“The forces of Autumn create dryness in Heaven and metal on Earth; they create the lung organ and the skin upon the body... and the nose, and the white colour, and the pungent flavour... the emotion grief, and the ability to make a weeping sound.”

— Inner Classic

The practice of tuning into nature, harmonizing with seasonal changes, as well as connecting to the elements are all part of both the ancient Taoist way and traditional Chinese medicine.

Failing to take the time to connect with the season of autumn and its element—which is metal, is what leads to experiencing the feeling of being out of balance. Understanding how to properly attune your mind, body, and spirit to the season and connecting with any element that might not come natural to you, requires a level of guidance.

Here are a few ways you can tune into the energies and qualities of both the element of metal and the autumn season through these lifestyle, diet, and spiritual health practices.

Autumn is a season of Yin. A marking of the autumn season includes the dropping of seeds to provide for the next generation, allowing for the flow and energy of life to continue. Taoist’s refer to this as the ‘cycle of life.’ During this season it’s common to experience feelings of loss and sadness, which are further amplified after coming away from the late summer season of harvest and plenty.

Here are a few tips to help prepare your mind and emotional well-being for autumn:

Go to bed earlier and increase your sleeping time. This is regenerative and assists in building a healthier immune system.
Take time for mindfulness meditation. Build awareness, harmonize, open your heart and mind, and embrace the season.
Give yourself some more personal time. Read that book you want to read, create something, or take a relaxing bath. After the business of summer, autumn is about recapturing time for yourself and the one’s you love.

The metal element is connected to your lungs and your intestinal system. Paying extra attention to these areas of your body is important. Here are some tips for preparing your body for autumn:

Avoid the temptation to do less when the weather turns cooler outside. Making time for exercise and outdoor activity is key for promoting your flow of Qi to gain energy and strengthen your body, lungs, and movement within your intestines.
Eat for the season. In Taoist tradition, there’s a downward movement to autumn and its seasonal vegetables—root veggies. Incorporate root vegetables in your meal. Try the wonderful Champignon & Pearl Barley Soup recipe below!
The metal element is considered a pungent element. Likewise, incorporate more pungent foods like garlic, cinnamon, curry, chili and ginger. These assist in moving Qi and boost your immune system. They help you sweat out toxins, bringing better health to your lungs and intestines.
The Chinese medical practice of ‘cupping,’ is the perfect autumn treatment to schedule with us. We use small suction cups made of glass to quickly and painlessly move and scatter Qi blockages throughout your body. Keeping Qi moving is imperative for good health during the Autumn season. Read more about Cupping Therapy here.

The metal element is often associated with reflection and “letting go.” Here are some tips for preparing your spirit for the autumn season:

Follow the Taoist teaching of being mindful in your quality of breath. Avoid breathing shallowly, and instead practice deeper breathing techniques.
Take time to de-clutter and let go of things in your home or personal spaces that are not needed.
Dig deeper and de-clutter your heart, mind, and spirit by letting go of emotional waste. This is the season to let go of unhealthy thoughts such as anger, bitterness, resentment, and grief that block positive transformation energies.

If you would like an Autumn tune up session, please book here.

Thank you

Trish x