Autumn: Loving the Season of Transition
By Dr. Anna Gold
Earlier this year, not a week went by without someone asking if I’d read Miranda July’s new novel, “All Fours.” My girlfriends and my community of women patients were all abuzz with this book that honestly laid bare depictions of physical and emotional shifts affecting women in midlife. The unnamed main character struggles with her perimenopausal body, and all that comes with it: dryness, moodiness, insomnia, fluctuations in sexual desire. She also wrestles in the loss of social capital in a patriarchal world that prizes youth and the potency of its potential. The plot of the story traces the narrator’s emotional and psychological transformation as she confronts nuances of aging as a woman, eventually leading her to discover a new way of being.
Midlife, as defined by the Cambridge dictionary, is the “period of your life, usually considered to be from about 45 to 60 years old, when you are no longer young, but are not yet old.” For many, midlife is an inflection point during which one takes stock of one’s achievements, relationships, and place in the world. For some, the realization of the passage of time brings despair. For others, it can spark a need for change.
As a doctor of East Asian medicine, I equate this period of “midlife” to the season of Autumn. Autumn is the time of transition from abundant liveliness to slowing down. It is a season of harvesting crops we plant last winter and spring, which, with the right amount of nourishment, flourishes in the summer. Autumn is when our hard work comes to roost and we can collect the fruits of our effort.
I don’t see midlife as a crisis. I see it in the grand scheme of a life well lived. It is an opportunity to gauge the loss of youth but also give thanks to the accumulation of lived experiences, and with it, wisdom and compassion. Autumn, in terms of life and in terms of seasons, is a time to decelerate, a prelude to Winter, when we honor rest. Rest is necessary because it prepares us for renewal.
Ways to Embrace Autumn with Traditional Chinese Medicine
Autumn corresponds to the Metal element*, which governs the Lungs and Large Intestine. These organs are responsible for respiration, immunity, and the body's ability to eliminate waste. As the air becomes crisp and dry, the Lungs are particularly vulnerable, making this an important time to nourish them and protect yourself from dryness and seasonal illnesses.
The emotional energy associated with fall is grief and letting go. Just as the trees shed their leaves, this season invites us to release what no longer serves us, whether it’s emotional baggage, habits, or even physical clutter. By doing so, we create space for new growth and energy in the coming months.
Seasonal Imbalances and Symptoms
As we adjust to the cooler, drier weather, imbalances in the Lung and Large Intestine systems can manifest. Some common symptoms associated with fall include:
- Dry skin, throat, and nasal passages
- Coughing and respiratory issues
- Constipation or digestive disturbances
- Feelings of sadness, grief, or melancholy
TCM Tips for Fall Health
We can avoid seasonal imbalances by supporting these systems through diet, lifestyle, and TCM practices.
- Nourish the Lungs and Support the Immune System
- The Lungs thrive in a moist environment, so it’s important to stay hydrated and combat the dryness of fall. Foods such as pears, white fungus, and honey are excellent for nourishing Lung Yin and adding moisture to the body.
- Herbal remedies like radix astragali (huang qi), a main ingredient in Dr. Anna Gold’s DEFEND tincture, can help strengthen Lung function and protect against colds and flu.
- Regular acupuncture treatments can help balance the body's energy and support immunity during seasonal transitions. Points on the Lung and Large Intestine and Stomach meridians, are often used to promote respiratory health and overall vitality.
- Eat Warming, Seasonal Food
- Fall is a time to shift from the cooling, raw foods of summer to warmer, cooked meals. Soups, stews, and congee with seasonal ingredients like pumpkin, kabocha squash, sweet potatoes, turnips, and ginger are ideal for supporting digestion and keeping the body warm.
- Focus on foods that are white or neutral in color, which correspond to the Metal element, such as cauliflower, onion, garlic, and rice.
3. Embrace the Emotional Aspect of Fall
- Fall invites us to turn inward and reflect. Take time to journal, meditate, or engage in other mindfulness practices that help you process emotions and release grief or sadness. Letting go of negative emotions can help you prepare for the stillness of winter.
4. Stay Active, but Don’t Overdo It
- Moderate exercise like tai chi, yoga, or walking in nature, supports Lung health by encouraging deep breathing and movement of Qi. However, it’s important to avoid overexertion, which can weaken the immune system during this time.
Fall is a time of deep transformation and preparation, both in nature and within our bodies. By honoring the needs of our whole selves, we can navigate this season with balance, strength, and grace.
Embrace the beauty of Autumn and all the wisdom it offers. Stay warm, stay healthy, and remember that the process of letting go is imperative for renewal.