As the seasons change, so does our body, mind, and energy. In East Asian Medicine, these shifts in nature are deeply connected to our well-being, and each season brings its own set of challenges and opportunities. At Metro Acupuncture in Atlanta, Dr. Mark Lewinter and Dr. Andrea Lewinter recently discussed how the fall season, known as the “metal” element in Chinese medicine, influences our health, emotions, and how we can best align with these natural transitions.
The Connection Between Fall and the Metal Element:
In East Asian Medicine, each season corresponds to one of the five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. Fall is associated with the metal element, which governs the lungs and large intestine. These organs are responsible for both taking in the new (like oxygen for the lungs) and letting go of what no longer serves us (like carbon dioxide).
As the trees shed their leaves and nature prepares for the rest of winter, we, too, experience a time of letting go. This process is not just physical but emotional, as fall is linked to the emotion of grief. This season reminds us that just as nature goes through cycles of birth, growth, harvest, and decay, we also experience cycles of change, loss, and renewal.
Why Fall Brings More Respiratory and Digestive Concerns:
During fall, many patients at Metro Acupuncture come in with respiratory issues like sinusitis, allergies, and lung-related symptoms. This time of year can also highlight digestive problems, as the large intestine plays a key role in elimination. The transition from the heat and activity of summer to the cool, dry air of fall can aggravate these systems, especially in people who are prone to classical metal constitutional challenges.
By focusing on balancing the metal element during this season, acupuncture can help regulate the lungs and large intestine, strengthening the body’s ability to improve respiration, release toxins and improve overall vitality as we move into the next season.
The Emotional Energy of Fall:
Grief is the emotion associated with fall, and it often reflects the idea of letting go—whether it’s the literal shedding of leaves in nature or the figurative release of emotional burdens. While grief can be a powerful and necessary emotion, it’s important to acknowledge it without letting it overwhelm us.
At Metro Acupuncture, we encourage patients to reflect on what they might need to let go of during this season. Just as the trees release their leaves, fall offers a time to release old patterns, habits, or emotional baggage that no longer serve us.
How to Support Yourself Through Seasonal Change:
Fall is a great time to be mindful of your overall health and self-care. Consider incorporating more seasonal foods like root vegetables and acrid spices into your diet. Practice breathing exercises to support lung health and focus on staying grounded, both physically and emotionally.
Acupuncture can also provide crucial support during this transitional period, helping your body adjust to the cooler temperatures and drier air, while balancing the emotional aspects of fall.
Conclusion:
Understanding how the seasons affect our health is a core aspect of East Asian Medicine. By aligning with the rhythms of nature, we can support our physical, emotional, and energetic health. As we move through the fall season, acupuncture offers a holistic way to balance the metal element, helping us breathe deeply, let go of what no longer serves us, and prepare for the rest and regeneration that winter brings.
If you’d like to learn more about how acupuncture can support your health during fall or schedule an appointment, you can do that here, https://metroacupuncture.janeapp.com/.
