Autumn Self-Care TCM: Preparing for Change | Health Tree Acupuncture London
- Sep 8
- 5 min read
As the long days of summer fade and the air begins to cool, many of us naturally start to turn inward. Autumn is a season of change, and in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it carries a distinct energy – one that invites us to slow down, let go, and nourish ourselves for the months ahead.
At Health Tree Acupuncture in Bethnal Green, we often see patients at this time of year who want to boost their immunity, ease seasonal allergies, or feel more balanced as the seasons shift. By aligning with the energy of autumn, we can support both physical health and emotional well-being.
The Energy of Autumn in TCM
In the Five Element cycle, autumn is linked with the Metal element. Metal represents clarity, refinement, and structure – just as minerals are extracted from rock, autumn helps us distil what is essential and release what is no longer needed.
The paired organs of Metal are the Lungs and the Large Intestine. The Lungs take in the new (breath, inspiration, fresh ideas), while the Large Intestine helps us let go of the old (waste, clutter, outdated emotions). Together, they embody the seasonal theme of release and renewal.
On an emotional level, autumn is associated with grief and the process of letting go. This doesn’t have to feel heavy – it can simply be a time of honouring the natural cycles of change and creating space for what’s to come.
Seasonal Shifts and the Body
Autumn weather is cooler and drier, which has a direct impact on the Lung system. You might notice:
Dry skin or lips
Scratchy throat or coughs
Increased sensitivity to colds or seasonal allergies
Because the Lungs are considered the “delicate organ” in TCM, they’re particularly vulnerable to changes in temperature and environmental dryness. Protecting your chest and neck from wind and cold is a simple but powerful seasonal practice – hence the age-old TCM advice to always wear a scarf in autumn.
Nourishing Foods for Autumn
As the season cools, it’s best to shift gradually from light, raw foods to more warming, cooked meals that support digestion and circulation. In TCM, food is seen as medicine, and autumn is an excellent time to nourish the body with ingredients that protect against dryness and strengthen the Lungs.
Moistening and nourishing foods include:
Pears, apples, persimmons, grapes
Almonds, sesame seeds, walnuts
Honey (in moderation)
White mushrooms, tofu, congee, rice
Root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes
Foods with a naturally white colour often support the Lung system, so think of cauliflower, onions, garlic, and fennel.
What to reduce: overly spicy or drying foods, such as chilli, fried foods, excessive coffee, and alcohol. These can deplete body fluids and aggravate autumn dryness.
A simple seasonal dish could be poached pears with honey and cinnamon – a warming, moistening, and gentle option for digestion.
Emotional & Mental Wellbeing
Autumn is a season of reflection. Just as trees shed their leaves, we’re invited to consider what we might let go of in our own lives. This could be a result of old habits, clutter in the home, or unresolved emotions.
Supporting emotional balance in autumn can be as simple as:
Journaling to release thoughts or feelings
Breathwork to strengthen the Lungs and calm the mind
Gentle practices such as meditation, qi gong, or tai chi
Allowing space to process grief or sadness instead of pushing it aside
Rather than rushing, autumn encourages us to slow down and simplify – focusing on what matters most.
Autumn TCM Lifestyle & Self-Care Tips
A few simple practices can help you stay healthy and aligned with the autumn season:
Protect against wind and cold: wear a scarf and layers to guard the neck and chest.
Sleep earlier: as the nights draw in, follow nature’s rhythm by heading to bed earlier and waking with the sun.
Gentle movement: walking outdoors, stretching, or yoga helps keep energy flowing without depleting reserves.
Declutter: support the Large Intestine’s theme of “letting go” by clearing your space – a tidy environment creates room for clarity.
Moisturise: use natural oils or creams to counter dryness in the skin.
How Acupuncture Can Support You in Autumn
Seasonal acupuncture treatments can be a valuable way to strengthen your system and prepare for the colder months ahead. In particular, acupuncture can help to:
Boost the immune system and resilience against colds and flu
Relieve seasonal allergies, sinus congestion, or dryness in the skin and throat
Support emotional well-being and help process feelings of grief or transition
Balance the Lung and Large Intestine meridians to restore harmony
At Health Tree Acupuncture in East London, we provide personalised treatments to help you stay well throughout autumn and beyond. Whether you’re looking for support with immunity, lung health, digestion, or emotional balance, acupuncture can help you align with the season’s natural rhythm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does TCM say about autumn?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, autumn is linked with the Metal element and the organs of the Lungs and Large Intestine. It’s a season of letting go, reflection, and preparing the body for the winter months ahead.
How can acupuncture help in autumn?
Acupuncture can strengthen the immune system, ease respiratory conditions, support healthy digestion, and balance emotions such as sadness or grief that may arise during the autumn season.
What foods are best to eat in autumn from a TCM perspective?
Moistening foods like pears, apples, sesame seeds, almonds, tofu, and root vegetables support the Lungs and protect against autumn dryness. Cooked, warming meals are best.
Can acupuncture prevent colds and flu?
While acupuncture isn’t a substitute for medical care, it can strengthen the body’s defences, improve energy flow, and support the immune system, making you more resilient to seasonal bugs.
Where can I find acupuncture in Bethnal Green?
Health Tree Acupuncture is based in Bethnal Green, East London. We provide affordable and effective acupuncture treatments to support your health through every season, including autumn.
Final Thoughts
Autumn reminds us that letting go is a natural part of life. By embracing TCM self-care, nourishing ourselves with seasonal foods, caring for our lungs, and embracing moments of stillness, we can ease into autumn feeling supported and grounded.
If you’d like some extra support this autumn, acupuncture at Health Tree Acupuncture in Bethnal Green offers a gentle yet powerful way to strengthen your health and wellbeing.
Book your appointment now and align with the season ahead.
FAQ: Autumn and Traditional Chinese Medicine
What does TCM say about autumn?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, autumn is linked to the Metal element and the Lungs and Large Intestine organs. It’s seen as a time for reflection, letting go, and strengthening the body for the colder months ahead.
Why do the lungs need extra care in autumn?
Autumn is often cooler and drier, which can affect the lungs, throat, and skin. Supporting the lungs through breathwork, incorporating moistening foods, and utilising acupuncture helps protect against seasonal coughs, dryness, and lowered immunity.
What foods are best to eat in autumn from a TCM perspective?
Moistening and nourishing foods such as pears, apples, sesame seeds, almonds, tofu, root vegetables, and lightly cooked grains help counter dryness and support the lungs. Warming, cooked meals are preferred over cold or raw foods.
Can acupuncture boost immunity in autumn?
Yes. Acupuncture is often used to strengthen the body’s defences, balance energy, and support lung health. Regular treatments in autumn can help the body adapt to seasonal change and build resilience against colds and flu.
How does acupuncture support emotional well-being in autumn?
Autumn is associated with the emotion of grief in TCM. Acupuncture can help regulate mood, ease stress, and create a sense of emotional balance during this season of change.
Where can I get acupuncture for autumn health in London?
You can book an appointment with Health Tree Acupuncture in Bethnal Green, East London. We offer affordable, community-focused acupuncture treatments to support you through every season.
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