associated with autumn is dryness, which is damaging to the Lung and Large Intestine organs in particular. Common concerns include:
Respiratory Issues: Increased susceptibility to colds and allergies as the dry climate can damage the Lungs and the decrease in temperatures brings with it seasonal diseases such as allergies and upper respiratory infections. Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture are wonderfully effective at preventing and treating these conditions and reducing reliance on antibiotics and antihistamines.
Skin Issues: as the autumn season is related to dryness, flare ups of skin conditions such as eczema, rosacea, acne, and itchy, dry, sensitive skin are common. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are incredibly effective in rectifying these uncomfortable complaints- check out our post on Chinese medicine for skin conditions for more information.
Digestive Problems: As our bodies adjust to the seasonal change, digestive disturbances may occur. If the dryness of the climate damages the Large Intestine, we may notice constipation, bloating, gas, acid reflux and similar digestive disturbances as well as possible difficulties with depression and/or inability to release the past.
Emotional Challenges: Feelings of sadness or grief can be more pronounced at this time of year, reflecting the introspective nature of the season. Five Element Theory tells us that the emotions of the Metal element are grief and preciousness, or the acute awareness of just how priceless, valuable and unique each moment is. This is natural and your body knows how to process these feelings- give yourself patience, compassion and grace. If the emotions are strong or too big to hold on your own, reach out to your community, journal, move your body, and consider acupuncture and herbal medicine to rebalance and harmonize this energy.
Handling the Transition with Chinese Medicine
The strength and widespread effectiveness of Chinese medicine are in large part due to its emphasis on aligning lifestyle with the rhythms of the natural world around us. So, how can we tailor our lifestyle to welcome this fall season with health and vitality?
Eat to Protect Your Yin: Consume foods that generate healthy yin fluids to protect the body from dryness and prevent illness during this time: Asian pears, organic apples, Goji berries (Gou Qi Zi, 枸杞子) daikon radish, pumpkin/squash, root vegetables and fresh ginger (Sheng Jiang, 生姜) are all excellent dietary options to nourish the Metal element.
Nourish Your Lungs: Engage in gentle breathing exercises, such as meditation, qigong and/or tai chi to strengthen your Lungs, promote relaxation and fortify your immunity against cold and flu season. Walks in nature are also a great way to connect with the seasonal shifts and strengthen the Lungs.
Stay Hydrated: Cooler temperatures may make you feel less thirsty but staying well hydrated is essential to your health, even now. Herbal teas, such as those with chrysanthemum (Ju Hua, 菊花) can support lung health throughout the season.
Reflect and Release: Take time for introspection and spend time in nature. Journaling and meditative practices are excellent tools for self-reflection and expressing gratitude for the bounty of the past spring and summer while taking stock of your resources moving forward. This is the time to exercise discernment, let go of anything that no longer resonates or works for you, and clarify your purpose and ideals going forward.
Get Acupuncture: did you know that acupuncture is extremely beneficial at seasonal changes to help the body adjust to the climate and energy of the new season. Need some allergy relief, immune support, skin TLC or just some deep rest and relaxation before jumping into fall? We’re here to help with nourishing, soothing and supportive treatments: www.mindplusbodyacu.com/services to book your appointment and experience the preventive and healing benefits of acupuncture, Tuina massage, herbs and more.
Consider supplementation and/or herbal medicine for specific health concerns. If you know you get sick or suffer with a flare up of allergies or eczema every fall/winter season, it may be time to discuss specific treatments, targeted supplements and/or herbs to address the root cause(s) of this pattern and resolve it.
Embrace your Connection with Nature this Autumn & Feel The Health Benefits
In traditional Chinese medicine, the fall season is about letting go, reflecting on what we have learned this year, and preparation for the deep introspection of upcoming winter months. As the leaves fall and nature begins to rest, we, too, can benefit from slowing down and nurturing ourselves both inside and out.
Ready to float into fall? Our experienced practitioners are ready to help ease your transition into autumn so you can fully enjoy your spooky season.
Book with us today: www.mindplusbodyacu.com/services for appointments and FREE 15 minute discovery calls.
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