Shifting with the seasons- Autumn in TCM

Chinese medicine emphasises moderation and balance to support health and avoid illness. This philosophy is termed ‘Yang Sheng’ 養生, which translates to “nourishing life”. One of the key ways we can bring this philosophy into our lives is to live in accordance to the seasons and their energies based on Chinese medicine theory. 

As we move through the seasons, our bodies naturally respond to the changes in the environment around us. In Chinese medicine, humans are viewed as undeniably connected to nature, not separate to it. So when change happens outside of us, it is also happening within us. How we adjust to this change can help support our health and wellbeing. 

Summer is a time of high energy, longer days, socialising, and later nights. It is expansive, outward, and full of movement. As we transition into Autumn, we begin to shift away from that outward expression, into something more internal. The energy becomes cooler, more contracting, and more reflective. The days shorten, and there’s a natural invitation to slow down.  

A few ways we can adjust to the shift…

• Breathe deeply: This may sound silly but it can help us adjust to the changing seasonal pace. By remembering to take deeper breaths into the belly it can help to transition our bodies into a more parasympathetic state. Adjusting to this state of rest and digestion helps move us towards the slower more nourishing energies of the colder months.

• Wear a scarf: Autumn is the season of Wind. In TCM, Wind is considered the “cause of 100 diseases”. By wearing a scarf we can protect our ‘wind gates’ .These are points around the back of the head and neck which are vulnerable to Wind attacks which can leave us unwell and with lower immunity. 

• Eat more warm and wet foods: Eating warm foods helps support our digestive fire, and moist foods help counteract the dryness of Autumn. Warm, wet and nourishing meals such as congee and porridge support digestion, energy and warmth. 

  
  

In Chinese medicine, Autumn is associated with the Lung and Large Intestine systems. The Lung governs our breath, our immunity, and also our ability to take in what we need from the world. The Large Intestine, on the other hand, is responsible for letting go, releasing what is no longer needed.

So together, this season is really about balance: taking in what we need, and letting go of what no longer serves us.

The ancient physicians observed this process mirrored in nature. Just as the leaves change colour and fall away in Autumn, we’re encouraged to reflect on what we might need to release in our own lives. Whether that’s stress, habits, emotions, limiting beliefs or simply letting go of the busyness of the previous season.

Taking time to journal or reflect and tidy our spaces may help with this process of letting go to re-set for the coming seasons.