Each season is associated with different organs and elements. Fall is the season of the lungs and large intestine and the element of metal, which governs organization, communication, order and boundary setting. The yin energy becomes dominant as days grow shorter and the weather becomes colder. So it’s a natural time to slow down, become more introspective and create more order in your life.
The lungs are viewed as the ‘tender’ organ in Chinese medicine because they are the uppermost organ in the body and very susceptible to being adversely affected by cold and wind. Therefore it’s important to dress warmly and protect yourself from getting chilled. They also control the Wei-Chi which is the defensive energy on the surface of the body, rather like the auric field. I find that doing some vigorous deep breathing in the morning and at times throughout the day helps to invigorate this auric chi.
Lungs also are connected to the emotions of grief, sorrow and nostalgia, which are part of our human experience and not to be avoided. Grief that is fully processed can be strengthening. It can also awaken a sense of deep compassion for self and others.
The large intestine is paired with the lungs and represents our capacity to let go of what is no longer needed, just as leaves of hardwoods fall to the ground and decompose. So releasing whatever we might be hanging onto in both body and mind is a good practice along with making sure that our elimination is regular. Balancing the microbiome in the gut is also vital for a healthy immune system.
Come in for an autumn acupuncture session to strengthen the lungs, intestine, and immune system and receive a 20% discount until Dec. 21.
As summer slowly shifts into autumn, we move through a transitional phase regarded as a season of its own in Chinese medicine. While summer is the season of fire and heat, Indian Summer features the earth element which governs the spleen and stomach. This is the time when kids return to school and cooler mornings and evenings calm the sun’s heat, which can still be quite intense during the afternoon. The final harvest of grains and grapes takes place in this fifth season before the chill of fall sets in, so we could also call it the time of bread and wine.
Summer is approaching! In Chinese medicine, this season is associated with the Heart, the fire element and Yang outgoing energies. It’s the time when we feel the urge to travel, leave behind the familiar and the routine and open to new adventures and people.
Spring greetings from Inner Balance. It’s the season of the liver, the organ associated with spring in Chinese medicine. The liver is also regarded as the general of the body and subordinate to the ruler, which is the heart. According to TCM, the liver houses the will and if toxic it may hold onto anger and resentment. So spring is a very good time to tonify and cleanse the liver with veggies like beets and artichokes and green juices, along with occasional apples. You could even forage for nettle and dandelion and make a spring tonic and cleansing tea for the liver, and drink it while focusing on letting go of any stuck energy in that area.