It rules movements of the body (both the breath and limb movements), respiration, elimination, digestive processes, the nervous system and the body’s moisture levels, and can be reflected in the workings of the mind (mental health) and how relaxed and grounded we feel.Īutumn brings with it winds, colder temperatures, dry air and emptiness, as we watch leaves fall, and is regarded as a vata season, characterised by air and ether. Vata translates as “wind” or “that which moves things”. Our bodies also comprise these doshas, which unite the air, ether (space), fire, water and earth elements.Īutumn brings with it winds, colder temperatures, dry air and emptiness, as we watch leaves fall, and is regarded as a vata season, characterised by air and ether. Constipation, diarrhoea and other bowel diseases may indicate a metal imbalance in the large intestine.īoth the lungs and the large intestine carry similar energetic features, as they both draw in nutrients (the lungs take in oxygen and the large intestine absorbs water from chyme: partially digested food and digestive secretions) and eliminate waste (lungs expel carbon dioxide, while the large intestine prepares waste for elimination).Īyurveda divides the seasons of the year by the cycles of three doshas: vata, pitta and kapha. Paired with the lung is the large intestine - the organ of elimination comprising the colon and the rectum - also associated with autumn. Thus, healthy lungs, a strong immune system, regular bowel movements and radiant skin are the indicators of a balanced metal element and lung qi. Glowing, hydrated skin is a sign of strong lung qi, while dry and oily skin, eczema and skin rashes may indicate an imbalance. The tissues, which the metal element governs, are the skin and the body hair. Lungs control respiration and are called the “tender organ” in Chinese medicine, as they are the first to assimilate the energy you get from the outside with the internal energy, or qi (also chi) lungs are also susceptible to colds, sinus congestion, flu, respiratory disorders, difficulty breathing and allergies when the lung qi is weak. The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Medicine advocates autumn as the best time of the year to strengthen the lungs. It recognises that, together with their physical functions, organs also convey emotional, mental and energetic qualities associated with them.įive-element theory advocates that health and wellbeing can be achieved through physical, nutritional, mental and emotional balancing in accordance with natural cycles. Five-element theory advocates that health and wellbeing can be achieved through physical, nutritional, mental and emotional balancing in accordance with natural cycles.Ĭhinese medicine associates autumn with the metal element, which provides energy governing the lung, a yin organ, and the large intestine, a yang organ correlating with the lung.Įven though in TCM the names of the organs remain the same as in Western medicine, remember that Chinese medicine sees organs as networks/energetic pathways in the body. It also provides detailed information about how the changes occurring in nature as the wheel of the year turns correspond with your inner environment (your body and mind interactions). Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a widely practised holistic discipline that centres on five elements: fire, water, wood, metal and earth.įive-element theory - one of the most significant systems within Chinese medicine - recognises that these elements are in constant movement and emphasises living in alignment with the seasons. The best way to approach this changeable season is to learn how to align with it by implementing practices that help you stay calm, grounded and focused as well as enhance your immunity and balance out any overwhelm and unsettledness. It’s not uncommon to feel unsettled, ungrounded, weak, overwhelmed, fidgety and unbalanced as the days get shorter and darker. How are you adjusting to the autumn season? Are you filled with energy or feeling rundown and on a sluggish side? Are you focused and alert or do you find your thoughts somewhat scattered? Autumn is the season of transition, and this change affects both nature and your body.
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