Food as Medicine: Embracing Autumn's Balance - Through Diet & Lifestyle

A time of transition as autumn leaves begin to change colour

As the leaves begin to turn vibrant shades of red and gold, we welcome the season of autumn in the world of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

Autumn represents a time of transition, and understanding its unique energies can help us maintain balance and well-being.

Let's explore how to harmonise with autumn through lifestyle and dietary advice rooted in TCM principles.

---

Autumn in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Autumn is associated with the Metal element in TCM. This element is characterised by qualities such as clarity, purity, and organisation. It corresponds to the Lungs and Large Intestine in our body, which play crucial roles in maintaining overall health.

The Lung’s task of being a boundary between the inner and the outer world has a tendency to be quite vulnerable during this season. The lungs are usually the first internal organs attacked by external pathogens (disease-causing organisms). In ancient texts, these disease-causing bacteria and viruses were referred to as "wind" as they entered the body by an invisible force.

The large intestine is believed to play a vital role in maintaining balance in the body by regulating the elimination of waste and promoting the absorption of essential nutrients. Autumn is a season of harvest and letting go of what is no longer needed, much like the large intestine's function of eliminating waste from the body. It is seen as a time to release both physical and emotional "clutter" to prepare for the introspective nature of winter.

Lifestyle Advice for Autumn

As we let go of the external expansive, carefree nature of the summer to embrace the more internal, introspective side of autumn follow these tips to help create a reserve of strength for the autumn and winter months ahead.

🔸Stay Balanced: Balance is key in TCM. As the weather cools, focus on balancing your activities. Engage in both indoor and outdoor pursuits to maintain harmony.

🔸Mindful Breathing: Pay attention to your breath. Deep, slow breathing helps to support Lung health and relieve stress. Consider practices like Tai Chi or Qigong.

🔸Declutter: In keeping with the Metal element's sense of organisation, take time to declutter your living space and your mind. Letting go of unnecessary baggage can promote inner peace.

🔸Warmth and Protection: As the temperature drops, dress warmly to protect your body from the chill, especially the neck and chest area.

Dietary Advice for Autumn

Eating seasonally - autumnal soups and stews are very warming and nourishing

As weather becomes cooler and damper, this is a good time to address our diet. From a TCM perspective, the rule of thumb is in minimising the cooling energy that we take in through the foods we eat. Now is the time to warm up the interior with seasonal foods that have a warming effect.

🔸Incorporate Pungent Flavours: Pungent flavours like ginger, garlic, and onions can help disperse dampness and support the Lung and Large Intestine. Add them to soups and stir-fries.

🔸Consume Foods in Season: Autumn offers a variety of seasonal vegetables and fruits like pumpkin, sweet potatoes, apples, and pears. These foods nourish the body in harmony with the season.

🔸Stay Hydrated: Despite the cooler weather, it's essential to stay hydrated. Warm herbal teas, such as chrysanthemum or ginger tea, can be beneficial.

🔸Moderate Dry Foods: While enjoying the harvest, be mindful of excessive consumption of dry or spicy foods, as they may weaken the Lungs. Balance them with moistening foods like honey or pears.

Do You Get Colds and Coughs Around Autumn?

If you are susceptible to dampness or cold limit or avoid the cooling foods listed below. Most of these foods assist in the production of phlegm (mucus) by your body. In TCM the spleen has many functions, one of these is controlling digestion. If you have weak digestion, the spleen will send dampness to the lungs, which creates phlegm and congestion in the sinuses.

Eating healthy food is the foundation of a healthy energy system and body, eating seasonally is highly recommended to maintain this. If it naturally ripens in the season, it's probably a good thing to eat. But it is also important to listen to your own body and which foods make you feel good.

The list below will guide you in which foods will support your health and which foods to avoid.

EXCLUDE	INCLUDE
Cold Milk	Pumpkin
Ice Cream	Sweet Potatoes
Cucumbers	Parsnips
Watermelon	Kelp / Seaweed
Raw Foods	Horseradish
Pasta or Noodles	Pine Nuts
Potatoes	Garlic
White Bread	Butternut Squash
Sugar	Onions
	Fermented Foods (Miso, Kimchi)
	Walnuts
	Apples /Pears
	Leafy Winter Greens (Kale, Chard)
	Warming Soups and Stews

Embrace the Wisdom of Autumn

harmonise mind and body with the autumnal energy

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the season of autumn teaches us the importance of letting go, finding balance, and embracing change. By embracing the diet and lifestyle recommendations for autumn , you can harmonise your body and mind with the energy of this season.

As always, it's advisable to consult with a qualified TCM practitioner for personalised guidance on how to best support your health during autumn. Wishing you a harmonious and healthy autumn!

Book an Appointment

Warm regards

John