We are now officially in Autumn – the days are getting shorter, and the rain falls from the sky more and more often. One can even smell that slight chill in the air. The idea of wrapping oneself in a blanket with a cuppa and the favourite book appeals more and more.
In Chinese Medicine Autumn is said to be a domain of the Metal element governed by our corporeal soul Po and Lung and Large Intestines organs. This fascinating element is known for being reflective and observant, it replenishes our reserves by taking in the wonders of nature around us and storing it all for the leaner to the eye winter months. It is the time for just being in our bodies, taking in the world around us and reflecting on the messages it sends us.
Long walks in the great outdoors, kicking dry colourful leaves and watching the clouds’ fascinating mosaics would do us particularly good now. As well as nourishing stews and slow cooked meals when back home in the evening.
Foods to nourish lungs and large intestine: Rice, honey, ginger, mushrooms (especially shitake), miso. Vegetables: avocado, spinach, seaweed, onion family, garlic carrots, sweet potato, cabbages. Fruit: apple, apricot, grapefruit, peach, pear. Drink nettle tea, honey and lemon.
As a general rule try to eat foods which are currently in season and keep them as local as possible. Being a lover of rice, I struggle with this one at times 😊.
Metal element is responsible for letting go of the things, thoughts and ideas that we no longer want or need and it is a great time to declutter all of the above. I personally find the trips to the skip very cathartic! Starting a diary could help with letting go of thoughts, emotions and worries cluttering our mind.
Chest opening breathing exercises as well as gentle yoga (I prefer Yin yoga) could really help with unfolding our lungs as well.
Suggestions for living in harmony with the autumn season:
Go through your closet, desk, garage, medicine cabinet - any cluttered storage area-and discard what you no longer need. Then donate, sell, or otherwise circulate what might be of value to others.
Do a mental inventory: Examine attitudes (prejudices, envies, hatreds, jealousies, resentments) stored within your psyche. When possible, contact those with whom you harbour old "stuff." Attempt to resolve the hurtful old issues, and then let them go.
For issues you cannot resolve directly with others, or for old issues with yourself, write them on paper, being as specific as possible. Then burn the paper, symbolically releasing the content.
Take time each day to breathe slowly and deeply. As you inhale the clean autumn air, feel yourself energized and purified. Feel the old negativity, impurity, and pain leave your body and psyche. Then contemplate briefly who you are without these identifications.
Acupressure self-massage to Nourish our Metal element - try this simple self-help technique to support the seamless transition from Earth into Metal season.
Large Intestine 20: Welcome Fragrance.
The point is located in a notch at the side of the nose, at the mid-point of the bulb of the nose. Press towards the sides of the nose.
This point clears the nose (and sinuses in general), helping the person to receive and inhale breath and life.
The Large Intestine meridian ends just to the side of the nose with this point and this is where Large Intestine channel meets with the Stomach channel.
Having let go of the old and stale, our first breath of pure new inspiration will be a welcome fragrance. When our Lungs and Colon function as nature ordained, they should let go of things we don’t need to make room for letting in new knowledge/experiences which will let us grow and develop as a person. Then we are able to simply live our lives through the highs and lows, through sunshine and dark clouds - every moment, every new experience can in its own way be a treasure, a Welcome Fragrance.
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