Elaine Williams, Luck’s Yard Acupuncturist explains how to embrace the Autumn and the changes that this season brings:
According to Chinese medicine, different organs become dominant as the seasons change. In autumn, associated with the Metal Element in Chinese medicine, your lungs and large intestine take centre stage.
The lungs are particularly sensitive during autumn. Dryness in the air can affect the lungs and skin, leading to conditions like coughs, dryness of the throat, or dry skin. Chinese medicine often emphasises protecting and nourishing the lungs during this season.
Knowing how to adjust your lifestyle to suit the season will strengthen and maintain the health of these dominant organs and boost your immunity.
Here are 10 top tips from Chinese Medicine for boosting immunity during autumn:
1 Inward focus: make time for relaxation and reflection.
As autumn progresses it brings cooler temperatures and shorter days, encouraging people to turn inward, reflect, relax and conserve energy. This helps the body to prepare for the more restful yin of winter after the expansive, active yang energy of summer.
In nature, trees shed their leaves, animals prepare for hibernation, and there is less outward growth. This inward focus in nature is paralleled by a need for introspection, personal reflection, self-discipline, and emotional clarity in humans.
Autumn’s turning inward, focuses energy on strengthening the immune system, conserving vitality, and protecting internal resources
2 Letting go
The Metal element is associated with the emotion of grief. Autumn is a good time to process and release emotional burdens. Allow yourself time to process emotions like grief or sadness that may surface. Just as trees shed their leaves in autumn, the metal element is about letting go of what is unnecessary, physically and emotionally. it’s important to release things that no longer serve you.
This ties to the large intestine, which eliminates waste.
This is also the perfect time to clear clutter in your environment.
3 Stay Warm and protect from wind
As external temperatures are cooling, extra effort may be needed to keep the body warm and comfortable. We now naturally gravitate to the cosy internal environment and spend less time outdoors.
In Chinese medicine, wind is considered a potent cause of illness, especially during the seasonal transition.
Wear scarves: Keep your neck and chest warm, as these areas are vulnerable to wind and cold, which can disrupt lung function.
Dress in layers: Autumn weather can be unpredictable, so layering helps regulate body temperature and prevent exposure to cold drafts.
4 Eat nourishing and moistening foods to protect the lungs from dryness.
Nourishing and moistening foods for autumn are those that help protect and strengthen the lungs and counter the dryness that typically comes with the season. These foods promote hydration, build lung energy (Qi), and keep the body balanced during the transition into cooler weather.
The key foods that nourish and moisten during autumn are:
Pears, apples, grapes, figs, goji berries, coconut, spinach, cucumber, barley, oats. tofu, fish, duck, almonds. sesame seeds, pine nuts.
These foods help to protect the body from dryness and keep the lungs strong, aligning with the seasonal energy of autumn in Chinese medicine.
5 Avoid drying foods:
Reduce overly spicy, greasy, or fried foods that create internal heat and dryness.
6 Eat warming foods
As the temperature cools, it’s important to eat warming foods that support digestion and maintain internal warmth.
Cooked meals: Choose warm, lightly cooked foods like soups, stews and stir-fry. These are easier to digest and help conserve your body’s energy.
Root vegetables: Include seasonal root vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and pumpkins, which are grounding and nourishing.
Warming spices: Use mild warming spices like ginger, cinnamon, and garlic to support digestion and circulation without overheating the body.
7 Support the large intestine
The large intestine, also part of the Metal element, plays a key role in detoxification And elimination
Fibre-rich foods: Eat fibre-rich foods like whole grains, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens to promote regular bowel movements and prevent stagnation.
Hydration: Drink plenty of water and herbal teas to keep the intestines hydrated and functioning smoothly.
8 Breathe deeply
Practice deep breathing exercises to strengthen lung capacity and clear stagnant energy.
9 Strengthen immunity
Gentle exercises like Qi Gong and Tai Chi strengthen the body’s energy (Qi) and boost lung function, enhancing immunity
10 Adjust your bedtime routine
Go to bed earlier and wake up earlier, aligning with the shorter days of autumn.
By incorporating these Chinese Medicine practices, you can maintain balance and vitality throughout the autumn season, helping your body transition smoothly into winter.
To make an appointment with Elaine call Reception on 01483 527945 or book online via our website homepage
photo: Pixaby: pexels.com
