This is the point in autumn when the change in the season becomes much more noticeable. The air is colder, the mornings are darker, and the natural world begins to draw its energy inward.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this is the transition from Warm Dryness to Cool Dryness. It is a time to look after our warmth, protect our Lung Qi, and make sure we continue to nourish the body’s fluids.
Nature gives us some lovely reminders of this change in the 5 pentads of this Solar Term. The geese complete their journey south, the sparrows disappear as Yang withdraws into Yin, and finally, the chrysanthemums bloom through the frost. Even as the season becomes colder, life continues to adapt.
Mind and Meditation
Autumn is traditionally associated with the Lungs and with grief. As the days shorten, it is easy to become a little more inward-looking. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes we need to slow down and allow ourselves to gather our thoughts.
But don’t let turning inward become isolation. A walk with a friend, a good conversation, or simply spending time with people who make you smile can bring warmth back into the Heart and help keep the spirit lifted.
Food and Drink
Hán Lù is a good time to move away from cold and raw foods and towards warm, cooked, and nourishing meals.
Think soups, stews, porridges, and gently cooked fruit. Pear is particularly useful at this time of year, while sesame, honey, and other naturally sweet foods can help provide nourishment and moisture. The traditional combination of sour and sweet is especially appropriate for autumn: sour flavours help us gather and retain, while sweet flavours nourish.
A little less chilli, raw salad, and iced drinks; a little more warmth, nourishment, and moisture.
Exercise
Keep moving, but don’t feel that every walk needs to be an expedition. Walking, hiking, and gentle outdoor exercise are wonderful ways to open the chest, encourage deeper breathing, and keep the body moving as the weather cools.
There is something particularly valuable about getting outside in autumn, this way we are moving with the season, rather than trying to outrun it.
Rest and Relaxation
The mornings are becoming colder, so give yourself a little time before rushing out of bed. A few gentle stretches while still warm under the covers can help you wake gradually and prepare the body for the cooler air.
In TCM, the Kidney channel begins at the Acupuncture point- Yongquan, “Bubbling Spring”, on the sole of the foot. Keeping the feet warm is therefore a wonderfully simple autumn practice. A warm “root ginger” foot soak before bed can be deeply relaxing and is a lovely way to finish the day.
Lifestyle
Hán Lù encourages us to gather rather than scatter our energy. Nature is slowing down, and perhaps we can allow ourselves to do the same. This doesn’t mean becoming inactive. It means choosing where our energy is best spent and giving ourselves enough warmth, food, rest, and connection to support the months ahead. There is no need to fight autumn.
As the world around us contracts, we can gather ourselves inward, keep warm,
stay connected, and prepare gently for winter.
Blog Disclaimer
This content is offered to support awareness, not to “fix” you. It reflects a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective and is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for individual medical care or a one to one consultation and treatment.
For more information about how Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine can assist you in this season, to make an appointment.
Call Dan Lloyd on 07815814886
