We have officially moved into the autumn season in the Northern Hemisphere. This season begins the dark yin cycle as daylight declines. The lengthening of night brings more introspection and the warmth of home beckons. It is a time of increasing awareness of inner processes, replete with inspirational ideas and the warmth of deep contemplation. As the season brings cooling, we welcome practices that support our bodies, minds, and spirits to live in harmony with this time of letting go and transition.
Autumn in Chinese Medicine
In Chinese Medicine 5 Element Theory, fall is associated with the element of metal. It represents metal ores and salts of the earth. Its function is in creating structure and communication associated with the mental and inner workings of the mind. It also represents a connection in the inner and outer aspects of the body, aligning it with the Lung and Large Intestine organ systems.
Some other associations with this season and metal element are the color white; the direction of west; the tissues of skin and hair; the sense organ of the nose and the sense of smell; the flavor of pungent or spicy; the body fluids of mucus; the climate of dryness; and the emotions of sorrow and grief with the outlets of crying or weeping.
The Lungs in this representation have to do with balance in the body and seeing that justice exists among all the organs receiving the pure energy and oxygen with each "inspiration". The Large Intestine symbology lets us know when we are in our "right way of living" in our abilities to choose what we need for nourishment, to extract what we must use, and to eliminate waste. These organ pairings act as a balancing act, emphasizing the importance of generating growth and evolution as well as the process of change, elimination, and release.
Embodying Fall’s Ethos
There are some very specific ways we can implement this season’s ethos into our daily lives. The practices of contemplation, reading, writing, journaling, nurturing yourself and loved ones, reflection, and inner attention are all extremely beneficial activities in this time.
Movement in the form of dance, yoga, tai chi, running, stretching, jump rope, hiking in nature, strength training, and other forms of solo exercise are recommended.
This is also a great time to lean into various forms of relaxation and mindfulness such as breathwork, meditation, and gratitude practices. Meditation and breathing can bring realizations, clear body tensions, and open your mind to receive solutions to problems while allowing for enhancement of sensory awareness opening a greater path of communication with the inner and outer worlds. Unexpressed feelings and blocked creative energies can contribute to weakened physical resistance which is why this is such an important time to really learn how to relax mentally and to find ways to rejuvenate yourself bringing about more health and harmony.
This is a time when more sleep is needed so ensuring good sleep habits is of utmost importance to support immunity and in prevention of colds and flus.
Keep yourself warm and dry especially around your neck, head, chest, and feet. Wear scarves! Saunas, sweating, Epsom salt baths, and exfoliation of the skin to remove dead skin cells and to stimulate the clearing of toxins are all great ways to keep in line with the theme of elimination and detoxification. Try taking a 30 second to 1-minute cold shower at the end of the hot shower for a boost of circulation. Remember promoting skin health assists lung health.
Seasonal Eating Tips
Instill good eating patterns and habits to promote ease of elimination and process such as sitting calmly, taking your time, eliminating devices and screens, and ideally sharing meals with loved ones. Proper elimination is important for immune function as well as in staying well by continuous elimination and clearing of toxins from the body. Improper elimination can lead to disease patterns and bigger problems down the road. Our primary elimination organs are the large intestine, lungs, kidneys, and skin. Our secondary elimination organs are the sinuses and pores of the skin.
Eat vitalized foods and include more soups, stews, and warm foods. It is a good time to eat more vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, but less fruit with an emphasis on eating seasonal offerings like apples and pears. Pears are extremely lubricating and nourishing of the lungs and large intestines. It is also a great time for squashes, pumpkins, carrots, turnips, onions, and garlic. Try using sea vegetables as a great broth base. Spices and herbs to utilize more are rosemary, cayenne, ginger, cinnamon, cardamon, and nutmeg are all fantastic at this time of year.
Avoid unnatural, preserved, or processed foods as well as an excess of dairy, gluten, and sweets. These are mucus producing foods that create an inhospitable GI biome which provides a site for bacteria and viruses to grow which can also end up in our sinuses and respiratory tract.
Moderation is Key
Keep in mind moderation is key in preventing illness and in maintaining your health maintenance. During this season consider some aspects that provide balance such as consolidation, communication, new disciplines, productive work, study, clarity, quiet walks, and more rest. Some signs of imbalance in this season are indecision, confusion, overindulgence, obscurity, and fatigue. Understanding the natural cycles helps us realize natural health. Taking an active role by changing and aligning our behavior can positively affect our health outcomes. Remember, this is more of a process than a definable goal. Every small action you take benefits your comprehensive health and wellbeing.
