Embracing Autumn: A Time for Reflection
As daylight begins to fade and the leaves turn shades of orange, yellow, and red, we naturally turn inward—taking stock of the fruits of the year. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), we look to nature for guidance, observing how Yin and Yang, light and dark, continuously transform into one another—each containing the seed of the other. Through this lens, nature reveals the rhythms and cycles that shape all life.
In TCM, each season corresponds with an organ system, element, and emotion. Autumn is governed by the Metal element, which rules the Lungs and is associated with the emotion of Grief.
Autumn invites reflection, preparation, and sometimes closure. It’s a season to slow down, reassess, and gently release the habits, patterns, relationships, and possessions that no longer serve our highest selves.
The lungs take in oxygen to nourish our blood, regulate body temperature, and filter airborne toxins. They also serve as a vital part of our immune defense—our first line of protection against seasonal viruses.
As we move through this season of change, may we honor the wisdom of letting go—making space for renewal and deeper connection with ourselves and the world around us.
The Lungs & Letting Go: Living with the Season
The Lungs play a key role in Wei Qi, our body’s immune defense. When Lung Qi is strong, we breathe deeply, feel clear and energized, and are better able to process emotions. When it’s weak, we may feel fatigued, congested, emotionally stuck, or prone to colds.
To support the Lungs this fall:
🍁 Breathe Deeply – Simple breathwork strengthens Lung Qi and calms the mind. Be aware of holding your breath during times of stress or anxiety. Learn to lengthen your inhalation to match your exhalation. Or follow this 4-7-8 breathing method to calm your nervous system.
🍁 Eat Moistening Foods – Pears, sesame, honey, and cooked white vegetables nourish Lung Yin. Poached pears like this recipe are especially good for coughs.
🍁 Let Go – Journal or walk in nature to gently process grief or emotional heaviness. Studies show that walking in nature can boost the immune system naturally.
Book an acupuncture treatment – In a meta-analysis of research studies conducted between 2019 and 2023, acupuncture was shown to regulate immune function, reduce allergies, alleviate inflammation and balance the nervous system.
🍁 Protect Against Cold – Wear scarves and keep warm to shield the Lungs from wind and chill. Chinese Medicine believes that cold pathogens enter the body through a point at the nape of the neck, Dazhui/Du-14. It's important to cover this point to prevent from catching a cold.
🍁Support your immunity with supplements that contain vitamin C, mushrooms, garlic, or Dr. Anna Gold's proprietary formula, DEFEND.
Staying in Rhythm with the Season
Fall is the season of harvest and preparation, a time to slow down, simplify, and strengthen from within. Align with the season by caring for your lungs, supporting your immunity, and letting go of the things and patterns that no longer serves us.
As the light shifts and the air cools, the body prepares for hibernation. Fall is a time to simplify, nourish, and protect, to harvest the energy of the year, and begin the quiet preparation for winter’s deep Yin.
Wishing you a peaceful, grounded season.