Autumn and the Metal Element

It’s hard to believe we are already halfway through autumn here in south-east Queensland. It seems like just this week, the beautiful crisp air has finally filled our lungs. The sun is gentle, and everything feels calm and serene. During autumn, we begin to slow down; our energies turn inward as we prepare for the chill of winter. In Chinese medicine, autumn is linked to the metal element and the lungs. The metal element embodies strength, clarity, and the wisdom to release what no longer serves us. The emotion associated with the lungs is grief. Consider the process of breathing: we inhale, hold, and then exhale to let go. To master our emotions, the lungs must absorb, experience, and ultimately release to achieve a sense of lightness.

As we transition into autumn, here are several ways to support lung health:

• Emphasise your breath. Breathe deeply and intentionally, filling your lungs completely to flush your cells with oxygen. A brisk walk in the refreshing autumn air can be invigorating.

• Release negativity. Allow any negative thoughts or grievances to exit your body with each exhale.

• Declutter your life. Autumn is the perfect time to tidy up your space. Clear out your wardrobe of clothes you no longer wear, and organize your pantry and fridge to make room for nourishing autumn foods.

• Keep warm. Wearing a scarf can protect your lungs from the harsh cold and dryness.

• Eat seasonally. Autumn tends to be dry and cool, a welcome change from summer's humidity. Focus on warming, yin-nourishing foods and reduce your intake of cold or raw items.

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Beneficial Foods for Autumn:

During this season, it's wise to consume fewer salads and more hearty soups and slow-cooked dishes. The extended cooking time aids digestion, while the increased liquid content helps nourish yin, counteracting autumn's dryness.

Here are some particularly beneficial foods for autumn:

• Fruits: Apples and pears, especially when poached, nourish and hydrate lung yin.

• Root Vegetables: Sweet potatoes, carrots, parsnips, and squash support the digestive system.

• Pungent Foods: Onion, garlic, ginger, horseradish, pepper, watercress, and cabbage stimulate the lungs and disperse cold.

• Nuts and Seeds: Walnuts, chestnuts, and pumpkin seeds are rich in healthy fats that support lung and kidney health.

• Dark Leafy Greens: Kale, spinach, and seaweed bolster the blood and immune system.

• Mushrooms: Shiitake, maitake, and reishi mushrooms enhance immune function.

• Increase protein intake to support blood and yin; great choices include chicken, pork, eggs, bone broths, and legumes.

  
  

As you enjoy these nourishing foods, remember that autumn is a time for reflection and gratitude. Embrace the slower pace of the season and take moments to appreciate the beauty of change. Whether it’s a stroll among the falling leaves or a cozy evening with a good book, let autumn nourish both your body and soul. Prioritise self-care, connect with loved ones, and relish the cozy comforts this season brings.