Fall Seasonal Foods, Chinese Medicine, & Letting Go

Autumn is a harvest season, a time to reap what we’ve sown and let go of what no longer serves us. Explore the power of fall seasonal foods and Chinese medicine to cultivate holistic wellness.

A Holistic Guide to Fall Wellness

Fall is my favorite time of year! The crunch of leaves beneath my feet, the crisp, cool air on my face, and the comforting scent of apples and cinnamon filling the air make this season truly magical. But the beauty of autumn isn’t just in the scenery—it’s a time of profound change, both in nature and within ourselves.

As the days grow shorter and the air cooler, we experience changes in the foods we eat, the colors around us, and even the way we feel. Some of my favorite fall seasonal foods include pumpkin, butternut squash, and honeycrisp apples. But with these seasonal shifts come other changes, too—especially in how our bodies respond to the environment.

The Shift of Seasons & The Season of Letting Go

The Body’s Response to Fall in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Lately, I’ve seen an increase in patients dealing with allergies, hayfever, and histamine issues, which often point to lung imbalances. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the lungs are closely associated with the emotions of grief and “letting go.” Autumn represents the metal phase in TCM’s Five-Element Theory, highlighting the lung and large intestine channels.

Autumn is also a natural time of transition—from the “expansive” summer season of socializing and late nights to a more “contractive” time of rest, reflection, and turning inward. As the leaves fall and nature begins to slow down, it’s a perfect moment for us to do the same.

The Emotional Connection: Lung and Large Intestine

In TCM, the lung and large intestine are the organs of the season. The lungs, a yin organ, bring in the new, while the large intestine, a yang organ, releases the old. These organs not only regulate physical processes but also our emotions.

The Lungs: Linked to grief and sadness, the lungs can become stagnant when we struggle to let go. When balanced, however, they bring a sense of peace, clear-mindedness, and self-assurance.
The Large Intestine: This organ governs our ability to release negativity and adapt to change. A balanced large intestine promotes relaxation, flexibility, and flow.

As fall sets in, you may become more aware of emotions tied to letting go—whether it’s grieving the end of summer or dealing with personal loss. Recognizing these feelings is crucial to maintaining the health of your lungs and large intestine.

How to Support Emotional Balance During Fall

If you find yourself feeling emotionally stuck or burdened by sadness, remember that you don’t have to navigate these feelings alone. Traditional Chinese Medicine can help you move through emotional stagnation and restore balance.

Here are some simple practices to help you embrace the “letting go” process this fall:

Breathe: Take a moment each day to breathe in the crisp autumn air. Try breathing in for 5 seconds and out for 5 seconds, focusing on a slow and steady exhale to calm the mind and body.
Purge: Clear out clutter by donating unused items or clothing. Letting go of material things can symbolically help release emotional baggage.
Forgive: Use this season of gratitude to forgive unresolved emotions or conflicts. Holding on to past hurts can weigh heavily on the lungs and large intestine.
Give: Whether it’s your time, energy, or unused items, giving to others can be incredibly healing and help you find balance.
Sleep: Prioritize sleep as your body naturally slows down. Good sleep is crucial for restoring both your mind and body.