Beautiful fall colors
As the vibrant colors of autumn begin to surround us, the fall season brings more than just cooler temperatures and beautiful foliage. It is a time of transition—both in nature and in our bodies. According to Traditional Medicine fall is a season to focus on the lungs and large intestine, two organs closely linked to our immune system and emotional balance. Acupuncture may help us feel grounded during this period of change. Let’s explore how acupuncture is traditionally used to support wellness as we prepare for the colder months ahead.
The Fall Season in Traditional Medicine
In Traditional Medicine, the fall season is associated with the Metal element, which governs the lungs and large intestine. The energy of the season shifts from the yang activity of summer to the more yin, introspective energy of winter. This transition can make us more vulnerable to illness, especially as the lungs are our first line of defense against external pathogens. Emotionally, fall is also a time of reflection, making it important to release any stagnant emotions like grief and sadness that may arise.
How Acupuncture Supports the Body During Fall
1. Supporting Wei Qi in TCM
As we enter the fall, it's common to experience respiratory issues such as colds, allergies, and dryness. Acupuncture can help by strengthening the Wei Qi, our body’s defensive energy. In TCM, specific acupuncture points are traditionally used to support Wei Qi. Acupuncture does not prevent or treat infections; please see your doctor about any illness.
Common acupuncture points traditionally used to support Wei Qi include:
LI4 (Hegu): Traditionally used for cold symptoms.
ST36 (Zusanli): Traditionally used to support Wei Qi and digestion.
LU7 (Lieque): Traditionally used to nourish the lungs in TCM.
2. Managing Seasonal Allergies
The fall season often brings an increase in allergens such as mold and pollen. Acupuncture may help relieve common allergy symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, and itchy eyes. Regular acupuncture sessions during allergy season may help ease symptoms.
3. Nourishing the Lungs in Dry Weather
Fall is a dry season, and this dryness can affect the lungs, skin, and throat. In TCM, acupuncture is traditionally used to nourish and balance the lung meridian, which may help with dry skin and throat discomfort.
Acupuncture for Emotional Balance in the Fall
Fall is also a time for letting go—both in nature and within ourselves. As leaves fall from trees, we are reminded to release emotions that no longer serve us. In TCM, the lungs are associated with emotions like grief, and acupuncture is traditionally used to release what TCM describes as stored sadness.
Acupuncture treatments focusing on the Metal element may help you process emotional shifts, promote a sense of inner peace, and prepare you for the introspective nature of winter. Points like LU3 (Tianfu) and PC6 (Neiguan) may help soothe emotional stress and bring calm during this reflective season.
Herbal Medicine for the Fall
Herbal remedies traditionally used during the fall season to support Wei Qi, nourish the lungs, and ease dryness:
1. Astragalus (Huang Qi, 黄芪)
Benefits: In TCM, Astragalus is traditionally used to support Wei Qi (defensive energy) and the lungs, particularly in fall. It is not a substitute for medical care for colds or flu.
How to Use: Astragalus can be taken as a tea, tincture, or in soups as part of traditional seasonal care.
2. Lily Bulb (Bai He, 百合)
Benefits: Lily bulb is moistening and nourishing for the lungs, helping to counteract the dryness often experienced during fall. It is also traditionally used to soothe coughs and support emotional balance, particularly sadness and grief associated with the lungs.
How to Use: Often included in soups or porridge, lily bulb is gentle and nourishing for both the body and mind.
3. Pear and Fritillaria Powder (Chuan Bei Mu, 川贝母)
Benefits: In TCM, this herb is traditionally used for dry coughs and phlegm.
How to Use: Combine Chuan Bei Mu with steamed pear to make a soothing, lung-nourishing dessert or drink.
4. Schisandra (Wu Wei Zi, 五味子)
Benefits: In TCM, Schisandra is traditionally used to stabilize the lungs and to help the body adjust to seasonal stressors in the transition from summer to fall.
How to Use: You can take Schisandra as a tea, tincture, or in powdered form to balance respiratory function.
5. White Fungus (Bai Mu Er, 白木耳)
Benefits: In TCM, white fungus is traditionally used to moisten the lungs during the dry fall season and to support dry skin in colder weather.
How to Use: Cook white fungus in soups or desserts, often combined with goji berries, red dates, or rock sugar.
6. Dried Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi, 陈皮)
Benefits: Chen Pi is traditionally used to regulate digestion and resolve phlegm, supporting the large intestine's function. It's useful for addressing digestive issues that can arise during the seasonal shift.
How to Use: Chen Pi can be added to teas or soups, and is commonly used in combination with other herbs to support digestion and lung health.
8. Ginseng (Ren Shen, 人参)
Benefits: In TCM, ginseng is traditionally used to strengthen the body’s energy (Qi) and to help the body adapt to seasonal changes.
How to Use: Ginseng can be taken as tea, in capsule form, or used in soups as part of traditional seasonal care.
9. Goji Berries (Gou Qi Zi, 枸杞子)
Benefits: Goji berries nourish both the lungs and kidneys and are rich in antioxidants. In TCM, they are traditionally used to support the body in fall.
How to Use: Goji berries can be added to teas, soups, or eaten as a snack. They pair well with other lung-nourishing herbs like white fungus or jujube dates.
Supporting Fall Wellness with Acupuncture and Lifestyle Changes
In addition to acupuncture, there are other ways to align with the energy of fall:
Dietary Recommendations
In TCM, fall is a time to nourish the body with warming, grounding foods that support the lungs and large intestine. Focus on foods such as:
Root vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, and turnips.
Moistening foods such as pears, apples, tofu, and honey to combat dryness.
Warming soups and teas made from ginger, cinnamon, or licorice root to support digestion.
Breathing Exercises and Meditation
Fall is an ideal time to incorporate breathing exercises that nourish the lungs. Simple breathwork practices may help bring calm to your mind. Consider incorporating meditation or mindful breathing into your daily routine to stay centered as the season changes.
Staying Warm and Protected
As the weather cools, it’s important to stay warm and protect your body, especially the neck and chest. In TCM, wind and cold can easily invade the body during this season, leading to illness. Wearing scarves and keeping your core warm is a traditional way to protect against wind and cold.
JD AcuCare offers a heat therapy treatment that is perfect fit for fall. See more about the treatment here.
Conclusion
As we embrace the transition from summer to fall, acupuncture may be a gentle way to support balance and wellness. By supporting what TCM describes as Wei Qi and the lungs, along with emotional well-being, acupuncture may help you feel well through seasonal changes. This fall, consider booking an acupuncture session to support your body and mind as the season changes into winter.