Embracing Autumn with Chinese Medicine: Balance, Letting Go, and Seasonal Wellness

Autumn’s Energy

Autumn is a time in nature when everything contracts and moves inward and downward. This can be seen as leaves and fruit fall from the trees, and the sap of trees moves into the roots. The seeds dry, and the colour of the leaves becomes lighter and drier. It’s a time of harvest, whereby the cooler weather allows fruit, vegetables, grains, and plants to ripen, be harvested, and stored for the colder months.

As the air turns crisp and the days grow shorter, autumn offers us a chance to slow down and reflect. Much like nature, it is a time for us to ‘let go’, reflect, organise, and refine.

The Metal Element

According to Chinese Medicine’s Five-Element Theory, each element—Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, and Wood—has correspondences that reflect the deep connection between the external environment, seasonal changes, and our internal health. The impact of the seasons on well-being is undeniable, and Chinese Medicine provides insight into the opportunities and challenges each season brings, highlighting which organs and body systems require particular care. Below, we will explore the correspondences of the Metal element.

Metal Element Correspondences in Chinese Medicine

Season: Autumn
Organs: Lungs & Large Intestine
Tissue: Skin
Orifice: Nose
Taste: Pungent (spicy)
Colour: White
Smell: Rotten
Sound: Weeping (crying)
Phase: Harvest
Time of day: Lungs: 3–5 AM, Large Intestine: 5–7 AM
Emotions: Sadness, grief, letting go
Personality traits: Meticulous, strong-willed, disciplined, structured, independent
Body type: Defined bone structure, triangular face, sharp features
Climate: Dryness
Function: Purification, refinement, elimination

The Lungs and Large Intestine

Autumn_Lungs In Chinese medicine, the Lungs and Large Intestine have the following functions:

Lung (Yin organ): Governs Qi (energy) and respiration, controls the channels and blood vessels, controls the diffusing and descending of Qi, regulates all physiological activities, regulates water passages, and controls the skin and the space between the skin and muscles where Wei Qi (defensive Qi –related to immunity) circulates.
Large Intestine (Yang organ): Controls passages and conduction, transforms stools, and reabsorbs fluids. The Large Intestine is emotionally related to the capacity to ‘let go’ and not dwell on the past.

The Metal Element in Balance vs Imbalance

When the Metal element is in balance, we breathe with ease, our skin glows, our immunity is strong, and we feel organised and disciplined. We are able to ‘let go’—physically and emotionally—and are capable of processing grief and sadness without being overwhelmed. When the Metal element is out of balance, we may experience frequent colds, dry skin, constipation, rigid thinking, difficulty letting go, and feelings of sadness, grief, or melancholy.

Signs of a Metal Imbalance:

Physical:

Weakened immunity: Frequent colds or flu.
Respiratory: Asthma, shortness of breath, nasal congestion.
Digestion: Constipation or irregular elimination (difficulty ‘letting go’).
Skin: Dry, itchy skin or eczema.

Psycho-emotional:

Emotions: Sadness, grief, or melancholia.
Emotions and behaviours: Difficulty letting go—unable to release habits, emotions, situations, relationships, or possessions that no longer serve us. This can also manifest as holding grudges, hoarding material possessions, or experiencing jealousy.
Thought patterns: Rigid thinking, black-and-white thinking, perfectionism, and being highly critical of oneself or others.
Behaviours: A lack of discipline, structure, or organisation.

Autumn Self-Care

1. Diet and Nutrition: Focus on Foods That Support Immune Health and Proper Elimination

Pungent foods: The pungent flavour is similar to spicy but more aromatic and has a dispersing action that moves upwards and outwards. Pungent foods include onion, ginger, garlic, horseradish, and warming spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and peppercorns. They promote Qi circulation, warmth, and resolve phlegm in the body.
White and lightly coloured foods: These include pears, apples, white radish, cauliflower, white rice, and almonds. Steaming these foods helps with fluid production, counteracting dryness, supporting Lung Yin, and encouraging proper elimination through the bowels.
High-fibre foods: Flaxseeds and chia seeds are high in fibre and healthy fats, which help lubricate the intestines to prevent and relieve constipation. Ensure adequate water intake when consuming them.
Support gut and respiratory health: Fermented foods (miso, kimchi, sauerkraut) balance the gut microbiome, which plays a role in immunity.
Immune health: Incorporate foods rich in vitamin C and vitamin A to boost immunity. Vitamin D isessential for immune and respiratory health—consider supplementation or sun exposure if levels are low. Ensure levels are optimal before winter when we tend to be indoors more.
Minimise cold, raw foods and excess dairy: These can create dampness in the body, leading to mucus in the Lungs. In Chinese medicine, there’s a saying: “The Spleen produces dampness, and the Lungs are the container of dampness.”. Think of a phlegmy cough after eating chocolate!
Hydration: Supports mucous membranes, preventing dryness in the lungs and sinuses.

2. Movement & Breath: Focus on Stretching the Lung Meridian

Qi Gong & Tai Chi: Promotes Lung health and emotional balance.
Regular walking and aerobic activity: Strengthen the lungs and circulatory system.
Deep breathing exercises: Enhance lung capacity and emotional resilience.
Voice work: Reading aloud, humming, and singing strengthen Lung Qi by promoting deep breathing, improving respiratory function, and encouraging the free flow of Qi in the chest.

3. Autumn Cleaning: Yes, It’s a Thing!

Declutter: Autumn is the perfect time to declutter our environment and simplify. Start small and slow to prevent overwhelm. You may have noticed a natural impulse to do so at the start of the season. Embrace clarity and simplicity.

4. Mental Self-Care

Let go: Release that which no longer serves you—habits, self-limiting beliefs, emotions, or possessions. Letting go is essential for emotional well-being.
Meditation and reflection: Engage in reflective practices like meditation to clear your mind, set new intentions, and gain insight into areas of your life that require transformation.
Journal Prompt: What habits, emotions, identities, or situations do you need to let go of? What can you welcome in?

5. Protect Your Lungs & Skin

Cover your neck, nose, and chest to protect against wind and cold. This is important in Autumn on very cold days.
Moisturise your skin to counteract seasonal dryness.
Use essential oils like eucalyptus or peppermint to support clear breathing.
Use an air purifier where possible.

6. Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine

Acupuncture can help us transition through the seasons with ease, addressing imbalances such as low immunity, frequent colds, respiratory issues, digestive concerns, emotional stagnation, grief, and sadness. There is a Chinese medicine saying:

“Those who don’t take care of themselves in Autumn will fall ill in Winter.”

This teaches us the importance of preventative medicine.

For additional support, acupuncture can help balance your energy, boost immunity, and promote emotional well-being. Book a session at Natural Solutions Acupuncture here to guide you through this Autumn shift.

This blog was written by Dr Sadika Husain (TCM).