Autumn Health in TCM: Preparing for the Season of Metal

A Personal NoteIn Chinese medicine, each season carries a distinct energy, and autumn is the season of the Metal element — the energy of gathering inward, letting go, and protecting boundaries. The leaves fall, the energy that expanded outward all summer begins to contract, and the body naturally shifts toward storage and conservation. Understanding this seasonal transition has helped me prepare for autumn in ways that simple weather forecasts never could.

Autumn and the Metal Element

In the Five Element system, autumn corresponds to the Metal element, the Lung organ, and the Large Intestine. Its energy is descending, gathering, and releasing.

The Lung governs the skin and the body surface, making autumn a vulnerable time for the immune system. The dryness of autumn can dry the Lung's protective mucus membranes, and the cooling weather challenges the body's ability to maintain its outer defenses.

Autumn Health Challenges in TCM

Autumn Dryness (秋燥)

The most common autumn pattern. Autumn dryness affects the Lungs first — dry throat, dry cough, dry skin, and dry nasal passages. In TCM, the Lung loves moisture and hates dryness.

Transition from Summer Heat

The body has adapted to summer's heat and humidity. As autumn arrives, lingering dampness from summer may combine with early autumn dryness, creating a transitional period of digestive sluggishness.

Weakened Wei Qi (Defensive Qi)

The shift from warm to cool weather tests the body's surface defenses. Those with weak Lung qi often catch the first cold of autumn as the season changes.

Key Herbs for Autumn Health

Sha Shen (Glehnia or Adenophora, 沙参)

Sweet and cool. Sha Shen is the best herb for autumn dryness. It moistens the Lungs, generates fluids, and stops dry cough. It is specific for the dry, scratchy throat and dry cough of early autumn.

Dose: 10-15g.

Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogon, 麦门冬)

Sweet, slightly bitter, and cool. Moistens the Lungs and generates fluids. Excellent for the combination of autumn dryness and lingering summer heat depletion.

Dose: 10-15g.

Bai He (Lily Bulb, 百合)

Sweet and slightly cold. Moistens the Lungs and calms the spirit. Used for dry cough and restless sleep during seasonal transitions.

Dose: 10-30g.

Xing Ren (Apricot Seed, 杏仁)

Bitter and warm (slightly toxic raw). Soothes cough and descends Lung qi. Use prepared (processed) Xing Ren only.

Dose: 6-10g.

Acupressure for Autumn Health

Fei Shu (BL13, Lung Shu, 肺俞)

Location: 1.5 finger-widths lateral to the lower border of the 3rd thoracic vertebra.
Action: Back-shu point of the Lung. Strengthens Lung qi and protects the respiratory system during the autumn transition.

Lie Que (LU7, Broken Sequence, 列缺)

Location: On the radial side of the forearm, about 1.5 finger-widths above the wrist crease.
Action: The luo-connecting point of the Lung. Releases wind-cold and treats early-stage autumn colds.

Tai Yuan (LU9, Great Abyss, 太渊)

Location: On the wrist crease, on the radial side.
Action: The source point of the Lung. Tonifies Lung qi and is excellent for building respiratory strength.

Zu San Li (ST36, Leg Three Miles, 足三里)

Location: Four finger-widths below the kneecap.
Action: Strengthens the body's defensive qi in preparation for cold weather.

Autumn Tea Recipes

Sha Shen & Mai Men Dong Autumn Moisture Tea

Sha Shen 10g, Mai Men Dong 10g, 1 slice licorice. Simmer in 500ml water for 15 min. Drink throughout the day to prevent autumn dryness.

Bai He & Xing Ren Lung-Soothing Tea

Bai He 10g, prepared Xing Ren 6g, 1 pear (sliced). Simmer in 600ml water for 20 min. Drink warm for dry cough or scratchy throat.

Autumn Dietary Principles

1. Increase Pungent Foods, Reduce Sour Foods

In autumn, the ancient TCM principle is: increase pungent flavors to disperse Lung qi; reduce sour flavors to allow energy to gather inward. Pungent foods include: ginger, scallion, onion, garlic, and peppermint.

2. Emphasize Moistening Foods

• Pears (the quintessential autumn fruit)
• White fungus (snow fungus, 银耳)
• Sesame seeds
• Almonds
• Honey
• Soy milk

3. Reduce Cooling and Raw Foods

As the weather cools, reduce the raw salads and cold foods of summer. Shift toward warm, cooked meals. Congee, soups, and stews support the digestive system as it adjusts to the cooler season.

4. Add Root Vegetables

Autumn is the season of root vegetables — carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, daikon radish, and yams. In TCM, these support the earth element and strengthen the Spleen for the transition.

Letting Go: The Emotional Work of Autumn

Autumn corresponds to grief. This is not accidental — the season naturally invites release. Just as trees let go of their leaves, autumn is a time to let go of what no longer serves us: old habits, unprocessed emotions, accumulated clutter.

In TCM, unresolved grief weakens the Lungs. An autumn practice of intentional release — whether through journaling, meditation, or simply decluttering your physical space — supports both emotional and respiratory health.