Tag: #Metal Element

Chùshǔ – “End of Heat” – around the 24th August

August 25th, 2026

Have you noticed that subtle crispness in the morning air? Chùshǔ, meaning “End of Heat”, marks summer’s gentle turning towards autumn. Although warm days may linger, nature is beginning to draw inward. It’s a time for us too, to slow down, settle, conserve energy and prepare for the season ahead.

Mind and Meditation

Chùshǔ or the “End of Heat” marks the shift from summer’s outward energy to autumn’s quieter, inward movement. Begin to settle, gather and let go. Slow your breathing, clear mental clutter and consider what you no longer need to carry into the colder months.

Food and Drink

Follow the principle of “gentle clearing, soft moistening”. Summer may have left Dampness, whilst autumn brings increasing dryness. Choose pears, apples, grapes, lotus root, lemon white foods and sour& sweet flavours like home made lemonade, these support body fluids and the Lungs. Duck and fresh fish provide nourishing protein without being overly heavy. Reduce iced drinks and very cold foods, particularly melons, and favour warm, gently cooked meals.

Exercise

Gradually reduce very strenuous, heavy sweat-producing exercise. Aim for gentle movement and light sweating. Walking, running at an easy pace, Qi Gong, Yoga, stretching and moderate strength work help maintain movement without exhausting your reserves.

Rest

Autumn asks us to conserve energy. Allow a little more sleep and recovery time where possible. Protect yourself from sudden chills, particularly around the abdomen and lower back.

Lifestyle

Practise “the art of settling”. Clear clutter, simplify commitments and finish what no longer needs carrying forward. Remember the “Autumn Tiger”: warm weather can return suddenly, so adapt gradually rather than rushing into autumn routines.

Seasonal Treatment Advice

“End of Heat” brings attention to the Lungs and Spleen. Support Spleen Qi and gently resolve lingering Dampness whilst nourishing Yin and Body Fluids to protect against autumn dryness. The key is balance: clear gently, nourish softly and begin gathering your energy inward for winter.

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, please make an appointment
Lì Qiū – Beginning of Autumn – 7th–9th August – The First Solar Term of Autumn

August 11th, 2026

Although the weather may still feel like the height of summer, Lì Qiū marks the energetic beginning of autumn. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this is a time of transition. The heat has not completely gone, but nature has already begun drawing its energy inward, inviting us to slow down and prepare for the cooler months ahead.

Mind & Meditation

Autumn is associated with the Metal Element and the Lungs, bringing a natural time for reflection and letting go. Gentle breathing exercises, meditation or a walk in nature can help calm the mind. Walking somewhere with an open view and taking a few deep breaths is a wonderful way to expand the chest and support healthy Lung Qi.

Food & Drink

For the first few weeks of autumn, think “clear first, then nourish.” Choose foods that gently clear lingering summer heat while moistening the lungs, such as pears, lotus root, cauliflower, daikon radish and Tremella (white fungus). Reduce very spicy foods, which encourage sweating and dryness, and enjoy gentle sour flavours like lemon or plums to help preserve body fluids.

Exercise

Continue regular exercise but avoid overheating. Walking, Tai Chi, Qi Gong or gentle strengthening exercises are ideal. The aim is to stay active while gradually reducing the intensity of summer.

Rest

As daylight slowly shortens, begin settling into an earlier bedtime where possible. Good sleep helps replenish Yin and supports the body’s natural seasonal rhythm.

Lifestyle

A traditional practice known as “Autumn Freeze” encourages us not to rush into heavy winter clothing, allowing the body to gradually adapt to cooler temperatures. However, always keep your neck, abdomen and feet warm, and if you have cardiovascular, digestive or circulatory conditions, prioritise staying comfortably warm.

Seasonal Treatment Advice

Lì Qiū is an excellent time for seasonal acupuncture. Treatment can help clear lingering summer heat, support Lung Qi, strengthen your immune system and prepare your body for autumn. By working with the changing season rather than waiting for symptoms to appear, we can help maintain balance and wellbeing throughout the months ahead.

Tag: #Metal Element

Chùshǔ – “End of Heat” – around the 24th August

Lì Qiū – Beginning of Autumn – 7th–9th August – The First Solar Term of Autumn