Autumn Through the Lens of Chinese Medicine
Autumn is the season when the warm summer days grow shorter, leaves change color and begin to fall, and the coming winter draws near. A crispness fills the air, we pull our warm clothes back out of the closet, and this becomes a time of gathering in and preparing for colder days. In Chinese medicine […]
Autumn is the season when the warm summer days grow shorter, leaves change color and begin to fall, and the coming winter draws near. A crispness fills the air, we pull our warm clothes back out of the closet, and this becomes a time of gathering in and preparing for colder days. In Chinese medicine each season has its own character, and living in tune with that character is considered a central path to good health.
Autumn and Chinese Medicine
In Chinese medicine, autumn is linked to the Metal element and to the lungs. Metal’s qualities are order and organization, and the setting and protecting of boundaries. This is a good time to complete processes and projects begun in spring or summer and enjoy the fruits of that hard work, while also a fitting moment to begin new projects focused on the body, the mind, and inner work.
The energy of the lungs is one of release and letting go, so autumn is a good time to loosen our grip on things holding us back and make room for new things that help us learn and grow.
The Emotion of the Metal Element: Grief
In Chinese medicine, every organ is linked to a particular emotion, and the emotion connected to the lungs is grief and sorrow. The lungs are also linked to clear thinking and communication, openness to new ideas, positive self-image, and the ability to relax and feel content. When the lungs are out of balance, people may experience depression, difficulty coping with loss or change, a sense of alienation, and sadness that does not fade. Someone who struggles to let go of people from the past may find this points to an imbalance in the lungs.
It is worth knowing that grief expressed fully is a source of physical and emotional strength, so rather than avoiding it, it should be met in a healthy way. Facing sadness in a healthy manner is one of the keys to maintaining balance across every area of life.
One of the best ways to strengthen the lungs is deep breathing. It sounds simple, yet most of us do not breathe deeply enough, and this affects memory, energy levels, and immune function. The best way to practice this is to walk outdoors in the autumn air, filling the lungs with fresh oxygen and Qi, and simply enjoy it.
Order, Release, and Inner Reflection
Autumn is an excellent time to reflect on your life: to organize, tidy up, let go of the old, and make room for the new — both in tangible and emotional terms. You might start with your closet, sorting out clothes you no longer wear and donating them, or clearing old files you no longer need. Actions like these fit naturally with the character of the season and strengthen the lungs’ capacity to let go.
As autumn begins, the wind starts to blow, and in Chinese medicine wind is considered a significant factor behind the emergence of many illnesses. It is therefore wise to dress warmly and protect the back of your neck from cold wind — since acupuncture points connected to the lungs sit in that area, and exposing them to wind can open the door to illness.
Foods That Suit Autumn
As the weather cools, it is best to cut back on cold foods such as raw salads and favor warm, longer-cooked meals instead. Soups and easily digested stews strengthen the body ahead of winter, and since autumn tends toward dryness, it helps to include foods that bring moisture to the body.
- Garlic, onion, leek, and ginger
- Sweet potato, cabbage, radish, broccoli, and celery
- Rice, beans, and almonds
- Pears, apples, bananas, and olives
- Walnuts, cinnamon, and yogurt
According to Chinese medicine, the best way to stay healthy is to learn the nature of the season and act accordingly, in diet and daily habits alike. This way, we live in harmony with the world around us and with our inner world.
Autumn brings a natural slowing down and turning inward, making it a good time to give extra attention to our inner life. A simple reminder: everything we need, we already carry within.
Book a Treatment
If you would like to understand how Chinese medicine principles, such as acupuncture or Chinese herbal medicine, can help you align your lifestyle with the autumn season, Shai Davids welcomes you at the clinics in Jerusalem and Ramat Gan. Get in touch to schedule an appointment.