Falling Into Autumn

By Kecia Fowler, DOM

“There was temperance in eating and drinking. Their hours of rising and retiring were regular and not disorderly and wild. By these means the ancients kept their bodies united with their souls, so as to fulfill their allotted span completely, measuring unto a hundred years before they passed away. “

-Huang Ti Nei Jing Su Wen

 Autumn is a time to surrender to the flow of the natural order of things. As Floridians this can be difficult to allow as we don’t get that drastic change in weather like some other areas do. We feel this internal pull to low down and start nesting. Yet our external sunny and warm environment cansuggest otherwise. Plus, It’s easy to want to stay in the external energy of summer.  Summer is ruled by the fire element which is very much about movement and playful energy.  Autumn is ruled by the metal element which is more about storing and containing and beginning the process of going inward to conserve. 

 As humans, with our busy day to day of work, family, and responsibility, we tend to resist the natural cycles that occur within life. We continue to go at full speed and then wonder why we feel tired and run down. We are innately designed to circulate with the seasons and give our bodies and minds a time to harvest in preparation of rest.  This transition from summer to fall is also a time when our Qi is unstable which can provide opportunity for colds, flus and other illnesses. We have likely spent the summer expending our Qi and now is the time to strengthen our Qi to prepare for the cold, dry months of winter.

 We can learn from observing the natural cycles within the landscape around us.  See how the squirrels naturally begin to gather and eat more food and increase their girth.  Their activity begins to slow down and their presence is not as frequent. Trees stop blooming and leaves begin to fall in order for the roots to conserve energy for a cold, dry climate. 

 In Traditional Chinese Medicine this season represents the metal element, and is associated with the Lungs, Large Intestine, nose and skin. The lungs and Large Intestine are yin and yang organs associated with the metal element. The lungs play an important role in keeping our immune system strong. They are affected by worry, sadness and grief. The large intestine has an influence on our capacity for “letting go” and for not dwelling in the past. Within the natural rhythm of things, autumn is a time for us to get our affairs in order and make space for discernment.

 If prone to colds or flu, respiratory infections, wheezing, fall allergies or digestion problems, extra support from your acupuncturist may be in order. If letting go of summer is hard for you, acupuncture can be a great tool to help.  Traditional Chinese medicine is a form of therapy for the entire body, mind, and spirit. Seasonal shifts are a great time for getting maintenance acupuncture treatments. In the meantime, here are some things you can do on your own to help make this transition a little smoother. In addition, your acupuncturist can advise on immune boosting herbals and food therapy during this time to bolster our natural defense systems.

Food Therapy:

·      Seasonal foods– nature knows best

·      Warm teas -Ginger, Chai, licorice, rose hips

·      Hearty soups, Bone Broth, Congee

·      Flavors – Sour, Pungent

·      Moderate amounts of- onion, garlic, turnip, ginger, radish and mustard

·      Moistening for dryness- pear, apple, honey, rice, sesame seed, walnut, almonds, spinach

Scarf – protect your neck from wind and cold

Sleep – get more rest as the days get shorter

Self-Reflection – look inward to identify unhealthy attachments