Autumn Transition Wellness Rituals
I love the transition from Summer to Fall. Crisp mornings, changing leaves and soft sweaters - it’s all very nostalgic. It’s also a beautiful symbol of earth’s natural cycles - the ebb and flow of life. It invites us to honour our own internal seasons and embrace them, rather than fight against them (as Western society would prefer us to do).
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the organs of the Autumn season are the lungs and the large intestine. These two organs are associated with grief, sadness and letting go. I know for myself, I always need a moment to mourn the loss of summer and all the excitement and activity that comes with it.
We are more vulnerable to illnesses of the lungs and large intestines in the fall, as temperatures drop and sunlight becomes more scarce. This is why colds and flus are associated with this time of the year. I like to take extra self-care measures during this season to prevent illness and keep myself healthy. Below are some Traditional Chinese Medicine practices that I use during the Autumn transition.
Eat warm and well-cooked meals:
In Autumn the temperatures drop and our environment becomes increasingly moist. In TCM it’s important to increase the temperature of our food and minimize consumption of foods that are considered cold and damp during this time. I love cooking soups and stews in the Fall. I also gradually reduce raw foods in my diet, slowly phasing out salads and smoothies. Instead, I begin baking, sautéing, grilling, and stewing my foods. I avoid cold beverages, preferring teas and room temperature water.
Add warming spices:
Add warming spices to your meals such as ginger, turmeric and pepper. These spices counteract the coldness and dampness of the Autumn environment. This helps to keep our digestive fire strong, which naturally begins to fade as we approach Winter. This is why many people notice worsening digestive symptoms during the Fall and Winter months.
Stay warm and bundled:
Stay warm and bundled, paying special attention to the back of the neck, the ankles and the navel. These areas of the body are considered especially vulnerable in Traditional Chinese Medicine. By keeping them covered, we can keep the coldness and dampness out of our systems and reduce the risk of illness.
Make space for yin-dominant activities:
Make space for yin-dominant activities, such as slowness and rest. In TCM, the transition from Summer to Autumn involves a transition from yang energy to yin energy. Yin is all about restoration, stillness, quiet and introspection. This mirrors the cycle of nature - in Autumn the trees drop their leaves, animals prepare to hibernate and the activity of Summer fades away as the last vegetables are harvested. Honouring the yin nature of Fall and Winter is an important part of honouring our humanity through the seasons. It is also essential for preserving our energy. Prioritize quality sleep each night as well as time for quiet reflection.
What Autumn wellness practices do you have? I’d love to hear about them!
With warmth,
