Fall TCM Guide to Feeling your Best this Season.
As the leaves wither and dry, they remind us that the changing of the seasons also reflects a natural shift within us.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Autumn~Metal season is more yin in nature—internal, dry, and contracting. Metal governs the lungs and large intestine, and they govern the skin and open into the nose. That means the lungs control the “opening and closing” of the pores, regulating sweat glands and protecting the body from external pathogens.
These 2 organs are also responsible for detoxification- through our breath, our skin, and waste elimination.
In another sense, these paired organs are associated with the Corporeal Soul: our connection to the physical body and our awareness of ourselves within our environment.
It is also a season closely connected to grief, and the lungs are said to hold the emotion of grief. Unresolved grief can injure the lungs making them weak and susceptible to external pathogens.
Although grief can be painful, pain can also be an agent of change. As our energy naturally turns inward this season, we’re invited to pause, reflect, and ask ourselves:
What are we ready to let go of that is no longer in alignment?
What are we holding onto that has already served its purpose?
And what harvest are we reaping from the seasons that came before?
Perhaps this season is more about slowing down, recognizing how we can honor what is complete, and making space for what comes next.
Fall TCM Guide to Support you this Season:
Nourish the Lungs: The lungs are delicate and vulnerable to the climatic changes in dryness depleting lung moisture. Focus on moist, unctuous, and hydrating foods. Integrate more soups, steamed veggies, healthy fats, and mucilaginous foods like marshmallow root, seaweed, and tremella mushrooms.
Mind & Body Connection: Metal has a tendency to be rigid. What is no longer serving y0u, but you’re still holding on to? Our body is a reflection of the mind-when we stay rigid, our bodies mirror the same energy through stiff joints and tight muscles, or constipation. What are you ready to release? Let that shit go.
Protect the Wind Gate: Wind and dryness are prevalent this season and the lungs are susceptible to external pathogens leading to more colds, flu and allergies this season. Cover your neck, and keep your hands and feet warm.
Hydrate: Metal season can be drying. Make sure to stay hydrated and give yourself a daily self massage with warm oils. It’s deeply nourishing for the skin, and it feels good too!
Regular Acupuncture Visits: Regular treatments and tune ups are a must! Seasonal wellness & maintaining this body is preventative care. As my dad always said growing up, If we take care of our body our body will take care of us.
Happy Fall Everyone!
Jenny
