As the leaves change colors and the air becomes crisp, the cozy harvest season of autumn begins. While many welcome the cooler temperature, autumn can bring a new set of seasonal challenges to our health. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), autumn is associated with the Metal element, which governs the lung and large intestine meridians. This season is a time for harvesting and letting go, and our bodies require specific care to maintain balance and good health. Here are some TCM tips to help you adapt to seasonal changes and stay healthy in autumn.
Nurture Your Lungs
In TCM, the lungs are responsible for regulating Qi and respiration. Autumn’s crisp air can dry out the lungs, leading to coughs, colds, and other respiratory issues. It’s important to nourish and protect your lungs to prevent these issues.
Wear a scarf or mask to protect your neck and face from the wind and cold air. Drink warm herbal tea with ginger to warm the lungs and soothe your throat. You can also incorporate lung-nourishing foods such as pears, apples, and lotus root into your diet. Herbal formulas that support lung Qi, such as Yu Ping Feng San (Astragalus & Siler Formula), can help relieve cough and congestion.
To stimulate lung Qi, practice gentle exercises like tai chi or qi gong, but don’t overexert yourself if you feel unwell. Focus on slow and steady movements.
Adjust Your Diet
Because the large intestine meridian is also associated with autumn in TCM, autumn is a time in which you should prioritize eating quality foods. As it’s a time of harvest, there are many nutritious foods that are fresh, healthy, and abundant during autumn.
A healthy digestive system is crucial for absorbing nutrients and eliminating waste. To support your digestion, eat plenty of cooked, warming foods like soups and stews made from seasonal produce such as watercress, cabbage, onions, pumpkin, and yams. This will warm your body during the cool autumn months while also promoting good digestion. When it comes to fruits, aim for those with lower sugar content. Sour fruits, such as grapefruit and granny smith apples, can help the body preserve fluid.
Incorporate digestive-friendly spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves into your meals. These warming spices are especially helpful if you feel a cold coming on. You can also incorporate digestion-supporting herbal formulas, such as Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (Rehmannia Six Formula). This formula tonifies the spleen, reduces bloating, and supports healthy digestion.
Balance Your Qi
Autumn’s transition from warmth to cold can disrupt the flow of Qi. This can lead to illness, emotional imbalance, and other physical and mental disruptions. During this seasonal change, take extra steps to maintain balance.
Get enough sleep to allow your body to recharge. As the days get shorter, it should be easier to get to sleep earlier. The National Sleep Foundation recommends seven to nine hours of sleep per night for adults, depending on their age. Formulas like Suan Zao Ren Tang (Zizyphus Combination) can help with sleep for those who struggle with insomnia.
Practice stress-reducing activities like yoga or tai chi to regulate your energy, and take short walks outside to connect with nature and stimulate Qi flow. Avoid excessive screen time and electronic use, which can drain Qi.
Stay Hydrated
Autumn’s dry air can quickly dehydrate the body, so it’s important to compensate for this. Drink plenty of warm water or herbal tea to keep your fluids flowing. Avoid drinks that are too cold during the cooler autumn months, as they may shock your body and contribute to Qi stagnation.
Consider clear broths or soups to replenish electrolytes and nutrients. Drinking bone broth is a good idea during autumn as it’s warming, hydrating, full of protein, and potentially anti-inflammatory according to a study published by the National Library of Medicine.
While caffeine in moderation is okay, excess caffeine can be dehydrating as it’s a diuretic. Instead of coffee or soda, opt for green tea, which has a lower caffeine content. While it’s still a diuretic, it’s gentler on the body, and it comes with many potential health benefits.
Embrace the Energy of the Season
Autumn is a time for letting go and releasing the things that no longer serve us. Embracing this energy, rather than resisting the changes autumn brings, can help you feel more emotionally balanced.
Start by decluttering your living space to promote flow and renewal, and incorporating elements of feng shui into your home to encourage a steady flow of energy. This can help you feel revitalized even as the days get shorter and colder.
Spend time meditating and practicing mindfulness. As the fast pace of summer is replaced by a quieter and calmer autumn, try to match that energy. Practice patience and take a slower and more relaxed approach to your day-to-day activities. Try to practice gratitude and appreciation for the harvest season’s abundance instead of feeling disrupted by the colder temperatures.
Let TCM Keep You Healthy and Happy This Autumn
Using the wisdom and principles behind Traditional Chinese Medicine can help you ease from summer into autumn. By nurturing your lungs, adjusting your diet, balancing your Qi, staying hydrated, and embracing the energy of the season, you’ll be ushering in a new season of excellent health and balance.
At KPC Herbs, we understand the intricacies of Traditional Chinese Medicine, as we’ve been studying it for generations. We aim to provide the highest-quality herbal formulas to all of our valued customers. Check out our product catalog today.
*Please note: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This article is not intended to suggest specific treatments for patients or that any supplements mentioned prevent or cure diseases or problems. Before taking any herbs, all patients should discuss their options with a licensed practitioner, including any other medications the patient is currently taking, as there may be contraindications between pharmaceuticals and herbs.
