Autumn has always held a unique place in the cycle of seasons we experience every year. Winter is a time of survival, and hibernation while spring is a new beginning and summer is a time of celebration and energy. Meanwhile autumn is traditionally a time of preparation, getting ready for the coming winter. The days are becoming shorter the air is cooler encouraging people inside.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Autumn is the beginning of the Yin Cycle. It is associated with Metal, the element which governs the mind, organisation, communication, setting limits and protecting boundaries. Autumn is the time of the harvest which means it is the perfect time to finish any projects started in summer and spring. It is also the time to enjoy the bounty of your hard work. It is also the time to begin indoor projects and prepare for the winter. This often involves gathering the wood for fires, or getting out the heaters and sorting out our winter clothing.
Summer it is a time of external activities such as travelling and social gatherings as it is ruled by the fire element. Autumn on the other hand is the time for introspection, self reflection and meditation. The metal element rules the lungs and large intestine and therefore are most associated with autumn and the emotions related to letting go.
Autumn can be particularly difficult for people who love summer. They often crave the outdoors and the social aspects of external activities. On the other hand the more introverted people will often thrive in autumn enjoying this period of introspection and self reflection. TCM and acupuncture is great for those who struggle to let go of summer. Together they can help to process the emotions and prepare for the colder season.
What to do to boost your health in Autumn
Sleep is especially important during autumn in order to maintain health. Going to sleep early and getting up early the next day is highly recommended. This time of transition is also a time when the Qi becomes unstable. Ideally the Qi from the lungs should descend through the body however if it ascends it can cause a cough. Qi needs to be properly maintained during this time and may require support from a TCM Practitioner.
In TCM food is very important for maintaining your health, and the food you eat should change with the seasons in order to maintain balance. Eating a lot of cold or raw foods in autumn can create dampness or phlegm. In TCM, phlegm is created by the spleen and stored by the lungs causing coughs and other issues. Eating a moderate amount of pungent foods like garlic, ginger, horseradish, mustard, and onions to help support your lungs can help alleviate any issues.
Winter is commonly associated with coughs, colds and other illnesses which can be very disruptive to everyday life. So it is important during autumn to prepare our lungs for the winter to reduce or prevent these illnesses. The lung is seen as a tender organ that is particularly susceptible to the wind and cold. Which means it is important to dress appropriately for the weather. Many people continue to wear summer clothing well into autumn, but this can leave the lungs vulnerable to the wind and cold.
In order to strengthen the lungs and protect the rest of the body from colds and flu’s you can practice breathing exercises. It is also important to support the lungs through the stomach with proper eating. It is also important to look at the nose, one of the entry ways to the lungs. By maintaining your sinuses and keeping your nose clear you can protect the lungs. A netti pot with a salt and lukewarm water solution can be great for clearing the sinuses and nostrils. TMC uses Acupuncture and Chinese herbs to help prepare the body . By strengthening the lungs and large intestines TMC can help alleviate cold symptoms.