Preparing for Autumn 🍂

As the golden warmth of late summer will soon begin to fade, we will begin to feel the shift toward autumn. The air grows crisper, the days shorter, and nature prepares for a slower, more introspective season. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this transition—from the Earth element of late summer to the Metal element of autumn—has a profound effect on our bodies and emotions.

You might feel more fatigued, experience dry skin, or notice an increase in respiratory issues. If that’s already you, you’re not alone! Now is the time to align with the season and prepare your body for autumn.

The Late Summer to Autumn Shift in Chinese Medicine

Late summer, ruled by the Earth element, is a time of nourishment and digestion. It corresponds to the Spleen and Stomach, which are responsible for transforming food into energy. When this energy is strong, we feel grounded, balanced, and resilient. However, as we move toward autumn—associated with the Metal element and the Lungs and Large Intestine—our focus shifts from nourishment to letting go.

This transition can bring imbalances, making people more prone to:

• Respiratory issues (colds, coughs, allergies)
• Dryness in the skin, throat, or sinuses
• Digestive sluggishness or constipation
• Increased feelings of sadness or introspection

Understanding these seasonal influences allows us to take proactive steps to support our health.

How Acupuncture Helps You Transition with the Season

Acupuncture helps harmonise your body with the changing environment, strengthening your immune system and balancing your internal energy (Qi). By stimulating specific acupuncture points, we can:

• Support the Lungs – Strengthening the body’s first line of defence against colds and flus
• Enhance Digestion – Improving nutrient absorption and gut function as metabolism shifts
• Boost Circulation & Moisture – Combating the dryness often felt in autumn
• Balance Emotions – Easing seasonal melancholy and stress

Regular acupuncture treatments at this time of year help prevent seasonal ailments before they take hold, keeping you resilient as autumn sets in.

TCM Dietary Recommendations for a Healthy Seasonal Transition

Food is medicine in TCM, and adjusting your diet in alignment with the seasons helps the body stay in balance. Here’s how you can nourish yourself during this transition:

1. Eat Warm, Cooked Foods to Support Digestion

• Avoid raw, cold foods that can weaken digestion.
• Focus on soups, stews, and lightly cooked vegetables for easy digestion.

2. Strengthen the Lungs with White Foods

• The Lung system in TCM benefits from white-coloured foods:

• • Pears – Helps moisten the lungs and prevent dryness.
  • Radish (daikon) – Clears phlegm and supports digestion.
  • Almonds and walnuts – Strengthen the lungs and help with dry cough.
  • Snow fungus (Tremella) – A traditional Chinese food for lung hydration and skin health.

3. Hydrating and Moistening Foods

• Prevent dryness by eating foods that retain moisture:

• • Sesame seeds and honey – Help moisten the intestines and prevent constipation.
  • Snow fungus and lily bulb – Traditional lung-moistening foods in Chinese medicine. You can buy these at your local asian grocer.
  • Apples, pears, and persimmons – Naturally in season and hydrating fruits that benefit the lungs.

4. Warming Spices to Support Circulation

• As the weather cools, mild warming spices help support circulation and immunity:

• • Ginger – Warms the body, supports digestion, and boosts immunity.
  • Cinnamon – Helps with circulation and balancing blood sugar.
  • Cloves and star anise – Reduce bloating and support digestion.

5. Herbal Teas for Seasonal Wellness

• Ginger and honey tea – Warms the body and soothes the throat.
• Chrysanthemum tea – Helps cool excess heat and supports eye health.
• Licorice root tea – Soothes dry throats and supports digestion.
• Pear and rock sugar tea – A classic TCM remedy to moisten the lungs.

Lifestyle Tips for a Healthy Seasonal Transition

To further support your health, consider these TCM-inspired tips:

1. Nourish with Warm Foods – Start transitioning from raw, cold foods to warm, cooked meals like soups and stews to support digestion.
2. Stay Hydrated – Drink plenty of warm teas (such as ginger) and eat more moistening foods (such as pears, cucumbers and avocadoes) to prevent dryness in the lungs and skin.
3. Practice Deep Breathing – Strengthen your lungs by practicing mindful breathing exercises or ask Matt to teach you the Wim Hof breathing technique at your next appointment.
4. Dress for the Season – Keep your neck and chest warm to prevent wind and cold from entering the body.
5. Let Go of What No Longer Serves You – Autumn is a season of release, making it a great time for emotional clearing and reflection.

Prepare for Autumn with Acupuncture

The autumn equinox arrives on March 20, marking the official change in seasons. Now is the perfect time to schedule an acupuncture session to boost your immunity, enhance your energy, and align your body with nature’s rhythm.

Ready to embrace autumn feeling your best? Book your acupuncture session today.