by Geeta Dsouza
Founder of Little Dragon Wellness
Master of Acupuncture; Master of Oriental Medicine;
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Chinese Herbs
Autumn represents the pivot between the final culmination of the growing season and the beginning of the descent into the depths of Winter.
Autumn is associated with the natural element of METAL. All the five elements are represented in Nature, including humans! The cycles of the seasons color our experience of life in cycles similar to the day night cycle. The organ systems that are related to Autumn are the Lungs and the large intestine, as these are resonant with the season’s energetics. Embodied, they relate to immunity, breathing, elimination, gut and skin health. Metaphysically, they relate to inspiration, respect, grief, letting go, clearing debris, preciousness, death, brittleness, gratitude. This is how Chinese Medicine can simultaneously treat stuck grief and asthma
Tuning into your body this season, you may notice a pausing from the playfulness of summer to a slower sense of reverence. There is the balance between the changing leaves and dying wildlife to the precious bounties of harvest. Loss and gratitude are partnered.
This is the most spiritual time of year as the first colder winds blow in and the nights are darkened for longer. The existential question of the season is what is precious and what do you need to let go of – –
Here are three tips of the season:
- GRATITUDE – It’s the time to take stock and be thankful for your blessings, generously give to those in need. Taking even a moment to give thanks for your meal has been proven to enable better digestion!
- LETTING GO – This includes literal waste in your gut, stale air in your lungs, toxic thoughts or bitterness, even Marie Kondo’ing your home. This creates space to allow new things to enter.
- NOURISHING DRYNESS – The lungs and large intestine need moistening foods to thrive in the dryer months ahead so as it cools down, seek out brothy soups, cooked fibrous veggies and roots, pears, seeds, good fats and of course gourds.