Autumn and The Metal Element
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), each season is intimately connected to the body's internal rhythms and the five elements—wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. As we step into autumn, the focus shifts to the Metal element, inviting us to align our lifestyles, diets, emotions, and self-care practices accordingly. In this blog, allow the wisdom of TCM to guide us on how to live seasonally during autumn, harnessing the transformative power of the Metal element.
How to eat in Autumn
Autumn is a time of harvest and abundance, making it the perfect opportunity to nourish our bodies with seasonal foods that resonate with the Metal element. Incorporate the following dietary tips to align with TCM principles:
1. White foods: white foods are the best for supporting the metal organs. Pears are a super food for damp in the lungs (phlegmy cough), onion, garlic, ginger, horseradish, radish, cauliflower, turnips, potatoes, white beans, walnuts, chicken and scallops. Many of these are also pungent (see below) and boost our immune system this season.
2. Pungent foods: pungent foods are things like garlic, ginger and wasabi. We know seasonal colds are common at this time of year, and these pungent foods boost our immune system and push the 'pathogen' out towards the skin and away from our internal organs.
3. Food temperatures: As the weather gradually shifts towards winter, we need to start warming our foods up to prepare our energy. We move away from the raw and cold smoothies, salads and ice cold drinks of summer towards the soups and slow cooked stews of winter. We are somewhere in the middle - so start with adding some more warm herbal teas, broths and soups instead of items straight from the fridge.
Lifestyle Advice
As the leaves fall and the days grow shorter, our daily routines should mirror nature's transition. Here's how to align your lifestyle with the autumn season:
Create a Consistent Sleep Schedule: With the diminishing daylight, establish a regular sleep routine that allows for ample rest. The Metal element is closely linked to the lung's energy, which governs the breath and influences the quality of sleep.
Declutter and Let Go: Just as trees shed their leaves, autumn is a perfect time for us to declutter our living spaces and let go of what no longer serves us. A tidy environment supports a clear and tranquil mind, fostering harmony with the Metal element, so it is the perfect time to declutter our surroundings and donate what we no longer need.
Engage in Breathing Exercises: Focus on deep, intentional breathing exercises to strengthen the lungs and enhance energy flow. Practices like qigong and tai chi can help improve lung capacity and promote emotional balance. Try a mindful breathing meditation before bed to keep your sleep on track and nourish your lung energy.
The Emotions: Letting Go
According to TCM, emotions play a significant role in our overall well-being. During autumn, it's essential to pay attention to our emotions and engage in self-care practices that promote harmony. The emotion to focus on this season is letting go and finding internal peace:
Grief and Letting Go: The Metal element is associated with the emotion of grief. Allow yourself to acknowledge and release any unresolved feelings, creating space for new experiences and emotions.
Practice Mindfulness and Meditation: Engage in mindfulness meditation to quiet the mind and connect with your inner self. Meditation supports emotional balance and helps you navigate the changing season with peace.
Express Gratitude: Embrace the spirit of gratitude by acknowledging the beauty of the season and the blessings in your life. Keeping a gratitude journal can help foster a positive outlook and emotional well-being.
Exercise in Autumn:
As autumn relates to the Lung energy, it is important to focus on this organ this season with breath work and cardio based exercises:
Invigorate with Outdoor Activities: Take advantage of the crisp and invigorating autumn air by engaging in outdoor exercises. Brisk walks, jogging, or hiking help stimulate lung function and enhance circulation.
Practice Yoga for Balance: Incorporate yoga postures that focus on the lung and large intestine meridians. Poses like Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana) and Deep Forward Fold (Uttanasana) can support these energy pathways.
Embrace Stillness with Meditation: Combine physical exercise with mental tranquility through practices like walking meditation. This allows you to appreciate nature's beauty while fostering emotional and physical well-being.
Summary
As the autumn breeze carries whispers of winter, Traditional Chinese Medicine offers a holistic approach to living in harmony with the season's transformative energies. By aligning our diets, lifestyles, emotions, self-care practices, and exercise routines with the wisdom of the Metal element, we can gracefully transition into autumn's tranquility and beaity. Let this season be a reminder to honour the cyclical nature of life, cultivating balance and vitality within ourselves and the world around us.
How to Book an Appointment
If you are interested in having some acupuncture to help work through emotional letting go, coughs and colds, lung conditions, IBS and colon disease, to find balance and energy this season - or any other symptom arising for you this season, or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email us. If you feel acupuncture is right for you, you can book your appointment now.
The information in this website is for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment, and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.