Autumn Season and Traditional Chinese Medicine

Autumn is the season of moving inward. The fire of summer cools down and we become more introspective, reflective and begin our preparations for the long winter.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), each season has a series of corresponding elements, organs, emotions, etc.

• Season: Autumn

• Organ: Lung and Large Intestine

• Emotion: Grief/Sadness

• Environment: Dryness

The Lungs are the body’s first defense against the invasion of cold and flu pathogens. Wei qi (defensive qi) is produced and circulated by this organ, providing the body with its first line of immunity. The nose is the opening to the lungs; keeping your nose clean and clear with a neti-pot is a good way to maintain healthy lung function. In addition, grief is the emotion of the lung. Deep breathing and allowing yourself to process any pent up grief and stresses from the last year may help to prevent illness this year.

The large intestine is the second organ associated with autumn; this organ’s function is that of elimination, letting go, release – both physically and emotionally. A person who is holding onto negative emotions will often experience digestive issues as well. Just like with the lungs, allowing space and energy to feel grief and other emotions is the first step in letting the negativity go. Take time to write down your problems and stresses, meditate, breathe deeply and exhale the negativity, talk with a trusted friend or counselor, make art, get acupuncture and/or bodywork, exercise. Find ways to release the issues that are bothering you and you will nourish your lungs and large intestine.

Wind cold is the TCM pathogen that most often rears its head during the autumn season. Keeping warm, wearing a scarf, consuming warming food and drink are all ways to help combat wind cold – especially important in a COVID-19 world. Warming foods that nourish fluids and dispel dryness are ideal for these months. It is important to cook food — as cold/raw food can create cold and dampness in the body.

Some examples of autumn-appropriate food to choose from are:

• Apples

• Broccoli

• Brussels sprouts

• Cabbage

• Carrots

• Cauliflower

• Celery

• Garlic

• Ginger

• Grapes

• Green tea

• Honey

• Leeks

• Parsnips

• Pears

• Pumpkin

• Rosemary

• Sage

• Spinach

• Wild rice

• Winter squash

• Yams

Acupuncture, cupping, gua sha, tui na and far-infrared heat are all excellent therapies for nourishing the lungs and large intestine to prevent illness, as well as boost immunity and expedite the healing process if wind cold or any other pathogen does gain footing in the body.

Wondering if acupuncture may be right for you? Contact us at NE Wellness and we’ll be happy to answer any questions!