Seasonal Wisdom: Fall in Traditional Chinese Medicine

By Dr. Eva Cong

Autumn reminds us to breathe deeply, nourish gently, and release what no longer serves — a time of balance, reflection, and renewal.

Introduction
As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to fall, our bodies naturally transition with the season. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Fall is seen as a time to nourish the Lungs (Fei 肺), strengthen immunity (Wei Qi 卫气), and practice the art of letting go — both physically and emotionally.

Simple adjustments in diet, lifestyle, and mindset can help you stay healthy and balanced through the autumn months.

The Energy of Fall
In TCM, Fall is governed by the Lungs (Fei 肺) and Large Intestine (Da Chang 大肠) — the organs responsible for intake and release.

This season is associated with the Metal Element (Jin 金), symbolizing structure, clarity, and the strength found in discipline and letting go.

Dryness (Zao 燥) is the dominant climate factor of autumn, which can affect the lungs, skin, nose, and throat, leading to:
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• Dry cough or sore throat
• Chapped lips and dry skin
• Asthma or allergies
• Constipation
• Fatigue or lowered immunity due to weakened Wei Qi (卫气, Defensive Energy)
  
  

When Wei Qi is weak, our ability to fend off colds and flu decreases. Supporting the Lungs and Large Intestine not only boosts physical immunity but also helps balance emotions tied to grief and letting go.

Fall Dietary & Lifestyle Tips
To balance Fall’s dry, cool energy, eat moistening, warming, and nourishing foods that support the Lungs (Fei) and Spleen (Pi 脾) — essential for strong digestion and overall vitality.
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Eat More:

• Fruits: Pears, apples, persimmons, figs, grapes, pomegranates
• Vegetables: Lotus root, white radish, spinach, bok choy, mushrooms, yam
• Yin-nourishing foods (Bu Yin 食物): Sesame, nuts, white fungus, tofu, honey
• Soups & broths: Congee (Zhou 粥), pear soup, gentle herbal broths
• Mild pungents (Xin 辛味): Ginger, scallion, garlic, mustard greens (in moderation)
  
  

Limit:

• Spicy or fried foods – increase internal heat and dryness
• Cold or raw foods – weaken Spleen Qi (Pi Qi 脾气, Digestive Energy)
• Alcohol & coffee – deplete Yin (阴, Cooling/Nourishing Energy) and body fluids
  
  

Lifestyle & Emotional Balance

• Sleep early, rise early — follow nature’s rhythm of shorter days and cooler nights.
• Move with breath — practice Qigong (气功), Tai Chi (太极), or gentle yoga to enhance Qi (气, Vital Energy) flow.
• Stay warm — protect the chest, neck, and back from autumn wind (Feng 风).
• Emotional health — the Lungs correspond to grief (Bei 悲). Journaling, meditation, and mindful breathing can help release heaviness and restore clarity.
  
  

In Harmony with the Season
By aligning your diet, movement, and mindset with the rhythm of autumn, you cultivate inner calm and resilience — preparing body, mind, and spirit for the restorative quiet of winter.

“Just as the trees shed their leaves, Fall invites us to let go — and in that letting go, we make room for renewal.”​