Staying in Balance with the Seasons - Autumn

In Chinese Medicine, Autumn is associated with the METAL element. The METAL element rules inspiration and elimination. It can bring with it symptoms involving Lungs, Colon, Skin and Sinuses.

Metal Season in Balance:

Clarity, organization, enjoyable nostalgia, more time for rest and reflection. Autumn can be a time to focus inward after the exuberance and social stimulation of summer. It is a good time to check in with yourself and to take care of projects you may have been putting off – especially those that involve clearing clutter. The Metal season encourages a focus on what is precious in our lives, and a willingness to let go of what is no longer useful.

Pitfalls of the Metal Season:

Accumulation of clutter, both physical and metaphorical. Procrastination, negativity, preoccupation with losses, holding on to habits and emotional states that no longer serve us, overuse of stimulants and/or laxatives as a quick fix for the sense of paralysis and immobilization. The bittersweet nostalgia autumn brings can, when out of balance, bring overwhelming feelings of grief and regret. Physical symptoms of imbalance can be sinus congestion, constipation, allergies, rashes.

Every Autumn provides an opportunity to break out of old patterns

• Focus on BREATHING: conscious breath, singing, yoga, stretching, tai chi 

• Keep things MOVING: light aerobic exercise (go for a light sweat), dry skin brushing to exfoliate and enhance circulation, eat plenty of fiber, rinse sinuses with neti-pot 

• Transition to more WARMING foods and drinks: teas, soups, spices like curry, fennel, chai tea.

• And get some sunshine while you can!

And of course…remember to incorporate your seasonal acupuncture treatment!