A TCM Reflection on Autumn 🍂

Today is the 21st of March — the Autumn Equinox here in the Southern Hemisphere, the moment when day and night are perfectly balanced.

Now, we begin the gentle descent into the cooler months. Even though the calendar says autumn starts on the 1st of March, to me, it truly begins today — when light and dark meet in perfect equilibrium, and the season quietly shifts toward inwardness, stillness, and release.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, autumn is associated with the Metal element, and it governs the Lungs and Large Intestine — organs responsible for letting go and taking in. Just as the trees shed their leaves, autumn invites us to release what we no longer need — physically, emotionally, and energetically — so we can make space for what truly matters.

The Lung system in TCM is not only linked to our breath and immunity, but also to grief, inspiration, and clarity. This is a season of refinement — of sorting through, simplifying, and strengthening our boundaries. It’s also a powerful time for reflection and cultivating practices that support both resilience and emotional balance.

As yin begins to grow and yang recedes, autumn is a time to slow down from summer’s outward activity and begin conserving energy for the colder months ahead. When we live in rhythm with this seasonal transition, we support our immune system, nourish our inner world, and create a sense of grounded clarity.

Autumn Wellness Tips in TCM

1. Support your Lungs and Immunity
Breathe deeply, keep your chest and neck warm, and incorporate lung-supporting herbs like astragalus, thyme, and mullein. Acupuncture can also help strengthen Wei Qi (defensive energy) during seasonal change.

2. Eat warm, cooked foods
Light soups, porridges, roasted root vegetables, and warm grains like oats and rice support digestion as the weather cools. Include pungent foods like ginger, onions, garlic, and radish to open the lungs and clear stagnation.

3. Protect against dryness
Autumn is the season of dryness, which can affect the lungs and skin. Stay hydrated and eat moistening foods like pears, white fungus, sesame seeds, and honey in moderation.

4. Let go of the excess
Just as nature prunes back in autumn, consider decluttering your space or letting go of habits, thoughts, or obligations that no longer serve you. Journaling or meditation can help clarify what you’re ready to release.

5. Practice breathwork and gentle movement
The lungs love breath-focused practices. Qigong, yoga, or simply walking in nature with conscious breathing can help you feel clear, calm, and aligned with the season.

6. Embrace stillness
As daylight decreases, spend time in quiet. Light a candle, take a slow bath, or enjoy the early dusk. Creating small rituals of stillness helps support emotional clarity and nourishes the spirit.