Autumn & Chinese medicine - 3 things to incorporate into your daily routine

Autumn is the transitional season where yang shifts to yin. The scorching sun of the summer begins to shy away and is replaced by cooler mornings and nights in preparation for winter. The air begins to dry and foliage begins to change colour and fall. Here in the Mediterranean, it is also the time where we have our first rain. It is by far my favourite season!

Just as nature goes through seasonal changes, so do our bodies. Its is mother nature's way of syncing with our surrounding environment. In Chinese medicine, Autumn is associated with the Metal element that governs the Lung and Large Intestine organ systems and the inward movement of energy. Dryness and Wind predominate. As our body goes through it own cyclical changes, there are many things we can do to help our bodies adjust and prepare for winter.

1. Dress for the season

Living in the Mediterranean, it is often hard to read the subtle weather cues this time of the year. With the exception of the occasional flash rainstorm, the mornings are cold, often tempting us to wear something warm and snuggly. By mid morning it can often feel like we are back into the heart of summer again. When dressing, try to keep the neck and chest and abdomen area warm and dress in thin layers. This way our Lungs stay protected and we are able to add or remove items to adjust to the changes in temperatures throughout the day.

2. Adapt our diet

Adaptations to our diets in accordance to the seasons is a phenomenon that has been around since the age of time. Generations before us knew how to eat seasonally. Unfortunately for us, with the industrialization of the food industry, so many modern communities have lost touch with knowing what and how to prepare food in accordance with the seasons.

Chinese medicine holds the following guidelines for eating in tune with Autumn: (1) Introduce foods that are warming in nature and temperature, as well as slow cooked soups and broths (2) Reduce foods that cold in nature and temperature, as well as excessive raw foods.

3. Support Lung health with exercise, acupuncture and herbs

Due to the connection of the Lung organ system and Autumn in Chinese medicine, supporting our lung health is emphasized. Mindful breathing, acupuncture and herbs are all things we can incorporate into our daily routine to help support our respiratory health and support our immune system.