Autumn Wellbeing
Happy Fall, everyone!
According to Chinese medicine, the element associated with autumn is metal - known for its ability to change, purify and eliminate. The lungs and large intestine are the organs associated with this element, and the emotion connected is sadness and grief. Fall is a time of reflection - to face, focus on and resolve our core issues before we head into the new year.
Organ Function in the Fall
Our lungs’ function is of course breathing - inspiration and expiration, both physically and spiritually. When we draw breath, we supply oxygenated blood to the organs, and when we breathe out, we eliminate waste. Metaphorically, this is an important time to create space in our lives by ridding of stale air and old preconceived notions, to make room for new energy.
The large intestine is the organ of elimination involved in digestion. It discriminates between the nutrients the body needs and those to eliminate. Energetically, it cleanses the body of toxins and is able to receive the clean energy by its partner, the lung. Problems of the large intestine result in constipation, IBS and abdominal pain, especially with the stress of the holiday seasons.
Be Well This Season
It is common for people to be more vulnerable to colds, bronchial infections, sinusitis and allergies in the dry, cooler days of autumn and early winter. The pollen and mold in the air, as well as the cold winds of fall, stress our immune systems. This time of year, it’s particularly important to support the immune system with herbs and supplements (such as echinacea, olive leaf and elderberry.) It’s also important to keep your neck covered with a scarf.
Cleanse your body with healthy fruits and vegetables, and avoid refined sugars and carbohydrates that can clog up the bowels. Drink a lot of water and add honey into your diet to overcome the dryness of fall and keep the intestines moving properly. The flavor associated with metal is spice - so incorporating spicy and pungent foods is helpful to keep your lungs and large intestine balanced and clear.
Mental Wellbeing in the Fall
In fall, we let go of the freedom of the summer and prepare for reflection in the winter. The metal energy allows us to let go and create space. Create time for meditation and relaxation. During the fall, schedules get crazy and things can feel overwhelming or even depressing around the holidays. Make time to decompress and breathe, to ensure your emotions stay balanced. Practice letting go, so you don’t harbor old resentment, and allow the new year and energy to enter.
Fall is a great time to get outside and breath in the crisp air. It’s a great time to focus on your accomplishments and the positive things that have occurred as the year winds down.
Keep yourself warm, healthy and joyful during the fall season.