In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), human beings are seen as microcosms of the natural world, intricately connected to the rhythms of the earth and the cycles of the seasons. Just as plants respond to changing sunlight and animals adapt their behaviors to shifts in climate, our bodies and minds are profoundly influenced by the seasonal flow of yin and yang. Ancient physicians observed that health is most vibrant when we live in harmony with these natural rhythms, adjusting our diet, lifestyle, and even emotional outlook to match the season. When we resist or ignore these transitions, we can become more vulnerable to imbalance and disease (Kaptchuk, 2000; Maciocia, 2015).
Seasonal Susceptibilities in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Each season in TCM corresponds to specific organ systems, emotions, and elemental energies. The Five Elements:
- Wood
- Fire
- Earth
- Metal
- Water
The above five elements describe patterns of transformation and dynamic relationships within the body and the environment. Seasonal changes can create opportunities to strengthen organ systems, but they also bring susceptibilities to illness if we are not mindful (Unschuld, 2016).
Spring (Wood Element)
Associated with the Liver and Gallbladder, springtime energy is expansive and upward. It supports growth and renewal but can make us prone to irritability, migraines, allergies, and tension if Liver Qi becomes stagnant.
Summer (Fire Element)
Corresponding to the Heart and Small Intestine, summer is hot and full of yang energy. Joy is the dominant emotion, yet overexposure to heat can cause restlessness, insomnia, dehydration, and cardiovascular stress.
Late Summer (Earth Element)
A transitional season linked to the Spleen and Stomach, late summer emphasizes digestion and nourishment. Dampness is the predominant challenge, leading to sluggish digestion, weight gain, and fatigue if balance is not maintained.
Autumn (Metal Element)
Governed by the Lungs and Large Intestine, autumn energy is contracting and inward. This season often brings susceptibility to respiratory infections, skin conditions, and emotional grief.
Winter (Water Element)
Aligned with the Kidneys and Bladder, winter is the season of conservation and storage. It supports deep rest and restoration, but cold can weaken Kidney energy and lead to low vitality, joint pain, or urinary problems.
By recognizing these seasonal influences, TCM encourages us to adjust our habits throughout the year, cultivating resilience and preventing illness.
The Autumn Season: Metal Element and the Art of Letting Go
Of all the seasons, autumn holds a particularly poignant symbolism in TCM. After the exuberance of summer, nature begins its process of contraction. The days shorten, temperatures cool, and the leaves fall—a reminder of impermanence and the necessity of release. Similarly, autumn invites us to slow down, turn inward, and clear away what no longer serves us, both physically and emotionally (Maciocia, 2015).
The Organ Systems of Autumn: Lungs and Large Intestine
In the Five Element framework, autumn corresponds to the Metal element, which governs the Lungs and Large Intestine.
How the Lungs Influence Immunity and Vitality
The Lungs are seen as the “tender organ” in TCM because of their direct connection with the external environment. They regulate breathing, distribute Qi (vital energy) throughout the body, and control the skin and immune defenses (known as Wei Qi). When Lung Qi is strong, we experience vitality, healthy skin, and resistance to colds and flus. When imbalanced, symptoms may include frequent respiratory infections, asthma, chronic cough, skin dryness, or feelings of sadness.
Large Intestine in TCM: Letting Go for Balance
The Large Intestine is responsible for elimination—not only of physical waste but also of emotional and mental burdens. Constipation, sluggish digestion, or difficulty releasing attachments can signal an imbalance in this organ system.
Together, the Lungs and large intestine help us breathe in the new and release the old, a rhythm central to autumn’s lesson of transformation.
The Emotion of Autumn: Grief and Acceptance
Every season has a dominant emotion, and in autumn it is grief. Just as trees shed their leaves, we are invited to acknowledge loss, change, and the endings that come with them. Grief in TCM is not inherently negative—it is a natural response that allows for healing and renewal. However, when grief is unexpressed or overwhelming, it can damage Lung Qi, weakening immunity and vitality Kaptchuk, 2000. Conversely, when processed and integrated, grief can cultivate acceptance and clarity, strengthening our sense of purpose and inner resolve.
Common Health Challenges in Autumn
As the weather shifts, certain conditions tend to surface more frequently. From a TCM perspective, these are signs of imbalance between our inner state and the seasonal energy.
- Respiratory Illnesses: Colds, flus, allergies, and sinus infections become more prevalent as Lung Qi is vulnerable to external pathogens.
- Dryness: The Metal element is associated with dryness, which can affect the lungs, throat, skin, lips, and intestines. This can manifest as a dry cough, itchy skin, constipation, or brittle hair.
- Skin Conditions: Because the Lungs “govern the skin,” eczema, rashes, or flare-ups often appear in autumn (Maciocia, 2015).
- Emotional Sensitivity: Sadness, nostalgia, or difficulty letting go may become more pronounced, especially during shorter days and darker evenings.
Supporting Health in Autumn
The wisdom of TCM offers many ways to harmonize with autumn’s energy and fortify the body-mind connection.
1. Nourish with Seasonal Foods
- Focus on moistening foods to counteract dryness, such as pears, apples, persimmons, honey, tofu, sesame seeds, and almonds.
- Incorporate warming, pungent spices like ginger, cinnamon, and garlic to support Lung function.
- Root vegetables and squashes provide grounding energy for the inward shift of the season.
- Avoid excessive cold or raw foods, which can weaken digestion and Qi (Pitchford, 2002).
2. Strengthen Lung Qi
- Breathing exercises, qigong, and gentle aerobic activity help expand lung capacity.
- Spending time in crisp autumn air nourishes the lungs, but dress warmly to protect against wind and cold.
- Acupuncture points such as Lung 7 (Lieque) and Large Intestine 4 (Hegu) are often used to boost immunity (Yuan & Bieber, 2021).
3. Support the Large Intestine
- Maintain regular bowel movements by incorporating high-fiber foods, staying adequately hydrated, and engaging in moderate exercise.
- Practice decluttering—autumn is the perfect time to clear out your home and simplify your life.
- Emotionally, let go of resentment and old patterns, making space for clarity and new beginnings.
4. Hydrate and Protect the Skin
- Use natural oils or moisturizers to combat dryness.
- Hydrate consistently with warm water or herbal teas (such as chrysanthemum or licorice root).
- Consider short, warm showers instead of long hot ones.
5. Cultivate Inner Balance
- Establish earlier bedtimes in alignment with shorter days.
- Journaling or meditation can help process grief and strengthen acceptance.
- Embrace autumn rituals—such as nature walks, gratitude practices, or seasonal celebrations—as ways to align with the rhythm of release and renewal.
Autumn’s Deeper Wisdom
In many ways, autumn is the most reflective of the seasons. Its crisp air and golden colors remind us that change is inevitable, and that endings are also beginnings. From a TCM perspective, autumn teaches us the art of discernment—of knowing what to hold onto and what to release. By caring for the Lungs and large intestine, honoring the natural emotions of grief, and nourishing our bodies with seasonal practices, we cultivate resilience for the colder months ahead.
When we live in harmony with autumn’s contracting energy, we not only strengthen our physical defenses but also cultivate clarity, gratitude, and the courage to let go. Just as trees surrender their leaves to prepare for winter, we too can embrace the beauty of impermanence and the power of renewal.
We took a break from our series on Common Conditions that Acupuncture can Treat to explore the relevance that each season of the year has in TCM, and we took a deeper dive into our current season of FALL. For our next blog, we will return to our series … and yes, keeping in rhythm with this Autumn blog, we will explore Respiratory & Immune System Support next.
