How to Embrace Blissfulness in the fall season

Autumn is the season of transition therefore a time for the body and mind to prepare and adapt to changing conditions. Many traditional medical practices give the methods how to keep the balance of the body by renewing our habits.

According to Chinese medicine the fall is linked to the element of metal, which corresponds to the lungs and the large intestine. During this time, the focus is on strengthening respiratory function and digestion, as cooler temperatures and changing weather conditions can create imbalances. Warm, nourishing foods such as soups, root vegetables, and herbs that boost the body's defenses are recommended.

On the other hand, Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine, sees autumn as a season when the energy of air and space (Vata) increases. To maintain balance, it is recommended to consume warm, grounding foods such as cooked vegetables, warm drinks with spices like ginger and cinnamon, and use oils for massage to prevent dryness in the body and mind.

LUNGS AND EMOTIONS in TCM

In TCM, the lungs play a significant role not only in physical health but also in emotional well-being. The lungs are responsible for taking in "Qi" (vital energy) from the air, which is essential for respiration and overall vitality. According to TCM, the lungs are closely associated with the immune system (Wei Qi) and help defend the body from external pathogens, especially during seasonal transitions like autumn.

Emotional Aspect of the Lungs:

The lungs are also linked to the emotion of grief or sadness. If the lungs are healthy and balanced, a person can process and release grief appropriately. However, when lung energy is weakened or stagnant, it may result in prolonged feelings of sorrow, melancholy, or a sense of detachment. This emotional imbalance can further weaken the lungs, creating a cyclical effect between the physical and emotional states.

On the positive side, balanced lung energy is associated with a sense of clarity, openness, and the ability to "let go." This capacity to release—whether physical (as in exhalation) or emotional (letting go of grief)—is central to lung function in TCM. Practices like deep breathing, qigong, and acupuncture are often used to support lung health and emotional balance during the autumn season.

In summary, TCM views the lungs as integral to both physical vitality and emotional health, making autumn an important time to nurture them through appropriate lifestyle choices and emotional care.

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