Living with the Seasons: Autumn Edition

The autumn season is now upon us,  the days get shorter, leaves begin to fall and the energy of trees redirect themselves into the trunk for preservation to withstand the coming winter. As we shift from the vibrancy of summer to a time of more introspection we aim to nourish the yin as summer has consumed it.

As cyclical beings we collectively transition through each of these seasons together. With each season comes the opportunity for us to create habits and rituals that support us.

In Chinese Medicine the organ associated with Autumn is the Lungs and associated with letting go of what no longer serves. Here are some tips to nourish us during this time:

Lifestyle:

• Go to bed earlier, wake earlier. Restore, restore, restore!
• Deep belly breathing is especially nourishing for the Lungs each morning (begin with 5-10 breaths each day)
• Include more Yin Yoga classes into your week, as we transition from all the Yang of the Summer months enjoy winding down and letting your body rest
• Keep warm with a scarf and extra layers
• If you have been experiencing sadness and grief now is the perfect time to allow those emotions to come, embrace them and let them go. Feel and release!

Diet:

• Eat seasonally (pears, apples, cauliflower, cabbage, brussels)
• Favour pungent foods & spices ( bay leaves, cardamom, chives, cinnamon, cloves, turmeric and ginger)
• Moisten the dryness of Autumn, foods that moisten the Lungs: Black sesame seeds, apples and pears
• Avoid cold raw foods, include more warming foods such as broths, soups and congee
• Avoid icy cold drink
• Reduce the consumption of sugar, dairy and gluten to reduce phlegm through the next few months

Why Autumn Is Connected to the Lungs and Letting Go

In Chinese Medicine, each season corresponds to a specific organ and element, and Autumn belongs to Metal and the Lungs. Just as trees release their leaves in preparation for winter, Autumn invites us to consciously release what we no longer need, physically, emotionally and energetically. The Lungs are considered the entry point for Qi, drawing in fresh vital energy with every breath, while the paired organ, the Large Intestine, governs the release of waste. Together, this pairing beautifully mirrors the season's theme of intake and release, taking in what nourishes and letting go of what doesn't.

This is also why grief is considered the emotion most closely tied to the Lungs. Autumn is traditionally seen as a season where unprocessed grief, whether recent or long held, naturally rises to the surface, offering an opportunity to acknowledge and release it, rather than suppress it further.

Supporting Your Emotional Wellbeing This Season

Alongside the physical practices already outlined, Autumn is a wonderful time to support your emotional world too:

• Journaling can be a powerful way to process grief, loss or lingering sadness as it surfaces this season

• Create closure rituals, whether that's a symbolic letter you write and release, or simply setting an intention to let go of something that no longer serves you

• Spend time in nature, particularly among falling leaves, watching the natural world let go can be a gentle, grounding reminder that release is a normal, healthy part of any cycle

• Be gentle with yourself if emotions feel heightened this season, this is a natural response to the energetic shift, not a sign that something is wrong

Building an Autumn Self-Care Ritual

Consider incorporating a simple daily or weekly ritual to align with the season:

• Begin each morning with five to ten deep belly breaths before reaching for your phone

• Swap one raw or cold meal each day for something warm, cooked and nourishing

• Dedicate one evening a week to a slower practice, Yin Yoga, a warm bath, or quiet journaling

• Layer up earlier than you think you need to, supporting the Lungs means protecting against cold and wind exposure, which in TCM is considered particularly depleting to Lung Qi

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Chinese Medicine emphasise eating warm, cooked foods in Autumn? As the external environment becomes cooler and drier, warm, cooked foods are believed to support digestion and help the body conserve energy, while also counteracting the dryness that's characteristic of the Autumn season.

I've been feeling more emotional lately, is that normal for this time of year? Yes, it's very common. Since Autumn is associated with the Lungs and the emotion of grief, many people notice heightened sensitivity, nostalgia, or sadness during this seasonal transition. Allowing space for these feelings, rather than pushing them away, is considered supportive during this time.

How can I tell if my Lungs need extra support this Autumn? Signs that your Lung Qi may need extra nourishment include a dry cough, dry skin, feeling easily fatigued, catching colds more easily, or noticing sadness that feels heavier than usual. If these symptoms are persistent, it's worth speaking with a TCM practitioner or your GP.

Does Autumn affect the menstrual cycle too? Seasonal shifts can influence the whole body, including hormonal rhythms. Some people notice changes in cycle length, mood or energy as the seasons transition. Supporting the Lungs and overall Qi through this period can also have a gentle, positive ripple effect on hormonal balance.

Living in rhythm with the seasons offers a gentle, sustainable framework for self-care, one that honours both the body's changing needs and the emotional shifts that come with each time of year. As Autumn settles in, may you find ease in slowing down, nourishing your Lungs, and releasing what no longer serves.