Happy fall! Today is the autumnal equinox and the beginning of the fall season. Just like the trees shedding their leaves, it’s time for us to let go of what no longer serves. 

In Chinese medicine, fall is associated with the lungs and large intestine organs as well as the metal element. Fall is also associated with the color white and the emotions of grief and sadness. 

𝗦𝘆𝗺𝗽𝘁𝗼𝗺𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗜𝗺𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲: we have a hard time letting go and embracing change, feel scared of the unknown, feel indecisive/confused, overindulge in food and substances, doubt ourselves and others, feel fatigued, get stuck in old thought patterns, are overly critical, experience more grief and sadness, are prone to respiratory problems, asthma, seasonal allergies, coughs, frequent colds, and digestive issues especially constipation. We can also have skin problems like rashes and psoriasis and experience irregular sweating. 

𝗧𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲: we can practice breathing exercises to strengthen our lungs, declutter our spaces, let go of grudges, get more sleep and try to go to bed an hour earlier, wear a scarf to protect our necks (one of the easiest ways to keep from getting sick in Chinese medicine), exercise daily but in a gentler way (more walking and yoga, less HIIT and spin classes), start a gratitude journal, make a list of things we are ready to let go of, strengthen our elimination by eating whole foods and drinking plenty of water. 

𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲: yams, pears, apples, winter squash, mushrooms, cauliflower, Chile peppers, walnuts, mustard greens, onions, turnips, figs, seaweed, almonds, amaranth, kale, oats, honey, and horseradish.

I hope these tips help you to feel your best this season and allow you to embrace this transitional time of year. Please comment below with any questions!