Summer has passed and we’re heading into beautiful autumn – crunchy leaves beneath our feet, wonderful sunsets, cooler breezes and darker evenings. It’s one of my favourite seasons – think Gilmore Girls, warm jumpers and hot chocolate!
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), autumn is the season of the lung and large intestine, with a strong theme of change. The lung is associated with grief and sadness, while the large intestine is about letting go. I love the idea that, just as the trees let go of their leaves, we can think about what we’re ready to let go of too as we head towards winter.
Autumn is also a time to slow down, keep warm and nourish ourselves. The lung is thought to be particularly sensitive to cooler, drier and windier weather, so it’s time for our habits to change too.
Swap those iced coffees for warm herbal teas, soups and stews. Pears are traditionally used in Chinese dietary therapy to nourish and moisten the lung – delicious poached or stewed with cinnamon, fresh ginger or star anise.
And dig out those layers… warm socks and slippers are officially back!
Your autumn takeaways:
• Cover your neck on cold, windy days
• Keep your feet warm
• Choose warm foods and drinks
• Try cooked or poached pears
• Prioritise sleep and rest
• Let go – time for a clear-out, physically
and emotionally!
Embrace the change of season and prepare your body and mind for winter.
Written by Sarah Stamp
Olive Tree Acupuncture & Wellbeing