As leaves turn golden and drift from the trees, autumn reminds us of nature’s rhythm of release and renewal. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), autumn is associated with the Metal element and the lungs and large intestine—organs symbolically tied to the process of letting go. This season invites us to explore what it means to release what no longer serves us, allowing space for new growth and clarity.
Letting go can feel challenging, whether it’s physical clutter, outdated habits, or unresolved emotions. In TCM, autumn is seen as a time to focus on practices that nourish both our physical bodies and our inner world, helping us find balance, resilience, and peace as we prepare for the quiet inward energy of winter.
The Metal Element: Autumn’s Energy of Reflection and Release
The Metal element in TCM represents structure, clarity, and reflection. Just as metal can be refined and polished to reveal its inner brilliance, autumn encourages us to reflect on what brings true value to our lives—and to release what doesn’t. Think of it as a seasonal “house cleaning” of the body, mind, and spirit.
Lungs and Large Intestine: Autumn's Essential Organs
The lungs and large intestine play a key role in this process of cleansing and transformation.
Lungs: The lungs are responsible for the intake of air and the distribution of Qi, or vital energy, throughout the body. They govern respiration and influence our immune response, keeping us resilient. The lungs are also deeply connected to emotions, particularly grief and sadness. This is why autumn often brings feelings of nostalgia or introspection. When we keep the lungs balanced and open, we support a clear flow of breath, emotional release, and greater resilience.
Large Intestine: The large intestine absorbs water and eliminates waste, playing a crucial role in detoxification. This organ helps us literally let go of what we no longer need, symbolizing the emotional act of release. Imbalances here can lead to digestive issues or emotional blockages, such as feeling “stuck” or unable to move forward.
Embracing Emotions: Grief, Reflection, and Letting Go
In TCM, emotions are part of the body’s energy system. Just as physical clutter can overwhelm us, so can emotional “clutter.” Autumn’s key emotions include:
Grief and Loss: As a season of transition, autumn invites us to acknowledge past experiences or feelings we may have been holding onto, including loss and grief. Recognizing these emotions doesn’t mean dwelling on them; rather, it allows us to make space for healing.
Letting Go: This season provides an opportunity to release what no longer serves us. When we let go, we make room for what truly aligns with our growth and well-being, whether it’s a new habit, mindset, or relationship.
Reflection: Autumn encourages introspection, a time to assess what we value and how we want to move forward. As we acknowledge what no longer aligns with our true selves, we create a clearer path toward winter’s quiet, restorative energy.
Practical Practices to Help You Release
Supporting the lungs and large intestine isn’t only about physical health—it’s also about creating the right conditions for mental and emotional balance. Here are a few practical, simple ways to embrace the spirit of letting go this autumn:
1. Breathing Exercises: Release and Renew
Deep, mindful breathing brings life into the lungs and helps release stagnant emotions. Practices like diaphragmatic breathing or the 4-7-8 breathing technique can clear the respiratory system and help dissolve emotional tension.
Try This: Set aside a few moments each morning to take deep, conscious breaths. Breathe in for four counts, hold for seven, and exhale for eight. Imagine each exhale as a release of anything you no longer need.
2. Qi Gong and Tai Chi: Flow and Grounding
These gentle, flowing movements stimulate the flow of Qi in the body and encourage groundedness. They’re designed to enhance lung capacity and support emotional release while grounding us in the present.
Try This: Practicing Qi Gong or Tai Chi outside in fresh air, surrounded by nature, can amplify the benefits, bringing you into harmony with the season’s energy.
3. Dietary Adjustments: Nourishment for Release
Autumn’s foods can help nourish the lungs and support digestive health. Warm, cooked meals, especially soups and stews, are gentle on the digestive system and help the body stay grounded. Include foods like pears, white radish, turnips, apples, and root vegetables to support lung and large intestine health.
Try This: Incorporate white and pungent foods, which are associated with the Metal element, such as onions, garlic, and ginger, into your meals. These foods promote circulation and warmth, helping you stay balanced.
4. Herbal Remedies: Support for Transition
Certain herbs can strengthen lung and digestive health, promoting both physical detox and emotional release. Astragalus is often used in TCM to boost immunity and lung function, while chrysanthemum tea is thought to help clear the respiratory system.
Try This: Consult a qualified practitioner for guidance on herbal remedies that suit your unique needs, especially if you’re new to herbal medicine.
5. Journaling and Reflection: Process and Progress
Writing is a powerful tool for processing emotions and letting go. Autumn’s energy encourages self-reflection and clarity, allowing you to release thoughts and emotions that may be holding you back.
Try This: Each evening, write down something you’re ready to release. It could be an old belief, a habit, or even a grudge. Over time, you may notice a sense of lightness as you let go of mental clutter.
6. Mindfulness and Meditation: Presence and Peace
Meditation and mindfulness practices help us stay present and allow emotions to arise and pass without attachment. By cultivating acceptance, we create a space for healing and release, making it easier to let go.
Try This: Dedicate a few minutes each day to simply observe your breath or surroundings. Practicing mindfulness, even for short periods, can bring a sense of calm and balance.
7. Let Nature Teach You: Witness Release in Action
Spend time outdoors and observe the natural process of release around you. Leaves falling, plants withering, the air cooling—all serve as reminders that letting go is part of the cycle of life.
Try This: Take a mindful walk, appreciating the natural changes and allowing them to inspire your own release. Remember, nature lets go each year without regret, and so can you.
Signs That Letting Go Is Happening
Sometimes, as we go through this process, we may feel resistance or even think that something is wrong. Remember, signs of letting go can manifest in various ways:
Physical signs like a lighter breath, better digestion, or more energy.
Emotional clarity, where old worries seem less pressing or you feel at peace with past events.
Mental clarity, with a newfound focus or ability to prioritize what truly matters.
Being Gentle with Yourself in the Process
Letting go is a practice, not a one-time event. Be gentle with yourself as you move through this season. If emotions come up, know they are there to be acknowledged and released, not suppressed. Releasing requires compassion, patience, and self-awareness, but the reward is a lighter, more balanced you.
Autumn, in its essence, is an invitation to align ourselves with nature’s rhythm. By focusing on the lungs and large intestine, reflecting on our emotional landscape, and embracing practices that encourage release, we create a season of self-discovery and renewal. Just as nature lets go each year to prepare for winter’s rest, we too can let go of what no longer serves us, making space for new growth, resilience, and inner peace.