Autumn Wellbeing in Chinese Medicine

Vibrant red leaves illuminated by sunlight, capturing the essence of autumn's beauty.

Many ancient cultures recognize the need to live in harmony with the changing tides of the seasons and the natural world, that they lived in. When we (even as modern day cultures) live in harmony with seasonal changes we nurture our greater well-being. Over thousands of years the wisdom remains true.

Through observation of the natural world around them in daily life, the ancient Chinese created a simple calendar system that has 24 seasonal points based on the way the sun moves in a year. Each time period or solar term is around 15 days. They can be though of as mini-seasons.

Each solar term comes with guidance for eating, exercising and actions for contributing to our seasonal wellbeing, to prevent illness and maintain our balance with the seasons. This post will share the Winter solar terms. These terms and weather conditions are mapped out by farmers in China so the weather does not always match seasonally around the world. But the advice remains the same.

ELEMENT: Metal

ORGANS: Lungs / Large Intestine

Beginning of Autumn 立秋 Aug 7th - Aug 21st

This seasonal juncture indicates a shift towards “late summer” in Chinese Medicine. Late summer is a short period related to the earth element—it happens briefly before the chill in the air and autumn sets in. Time seems to slow down, and everything turns golden in late summer. Savour and enjoy every last moment.

End of Heat 处暑 Aug 22nd – Sept 6th

“End of heat” is the first solar term of autumn. In autumn, energy moves from yang to yin, a cyclical movement called yin within yang. Temperatures cool during this time. Meanwhile, the earth offers her gifts, such as pumpkins ripening on vines, earthy aromas, and heavy hearty seeds. Foods at this time should align with the nature of the season and be moistening to protect the body from the drying and cooling that are prevalent this time of year.

White Dew 白露 Sept 7th – Sept 21st

You may notice a chill in the air this time of year. We’re now descending toward darkness, which is reflected in our bodies and minds (if we listen and pay attention closely). Have you felt the natural shift to slow down and let go? Is there some way your body or mind is asking for release? Is there one way you can slow down this week that will help you access what you truly value? Remember that energy is shifting now, and this is your chance! Gentle yoga is ideal at this time of year.

Autumnal Equinox 秋分 Sept 22nd – Oct 7th

This solar term indicates the autumn equinox. We now begin our slow descent into darkness and decay. It’s a time to move towards our inner light—a season of slowness and soul, a moment for hibernation. In the cycle of the five elements, we are slowly transitioning from metal element time into water element time. This season, we can work with the boundaries between life and death.

Cold Dew 寒露 Oct 8th – Oct 22nd

This solar term reminds us to release and simplify our lives. As energy continues to cool, contract, and descend, you may desire to simplify life and slow down. In Chinese medicine, the metal element represents autumn. The character for the Metal Element features the symbol for Earth in the center, with small flecks on either side representing precious metals, and a roof structure implying that it is underground. Our main aim in the metal phase of the cycle is to cut away what is no longer needed, preserving what is truly vital. When we let go and simplify, we are more able to connect with what is valuable or what is buried or hidden inside.

Frost Descent 霜降 Oct2 3rd – Nov 6th

In this stage, early mornings have a bite, the winter winds whisper, and we learn to offer up our final release. The end of the harvest is near (or has just passed), and now we are asked to stay close to the warmth of the fire and drop into a quieter time. In the Taoist cycle of time, darkness nourishes life.  Last season is gone, and this season is here for a time – how will we prepare for and participate in the darkness? Move inwards, nourish and protect and prepare for winter.

A time for warmer nourishing foods

Foods at this time should align with the inward nature of the season and be moistening to protect the body from the drying and cooling that happens in autumn. Autumn is also a good time to start preparing for winter, as foods become a little heavier and more nourishing during this season. We are heading into hearty, comforting foods!

Here are a few tips for autumn:

• Add more hearty, warming and downward-moving ( energetically) foods like root vegetables, sweet potatoes, squash, oats, rice, carrots, radishes, turnips, nuts, seeds, and proteins.

• Use moderate amounts of sour flavours to create an inward movement and a focus of the mind. Sour also protects the internal yin and stimulates the production of body fluids and saliva, which can dry up in autumn. Try sauerkraut, kimchi, sourdough bread, yogurt, vinegar, grapefruit, lemons, olives, pickles, adzuki, and rose hip tea.

• Eat more moistening foods like soy, seaweed, eggs, dairy, sesame seeds, pears, and apples.

• If the weather is cold or damp, add warming spices, foods, and aromatic herbs—chilli, cinnamon, garlic, ginger, and onions.

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SELF-CARE: Autumn is the season of metal. On the great wheel of time, yin is now growing. It’s a time of letting go, contracting, and focusing. The season’s energy encourages us to hold close what is precious and release what has passed. Clear out and hunker down ready for the winter stillness to come.