Autumn in Traditional Chinese Medicine
The associated element is metal, a symbol of descending energy and the journey inward, of memories and the need to purge what no longer serves us.
Just as trees shed their leaves, we too need to let go of burdens and prepare our bodies and minds for winter.
During this season, emotions like sadness or nostalgia may surface, but this is part of the inner transformation process. These same emotions may also be more intense, which is completely normal. Those of you who are up-to-date with astrology also know that this year, in particular, on a planetary level, we will have the opportunity to undergo significant and profound personal transformations, so don't hesitate to allow yourself moments of introspection and enjoy the rest!
LUNGS: are the master of energy.
• It gives vitality to the body and connects us with life. That vitality allows us to continue and move forward.
• It is related to the skin and the immune system.
• Good breathing can even improve bowel movements.
• Conscious breathing and meditation are key tools this season. With them, we can transform our emotions, our connection to reality, and our understanding of our relationship with the environment.
LARGE INTESTINE : to eliminate what is not useful.
It allows us to discern between what is useful to us and what is not.
- Eliminate toxins from our body.
- Symptoms such as constipation, bloating, heaviness, or poor digestion are signs that we need to strengthen it.
EMOTION AND ENERGY:
The main emotion that defines autumn is sadness, but it also gives us the capacity for profound transformation!
When we experience these emotions, our body's cells intelligently need light to balance and heal. Sunlight remains essential: dedicate at least 20 minutes a day to the sun to continue synthesizing vitamin D and fuel your vitality.
On the other hand, it is vitally important that you start going to bed earlier and synchronize with sunlight; avoid screens before sunset to ensure a deep and restorative rest without interrupting your circadian rhythm.
Tips for things to do during this time
Breathing and Internal Medicine:
Your breathing can be your best medicine. Paying attention to your breath and being mindful of it can reduce your body's cortisol levels and relieve stress and anxiety.
• Inhale slowly and deeply through your nose.
• Breathe in nature to nourish your lungs with pure, clean oxygen.
• Practice meditation. It's the most effective tool for introspection, just as this season suggests. Enhance your practice with essential oils such as:
- Ylang-Ylang : releases sadness and connects with joy.
https://attura.shop/products/ylang-ylang-15ml?_pos=1&_psq=ylanf&_ss=e&_v=1.0
- Eucalyptus citriodora : nourishes lung Qi and releases emotional blockages.
https://attura.shop/products/eucalipto-citriodora-15ml?_pos=2&_psq=aceite+eu&_ss=e&_v=1.0
- Orange: brings optimism and vitality.
https://attura.shop/products/naranja-dulce-15ml?_pos=1&_psq=aceite+naran&_ss=e&_v=1.0
- Clary Sage : works on the vagus nerve, reducing stress.
https://attura.shop/products/salvia-sclarea?_pos=1&_psq=salvia+es&_ss=e&_v=1.0
Autumn diet :
We leave behind cold and raw foods and embrace warm and hot meals. Autumn is associated with spicy flavors. They generate an immediate sensation of warmth and thirst, warming our bodies and stimulating the movement and elimination of fluids. But be careful not to overdo it, as we could damage our intestines.
Ingest:
• White foods (cauliflower, leek, turnip, garlic, onion): help protect our lungs.
• Root vegetables (carrot, parsnip, cabbage, ginger): balance the large intestine.
• Bone broth : regenerates the intestines and strengthens the immune system. If you want a ready-made one, the best is undoubtedly the one from @santapaciencia .
• Mushrooms: they are the queens of autumn, they stimulate the immune system.
• Mild spices (turmeric, curry, pepper): activate digestive energy, as well as stimulate the mucous membranes of the intestines and lungs.
• Round brown rice : It is very nutritious and provides clean energy as it produces little waste. It regulates the intestines, helping to restore normal bowel function.
• Seasonal fruits and vegetables (pumpkin, chestnuts, sweet potato, pomegranate, grapes, apple, pear, artichoke…):
Water and infusions:
• Drink enough quality water to detoxify and cleanse your body.
• Recommended infusions:
- Ginger: you can take it in powder form or grate the natural root directly; it is a great digestive tonic and at this time of year it can help improve digestion.
-
Oregano: What few people know about oregano is that if consumed in infusions it is good for treating respiratory illnesses or stomach infections, since it has antiviral and antibacterial properties.
Supplements to boost your immune system in autumn:
In addition to diet and rest, at this time we can rely on quality supplements to strengthen the immune system and combat the fatigue typical of the equinox.
- Liposomal Vitamin C
• Strengthens the immune system and improves absorption against colds and flu. Suitable for the whole family.
• I choose Zenement's liposomal Vitamin C because it does not contain magnesium stearate, a common additive in many brands that I prefer to avoid.
- I'm also a big fan of adding some medicinal mushrooms to my smoothies , like Reishi or Cordyceps, to support my immune system or the energy of my adrenal glands; I buy them from the Hifas da Terra brand.
https://hifasdaterra.com/products/mico-vir
For example:
A smoothie idea you can make:
- You put it in a cup (preferably a pretty one);
- Coconut milk
- Cordyceps
- Turmeric
- Cinnamon
- Serve piping hot.
For many years I've been sharing how to care for yourselves according to the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine during seasonal changes. Throughout this journey, you've always sent me messages saying that you put some of these simple resources into practice and incorporate them into your routines. You tell me they work very well for you, and that's why I want to continue sharing all this information and knowledge with you.
Thank you so much for continuing to be here!
With much love,
Laury!
