As the air grows crisper and the colours of nature shift to hues of amber, copper, and gold, we find ourselves in the heart of autumn - a season of beauty and change. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), autumn is much more than a transitional period; it’s a time for introspection, release, and refinement. TCM teaches us that each season is linked to specific elements, organs, emotions, and energies that can deeply impact our well-being. Understanding autumn from a TCM perspective helps us harmonise with nature and nurture ourselves as we enter this season of quiet transformation.
The Metal Element: Refinement and Letting Go
In TCM, autumn is governed by the metal element, which embodies structure, strength, and clarity. Think of the way metal is extracted and refined from raw materials; autumn invites us to pare down, release what no longer serves us, and keep only what’s essential. Metal represents both boundaries and discernment, helping us clarify what is valuable and worth holding onto, while letting go of what weighs us down.
Much like the metal element’s structure, autumn asks us to cultivate a sense of inner strength and resilience. As we let go of the excess, we gain clarity and focus, allowing us to live in alignment with what truly matters. This process can be challenging but ultimately brings us greater clarity and a sense of peace.
The Lungs and Large Intestine: Embracing Release
The organs associated with autumn are the lungs and the large intestine - both vital for the process of taking in and letting go. The lungs, responsible for the breath, draw in oxygen and release carbon dioxide, serving as a bridge between our inner and outer worlds. This simple yet profound cycle of receiving and releasing reflects the spiritual essence of autumn: it’s a time to let go of what we no longer need, whether physically or emotionally.
The large intestine also plays a crucial role. Just as it removes waste and toxins from the body, we too are encouraged to remove old patterns, habits, or grief that may no longer serve us. In TCM, this process of “internal cleansing” allows us to embrace a fresh start and welcome new energy into our lives.
The Emotion of Autumn: Processing Grief and Sadness
In TCM, each season is tied to a particular emotion, and for autumn, that emotion is grief. The lungs, seen as the seat of sorrow, hold onto unresolved grief and sadness. Autumn, therefore, invites us to process and release this grief, creating space for healing and renewal. In our fast-paced lives, it can be easy to suppress sadness or move quickly through challenging emotions. But this season encourages us to allow these feelings to surface, be acknowledged, and ultimately, let them go.
This doesn’t mean we need to dwell in sadness, but rather honor the natural rhythm of release. Grieving what we’ve lost—whether it’s a loved one, a past version of ourselves, or an unfulfilled dream - allows us to find closure and feel lighter, more open to life’s new possibilities. Just as trees shed their leaves to make way for fresh growth, autumn reminds us that we, too, can shed layers that no longer serve us.
The Impact of Autumn’s Dryness: Nourishing the Lungs and Skin
Autumn’s climate in TCM is characterised by dryness, which can affect the lungs and skin. As the air becomes drier, we may experience respiratory issues like dry coughs, scratchy throats, or congestion. Our skin may also feel drier and more sensitive during this season. The lungs and skin are deeply interconnected in TCM, with the skin often referred to as the “third lung,” as it, too, acts as a barrier and protective layer for our bodies.
To counteract dryness, TCM recommends moistening foods and herbs that nourish the lungs and skin. Think of juicy, hydrating foods like pears, apples, sesame seeds, honey, and white fungus, which help keep the body and skin hydrated. Herbs like marshmallow root and mullein are also known to moisten the lungs and support respiratory health, while gentle exfoliation and oil-based moisturisers can keep the skin supple and strong.
The Energy of Autumn: Moving Inward
The energy of autumn is contraction and gathering inward. In contrast to the outward, expansive energy of spring and summer, autumn encourages us to turn within. We are invited to slow down, reflect, and conserve energy for the colder months ahead. Just as animals prepare for hibernation and trees pull in their energy, we can use this time to cultivate inner stillness and gather strength.
This inward shift is a beautiful opportunity for personal reflection. What did you learn during the warmer months? What can you release now to make space for new growth in the future? With nature as our guide, we’re reminded that there is a season for everything -expansion, contraction, growth, and letting go. Autumn teaches us that slowing down and simplifying our lives can bring profound clarity and focus.
Reflection and Release: Honouring the Season’s Wisdom
Autumn is an ideal time to engage in practices of reflection and letting go. Whether through journaling, meditation, or simply spending quiet time in nature, allow yourself the space to honor the lessons of the past and consider what you are ready to release. Reflect on habits, relationships, or emotions that may be lingering and keeping you from moving forward. Just as trees release their leaves, we too can let go of what no longer serves us, creating room for renewal.
Try writing down anything you wish to release on paper, then gently burning it as a symbolic gesture of release. Visualise these things leaving your life, creating space for new, aligned energy. Honoring these cycles of release can be deeply cathartic and set a powerful intention for the coming months.
Supporting Immunity and the Skin: Preparing for Winter
Autumn is also a crucial time to support immunity as we prepare for winter. In TCM, strong lung health is linked to strong immunity, as the lungs govern the body’s ability to ward off pathogens. Strengthen your immunity by incorporating foods like garlic, ginger, and warming soups into your diet, which help protect the lungs and keep the body’s energy balanced.
Caring for the skin is another essential practice as the air becomes drier. Moisturise regularly, drink warm teas, and use essential oils like eucalyptus or rosemary, which can support both lung health and skin hydration. Taking time for self-care can also create a sense of ritual and grounding, helping you attune to the deeper rhythms of the season.
Embracing Autumn’s Essence: A Time of Deep Connection
Autumn in TCM is a beautiful reminder of life’s natural cycles - of gathering, letting go, and creating space for what’s to come. By aligning ourselves with these rhythms, we honor not just the changing season but the cycles within ourselves. Embracing the wisdom of metal, the lungs, and the spirit of release can bring us clarity, resilience, and peace.
So as you move through this season, take a moment to breathe deeply, to reflect, and to find gratitude for all that has come and gone. Let the beauty of autumn’s transformation inspire you to release the old and prepare for the renewal that awaits. Just as nature finds balance, may you too find harmony and a renewed sense of purpose in this season of reflection, release, and refinement.
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