Autumn

The season of Metal and the beginning of Yin

This week welcomed the Autumn equinox. The equinox marks the middle of Autumn, and falls midway between the Summer solstice and Winter solstice. There is an even balance of Yin and Yang energy at this moment as we move from the expansive, warm and energetic Yang time of year, into the calmer, cooler, more reflective Yin time of the year.

In East Asian Medicine (EAM), Autumn correlates with Metal in the five phases. The movement of Metal is inward and contracting. This is illustrated by the organs of the body related to Metal, the Lungs, and Colon, which take in what is needed by the body, and release what is not.

Metal is malleable, commonly used for making tools to cut away what we no longer need. It is precious and we give value to metals like gold, silver, gems, and minerals found deep underground. Our body also relies on minerals to maintain homeostasis. Mineral-rich earth feeds plants and animals, which in turn, feed us.

In Autumn the leaves and fruits fall from the trees to the earth, where they rot and decay. This process nourishes the earth with minerals in preparation for new growth in Spring. As the fields are harvested and trees lose their leaves, space is created. This feeling of spaciousness relates to the Metal element. Having the space to breathe deeply and to let go of what is no longer needed. 

Caring for our bodies in Autumn

When thinking about our health and how to care for our bodies at this time, it’s important to think of the qualities of Metal, Autumn and Yin. The need to slow down, and take stock. A chance to reflect on how we move through this world and the path we are taking. Learning when to let go and what to cut free. Allow time for rest through meditation, journaling, sleep, being in nature and gentle connections with loved ones. While movement is important, it’s important to not overexert ourselves both physically and mentally. Wrapping up in those Autumnal layers helps protect our immune system. Taking breaks from work helps to nourish our Yin energy and keep burnout at bay.

Metal is a key component in many musical instruments, thanks to its ability to create sounds, tones and vibrations. Therefore listening to music could be a great way to unwind and shake off the day.

Warm food is easier on our digestion than cold, while food such as sesame seeds, walnuts, sticky rice, milk/soy milk, peaches, pears and honey have moistening and nourishing properties to support Yin in our bodies and protect the Lungs.

The transition from High Summer to Autumn can be the most difficult for many. Many people find seasonal acupuncture treatments at this time of year particularly helpful as our bodies regulate to cooler and slower days. Often our energy is affected due to difficulties sleeping, or energy slumps in the day. The change in temperature and amount of daylight hours can also feel difficult on a more emotional level.

Of course, putting value on rest goes against our society’s need for productivity and output. Looking at the cyclical movement of the seasons is a great reminder of the importance of rest. The quieter slower Yin months of Autumn and Winter are when things die back and settle down in order to feed and nurture the earth ready for growth and renewal in the Yang months of Spring and Autumn.

This blog is written with the help of John Kirkwood’s incredible book The Way of the Five Seasons; the incredible knowledge of Deborah Woolf in her online CPD lectures on the 24 Solar Fortnights, and from my time studying at ICOM.