Welcoming the Autumn Season

Autumn and Chinese Medicine

While summer emphasizes being physically and socially active with its long days and warm weather and even though its still warm this week, the changes that autumn brings is already becoming evident. Now in October, the nights are noticeably cooler, daytime temperatures can wildly fluctuate, leaves change color and sunlight is intense but lessening. As the veil thins as we approach winter solstice, it is important to make a conscious transition from this outward time of summer to a more yin and contracting time of autumn for maintaining a healthy balance in both physical and emotional well-being. With this shift, comes natural changes in our bodies, mood and health.


This is a time to strengthen and protect your health.  Fortifying during autumn months will in turn create a reservoir of wellness to sustain vitality in winter months.  
  
The Lung Organ

• The Lungs pull in and refine qi, sending it downward to nourish our roots.  
• Ruling the skin, the outer boundary of the body, the Lung protects against external invasion and safeguards internal resources.  
• The organ is delicate and associated with taking in the new.  
• Stagnation occurs with unprocessed grief and sadness and a difficulty of "letting go." 
• When Lung qi is flowing freely and balanced, one experiences more clarity of thought, positive self-image, a sense of inner peace and joy regardless of circumstances. 

 
Ways to Support the Lungs
Nourish Fluids  Since autumn is a dry season, we need to protect ourselves from  cold-air evaporation of moisture from our skin.  Pay attention to hydration with fluids coupled with moistening foods, such as  pears, sea vegetables, cabbage, turnips and parsnips. 

Breathe  Take time to focus on full, deep abdominal breaths as you become aware of that which needs to be released.    

Purge  Free up more space by letting go of clutter and excess possessions- donating and giving away unused clothes will be deeply appreciated by those who need them this winter.  This can also mean letting go of relationships and friendships which no longer serve you in a positive way.  

Grieve  There is no one right way to grieve, there is no standard timeframe and each person's grief process is unique. Chinese medicine is concerned with grief that is repressed and unexpressed. 

Sleep  In general: aim to go to bed an hour earlier and wake an hour later.  It definitely may be appropriate for you to sleep longer than that as we head towards winter. 

Dress Appropriately  Wear a scarf - even a light one will protect your lungs and throat from harsh wind and cold.

Compost!  Another crucial way of letting go of what is no longer needed and supporting the lungs of our planet.