The Art of Letting Go: Welcoming the Metal Element in Autumn
As September arrives and the air begins to cool, we transition into a new season—one of reflection, refinement, and release. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Autumn is governed by the Metal element, which asks us to let go of what no longer serves and return to what is essential.
Just as trees shed their leaves, we are invited to shed emotional heaviness, old patterns, and mental clutter. This isn’t about loss—it’s about making space for clarity, breath, and aligned living.
Autumn and the Metal Element
In Chinese Medicine, the Lungs and Large Intestine are the organs of the Metal element. The Lungs help us take in inspiration and vitality through breath. The Large Intestine governs elimination—helping us release what’s unnecessary, both physically and emotionally.
Metal also carries the emotion of grief—the sacred process of honoring what has changed, ended, or been lost. Whether you're grieving a loved one, a former version of yourself, a chapter of life, or simply feeling the weight of what’s happening in the world, Autumn is the season to acknowledge and soften into those emotions with compassion.
Common Signs of Imbalance in Autumn:
Dry skin, throat, or cough
Allergies or lung congestion
Low immunity or frequent colds
Constipation or sluggish digestion
Feelings of sadness, grief, or isolation
How Acupuncture and TCM Help:
Acupuncture helps bring the body into harmony with the season by:
Strengthening Lung Qi and boosting immune defenses (Wei Qi)
Supporting healthy elimination and detoxification
Calming the nervous system and helping the body process grief
Promoting clarity, breath, and emotional regulation
Herbal medicine is also used to support seasonal transitions. One classic formula to boost immunity during Autumn is Yu Ping Feng San (Jade Windscreen Powder). This gentle, time-tested remedy strengthens Lung Qi and protective Wei Qi to help reduce susceptibility to colds, flus, and allergies. Always consult a licensed practitioner to find the right herbal support for you.
Simple Ways to Support Yourself at Home:
Eat moistening, seasonal foods: Think pears, daikon, oats, rice, honey, and warming spices like ginger or cinnamon.
Breathe deeply and often: The Lungs thrive with breath. Try a 4-4-4-4 box breath to clear the mind and open the chest.
Clear space: Organize a drawer or donate what you no longer use. Creating space in your environment invites clarity within.
Protect your neck: In TCM, cold wind enters through the back of the neck. A scarf is your best friend this time of year.
Try acupressure at Lung 1: Located under the collarbone near the shoulder, this point helps open the chest and support emotional release.
Seasonal Remedy Spotlight: Garlic Ginger Broth for Early Colds
At the first sign of a chill, scratchy throat, or body aches, try this warming remedy to support immunity and help your body sweat out the early stages of a cold.
Ingredients:
2–3 cloves fresh garlic, crushed
2–3 slices fresh ginger
2 cups water
Optional: pinch of sea salt or squeeze of lemon
Method:
Simmer garlic and ginger in water for 10–15 minutes. Strain and sip slowly while warm. Wrap yourself in a blanket to encourage gentle sweating, then rest.
Optional: Add a spoonful of raw honey after straining (once the tea has cooled slightly) to soothe the throat and gently nourish the Lungs. Avoid if you have a sore throat with heat or phlegm.
This broth helps open the pores, support Lung Qi, and gently clear pathogens in the early stage of a cold.
Autumn reminds us that healing often begins with letting go. When we create space, we make room for new inspiration and deeper alignment.
Let this be the season you exhale.
