This season shows us how beautiful it is to let things go…
This season is when we reap all the benefits of what we have planted for the last 6 months. Preparing the harvest for the long Winter ahead, the season of rest. The firs day is usually on September 22. It marks the cycle of personal turning within. The equinox when the night’s darkness equals the length of the day. Then, the nights become longer than the days. During this time we focus direction within us, our work, family, and personal projects. Like Spring, it is also a good time for cleaning for the diet that will follow will be richer. It is a time for inner wisdom after finalizing projects and goals set from the Spring. Change is an inherent process in us, thus adapting ourselves to the changing seasons will support our health. We control our inner climates (emotions) in order to stay protected from the external climate. The following facts relating this season come from Chinese medicine.
Element: Metal
This element represent the mineral ores and salts of the Earth, which function in creating structure and communication. Thus, Metal is the element that governs communication. This element is very similar to the Air element (not present in Chinese medicine). Thus this element is expressed within the mental activities of the mind, developing ideas. It is associated with the Western direction and white colour. The emotions correspond to are worry, grief, and sorrow. These feelings are a necessary response, but if extreme, will injure the lungs and large intestine, organs associated with this element. Worrying can cause proper elimination, important functions of these organs. The sound of Metal is weeping and/or crying, important for sorrow or grief. Following this, the sense organ for this element is the nose, and the sense of smell. The flavor corresponding is pungent or spicy, which clears the sinuses and opens the lungs. The Metal’s body fluid is mucus, and the climate is dryness.
Organs: Lungs & Large Intestine
Our Lungs are the mediators between the inner and outer atmospheres. During relaxation our breaths slow down. As the oxygen needed increases (like while exercising) the rate of breaths increases. Cold and damp weather is not good for the lungs. It is important to keep the chest warm when this situations happen, as well as neck, head, hands, and feet. Dryness is better for the lungs and to avoid colds. Thus, it is imperative to understand that the rhythm of breath also governs and guides other rhythmic cycles in the body.
Nowadays our Large Intestine is one of the most over-stressed organs. It travels around the edge of the abdomen. Its main function is the absorption of water, however, it also completes the absorption of nutrients like minerals, and it houses good bacteria, which break down food and synthesize vitamins. This organ stores and eliminates feces. Congesting diets high in meats, dairy, refined foods, and poor eating habits will interfere with bowel movement. A diet high in natural foods, and mindful eating habits will facilitate and nourish this organ by keeping it well-toned.
Nutrition
- A cold is a problem related to the large intestine, i.e. to poor and proper elimination of waste from our bodies.
- Being nervous or uptightness brings fermentation in the large intestine and colon, making more toxicity in this organ.
- Mucus in the intestine leads to poor assimilation, and houses bad bacteria, thus disease will form.
- During Autumn it is also very important to cleanse the body with fruit or green juice. Another good option is the Master Cleanse we use in the Spring.
- Look for fruits that harvest during this season in your country and make juices mixing some water to avoid a high amount of glucose, and drink them slowly. Avoid adding ice.
- During cleansing it is also important to exfoliate the body well to remove dead skin cells, stimulating toxins such as weather pollutants which enter our body also through our skin. Keeping the skin hydrated it very important as well. A safe oil is coconut and jojoba.
- An important lung aid is garlic, which has also been used as a natural antibiotic, which also cleanses. It contains protein, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, vitamins B and C. You can smash it and mix with olive oil. Let ferment for a few days and use externally and internally. It is great for ear infections. Garlic also assists in the reduction of low-blood pressure. Thus cooking with garlic is always a good choice.
- Meditation is important to support the Metal element during this season as it encompasses the communication between mind and body. How we breath determines how well we can center ourselves. Thus creating awareness of our inner and outer environment. Just by becoming aware of our breath, we can clear body tensions.
- In preparation for the Winter during this time a diet high in protein, like meats or grains is essential.
- Baked squash or pumpkin with brown or wild rice is an excellent dish for the Autumn. Root vegetables and soups are also very nourishing during this season.
- During this time we start turning more inward, more yin. A strengthening exercise program is good for this time.
- Cinnamon and cloves are good warming herbs for this season due to their pungent flavor.
References
“Staying Healthy with the Seasons” by Dr. Elson M. Haas. M.D. 21st Century Edition.
