Autumn. The Metal Element
We are settling into the Fall season and I hope you are feeling the blessings of the season! In Chinese medicine the Fall season is governed by the Lung and Large Intestine. The Lungs associated emotion is grief and the Large Intestine is about letting go. Just as the trees release their leaves this is a good time to let go of grief that has been slowing you down or weighing heavy on you. The Autumn offers the opportunity learn about yourself and your relationship to grief and how you let go. Are you open to new ideas? Are you attached to the past and have built up grief or resentment? Do you feel like you avoid feeling grief? These are all questions that can benefit you during this fall season. Acupuncture is a great way to facilitate this process by balancing to allow release of that which no longer serves you.
Below are simple ways you can support yourself during this fall season.
Because the weather changes from cold to hot to cold in a day and the winds of change pick up, this season is a great time to wear a scarf. Covering the neck allows protection for the wind gates that are located on the back of our neck. It can help prevent colds and flus that often are more abundant at this time.
Nourish Lungs and support release of the Large Intestine.
A few foods that generate fluid and moisten the lungs are pears, apples, snow ear fungus, persimmons, figs, pumpkins, daikon radish, almonds and walnuts. If you have come to see me for acupuncture during a cough I have likely given the pear, honey and walnut recipe. It tastes delicious and helps moisten the lungs and expectorate phlegm. I have seen it help people kick lingering coughs and is enjoyable to eat and easy to make.
Sweet potatoes are great for releasing built up damp and heat that can effect the qi of the large intestine. Squashes and root veggies are a great addition to the diet at this time of year.
Warm cooked foods.
Soups, congee, miso soup and stews are easier on the digestive system which helps to nourish the lungs and large intestine. Try to also steam or cook your food at low temperatures for longer periods of time – this cooking method helps support and nourish the yin which is helpful as we move from the yang of summer to the more yin of autumn.
Wei qi - Defensive qi.
If feel like you’re beginning to catch a cold, foods such as garlic, cinnamon, ginger and onions help bring your defensive qi to the surface of the body to fight off external pathogens.
My favorite formula for when you start to ask “Am i coming down with something?” Is Gui Zhi Tang. It is a wonderful formula that helps nourish the spirit as well as ward of colds and flus. My family has been making a tincture of this formula for years now and we all benefit from its simple and powerful support.
An easy home remedy for sore throats, congestion and cold is honey lemon tea. A half lemon and a tablespoon of honey in hot water a few times a day is antimicrobial and high in vitamin C. This tea is nourishing and helps move fluids to cool the body and move out the infection.
Enjoy this time of slowing down and nourishment. Find activities that bring you joy and help you feel nourished. Chilly hikes, tea with friends, warm baths can all help to allow ourselves to slow down and be present during this sweet time of year. If you are local to Asheville the leaves are starting to turn magical colors. Time to slow down and cozy up!
