A Healthy and Hearty Autumn
We're settling into the crisper weather and slower pace here in the northeast, and it's time to prepare for the cooler months ahead. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, autumn is the season of the Metal element, which is associated with the Lung and Large intestine organ systems. This axis has a lot to do with inspiration/inhalation and expiration/elimination, so a lot of our intention lies in thinking about what we’d like to invite into our lives, and what we’d like to let go of. The Metal element is associated with grief, so it is natural to experience more feelings of loss at this time, which cleanses us of what is no longer needed. Just as the trees lose their leaves to make room for new ones in the spring, we too must let go of any physical or emotional elements that are no longer serving us. Supporting the Lung and Large Intestine during this seasonal transition can help us to process whatever comes up, so here are some tips to have a healthy and hearty autumn:
Stay hydrated! Autumn is considered a season of dryness in TCM, so it’s important to drink extra water during these months. Room temperature or warm water is best, as it is beneficial for smooth digestion and elimination, as well as supporting better blood flow to muscles and organs.
Take a walk! One of the best ways to support our lungs is to be out in nature breathing the cool, clean autumn air - plus the added benefits of relaxation and peace of communing with nature :)
Get organized! Metal season is all about setting boundaries, organizing, and prioritizing letting go of what we no longer need. Cleaning and decluttering your space, as well as journaling about attitudes or beliefs we’d like to let go of can free up a lot of space in both our homes and our minds. This is also a good time to think about what habits we’d like to form to help us gain some clarity on the goals we have for the next bit of time.
Eat warm, cooked foods! Think root vegetables, ginger, garlic, soups, stews, and other dank fall foods. These are easier to digest during the colder months, and we’re able to absorb nutrients better in this state. The Metal element is also associated with the color white, so we consider eating naturally white foods like apple, pear, almond, and cauliflower to be extra supportive in autumn.
Get a little extra sleep! Our days are getting shorter as the sun sets earlier, giving us more space to relax and sleep. It’s the ultimate form of letting go!
Stay warm! Many of us have a hard time letting go of the summer, so we don’t pull out our colder weather clothing until later in the season. Our grandparents were right - this is a test our immune systems don’t need! Grab your scarves and sweaters and bundle up to avoid colds.
Get acupuncture! All seasonal transitions can come with a little bit of funkiness in mind and body, so make sure to do lots of self-care and come for treatments that support your constitution.
Wishing you lots of harmony this season, and looking forward to hearing about your autumn!
