Lean into Fall - 5 tips from an Acupuncturist
One of the beautiful things about TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) is that it really works with nature, and helps us to align with the seasons. There are many tools at our disposal through Chinese Medicine to live in harmony with the seasons, and ultimately support health and longevity.
In TCM, each season is associated with one of the 5 elements ( Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, Wood), and a yin and yang organ.
The fall is connected to the Lung System in TCM. Our lungs are called the 'delicate yin organ' and are a big part of our immune system, or “Wei Qi” (defensive qi). The lungs control the circulation of the Wei-Qi, which is the defensive Qi that protects you from the invasion of colds and flus. So, it is important to support the lungs in the fall, to keep your wei qi strong for the upcoming winter months.
The yang organ associated with the fall season is the large intestine. The lungs take in oxygen, while the large intestine excretes waste. It is the last stage in digestion, and takes everything the body doesn’t need, and releases it, only keeping what is vital and important for us to function.
Elementally, the fall is related to Metal - all about order, communication, setting limits, and protecting boundaries and grieving what’s leaving. Just like the trees let go of their leaves. The emotions associated with the Lungs are grief and sadness. Letting go can often bring these emotions to the surface. Grief that is expressed fully and resolved is strengthening, both physically and psychologically. Therefore it is not about avoiding grief, but rather dealing with it in a healthy way in order to be happy and maintain balance in all aspects of life.
5 Tips to Support your Lungs During the Fall
1 - Breathwork
Deep breathwork can help strengthen your Lung Qi. By doing so, you are supporting your immune system, and help us to let go. 10 minutes a day is all you need. Often, people focus on taking deep inhalation, the taking in. I invite you to really focus on the exhale, or letting go. The only way to be able to take in more is by letting go.
2 - Declutter your life
Usually, we think of doing these things in Spring, but actually Fall is a really good time to refocus our lives on letting go of the old and making room for the new. The lungs let go of old air so they can inhale new air, and we too can mirror this in our lives. Go through your closet and donate all the clothes you don’t wear anymore. If you haven’t worn it in a year, you probably never will. Sort and organise, de-clutter and let go. You will feel so much lighter.
3 - Wear a scarf
In TCM, there is a point on the back of your neck called “Wind Pool.” In TCM, what we call “Wind” is akin to external viruses - aka cold and flus. The back of the neck is the area most susceptible to wind, so bundle up - your Lungs will thank you!
4 - Eat Foods that support the Lungs
The Lungs are associated with the colour white, and pungent flavour. Think garlic, onions, fish, watercress, cabbage, In general, you want to eat what is seasonally available. We also want to limit cooling, raw foods like smoothies and salads, and incorporate more warming and nourishing foods like soups and stews.
5 - Acupuncture!
I may be a bit biased here, but Acupuncture can help with both strengthening the immune system, and letting go. During season’s of transition, our nervous systems are more susceptible to being heightened, and Acupuncture is great at supporting down regulating the nervous system.
As we move through the Fall season, I encourage you to try our “Seasonal Attunement Treatment”. With its focus on the lungs and large intestine, this treatment will assist your assimilation into the season – to not only help you let go of the things that no longer serve you, but also to discover the sweet relief of release.
In health,
Vanessa Claros, R.Ac
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