Autumn is About Letting Go
As the weather cools and the leaves begin to fall, nature shows us that this is a season of release. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, autumn is connected to the Metal element, which represents clarity, structure, grief, and letting go.
Just as metal can be shaped and polished, this time of year invites us to do the same internally. This is the time to clarify what is most valuable to us and release what's no longer needed. When we live in rhythm with the seasons, our bodies and mind stay more balanced and resilient.
The Metal Element
The Metal element governs the Lungs and Large Intestine, organs that help us exchange and eliminate, taking in what’s pure and letting go of waste. This theme can show up physically through breath, immunity, and digestion. It also often shows up emotionally through our ability to process grief and move forward.
Fall is also associated with dryness, which can affect the skin, throat, and lungs. You might notice a dry cough, chapped lips, or rough skin this time of year. These are all signs that your body could use a bit more moisture and nourishment.
When Metal is balanced, we feel:
Clear-minded and inspired
Strong in our boundaries but remaining open-hearted
Able to let go of the past and embrace change
When out of balance, we might feel:
Congested, tired, or prone to colds and allergies
Stuck in sadness or unable to release grief
Overly critical of ourselves or others
Wei Qi and the Lungs
The Lungs control Wei Qi, or defensive energy, think of it as our immune system. Wei Qi circulates just beneath the skin’s surface, regulating the opening and closing of pores and guarding against external pathogens like wind and cold.
When Lung energy is strong, our Wei Qi is strong, and we’re less likely to get sick as the weather turns. When it’s weak, we’re more susceptible to colds, fatigue, and allergies.
To strengthen Wei Qi this season:
Get adequate rest and maintain consistent routines
Dress warmly, especially around the neck and upper chest
Practice gentle breathwork or Qi Gong to expand the chest
Eat warm, nourishing meals that support digestion and Lung function
Foods to Incorporate During Autumn
Each element in TCM has a flavor and color that support it. For Metal, the pungent flavor and the color white both strengthen the Lungs and Large Intestine.
This is the season for warm, cooked meals with gently aromatic, slightly spicy ingredients that promote circulation and protect against dryness. Think comforting soups, roasted vegetables, and dishes that ground and warm from within.
Include:
White and pungent foods like onions, garlic, leeks, daikon, turnips, mushrooms, and radish to support the Lungs
Moistening foods such as pears, honey, sesame seeds, and tofu to counter seasonal dryness
Root vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, and parsnips to nourish and stabilize as the energy of the season turns inward
Use warming spices such as ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom to aid digestion and keep your Qi moving as temperatures drop.
Emotion of Fall: Grief and Release
The emotion associated with Metal is grief. Autumn reminds us that letting go is part of life’s rhythm. When grief is expressed and allowed to move, it creates space for clarity and inspiration. When it’s held in, we can feel heavy, rigid, or disconnected.
Gentle ways to support emotional balance this season:
Take slow, deep breaths to strengthen Lung Qi
Journal or spend time in nature to process emotions
Acupuncture to move stagnant energy and ease the heart
On a spiritual level, Metal helps us reconnect with what we truly value. As we clear away the excess, what remains is clarity, both in our outer world and in our inner sense of purpose.
In Practice: Aligning with the Season
As we move through autumn, small shifts in how we eat, move, and care for ourselves can make a big difference. Living in harmony with the Metal element means embracing simplicity, rhythm, and release.
Try:
Eating warm, cooked meals instead of raw or cold foods
Keeping your neck and chest covered on windy days
Creating more structure and boundaries in your routines
Letting go of what’s no longer needed, whether that’s clutter, obligations, or old emotional weight
Taking a few minutes each morning for deep, intentional breathing, expanding the ribcage and releasing tension in the chest
Summary
Fall invites us to breathe deeply, strengthen our defenses, and soften our grip on what we no longer need. By supporting the Lungs and Wei Qi, incorporating warming, aromatic foods, and allowing grief to move through, you create space for clarity and renewal in the months ahead.
