Autumn Wellness in Chinese Medicine: Nourish Your Lungs and Protect Your Energy

Autumn Wellness in Chinese Medicine: Nourish Your Lungs and Protect Your Energy

​As the seasons shift and the air turns crisp, our bodies respond to nature’s rhythms. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, autumn marks the transition toward stillness — a time to nourish, protect, and reflect. Here’s how you can support your health this fall using the wisdom of TCM.

□ Autumn Wellness: Nourish Your Lungs & Protect Your Energy

As the vibrant energy of summer fades and the crisp air of autumn arrives, our bodies begin to slow down and turn inward. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), autumn corresponds to the Metal element, which governs the Lungs and Large Intestine — the organs responsible for respiration, immunity, skin health, and the emotional process of letting go.

This is a season to restore balance, nourish Yin, and protect against dryness. Here’s how to eat and live in harmony with the rhythm of fall.

□️ The Lung & the Season of Dryness

Autumn’s dry air can deplete moisture and affect the Lungs, leading to:

• Dry throat, cough, or hoarseness
• Chapped lips or rough skin
• Dry nasal passages
• Constipation or dry stools

Because the Lungs are considered the “tender organ” in TCM, they are easily affected by dryness and wind. Nourishing fluids and protecting Lung Qi are key this season.

□ Eat with the Season

As temperatures cool, our bodies benefit from warm, cooked meals that gently moisten and tonify. In TCM, autumn is the time to eat foods that moisten, soothe, and gently strengthen.

□ Beneficial Autumn Foods

• Pear: Moistens the lungs and clears dryness; great for dry coughs or throat irritation.
• White Fungus (Tremella): Nourishes Yin, hydrates tissues, and supports immunity.
• Pineapple: Its mild sourness prevents excessive loss of body fluids and supports hydration.
• Others: Lily bulb, lotus root, pumpkin, nuts and seeds, honey, soy milk, and mild dairy all support body fluids and digestion.

□ Tip: Eat more foods with sour flavors (like pineapple, apple, grapefruit, and lemon) and reduce pungent flavors (like onion, garlic, ginger, and peppers), which can cause excess sweating and fluid loss.

It’s traditional in Chinese culture to start the day with warm porridge and end with a nourishing soup — both of which protect the lungs and Yin fluids.

□‍♂️ Lifestyle Tips for the Metal Season

• Protect against wind and dryness: Keep your neck and chest warm; avoid drafts and sudden temperature changes.
• Practice breathwork and gentle movement: Qigong, Tai Chi, or deep breathing helps move Lung Qi and clear emotions.
• Slow down: Go to bed earlier, reflect, and let go of what no longer serves you.
• Stay hydrated: Sip warm teas with pear, honey, or chrysanthemum to soothe dryness.

□ Sample Recipes & Daily Suggestions

Try this gentle meal rhythm to keep your body balanced and nourished through the day:

Time of Day	Recipe Idea	Purpose
Morning	Pear & lotus seed congee with small slivers of white fungus	Begins the day by moistening and gently nourishing the lungs
Midday / Lunch	Steamed fish or tofu with lightly sautéed cauliflower or daikon	White foods benefit the Lung; protein supports Qi
Afternoon Snack	Stewed pear with pineapple and softened white fungus	Moisturizing, cooling, yet nourishing
Evening / Dinner	Chicken or vegetable soup with white fungus, goji berries, and a touch of ginger	Warm, moistening, and easily digested
Before Bed	Warm soy milk with a drizzle of honey or a few goji berries	Supports Yin overnight

□ Emotional Balance: The Art of Letting Go

Autumn often brings a reflective mood. In TCM, emotions of grief and sadness correspond to the Lungs. Take time to slow down, breathe deeply, and practice gratitude. By releasing old patterns and emotions, you create space for renewal and peace.

□ Stay in Balance This Fall

Aligning your diet and lifestyle with nature’s cycles keeps your body balanced and your immunity strong. If you experience dryness, fatigue, or emotional heaviness this season, acupuncture and herbal therapy can help restore harmony.

□ Want personalized guidance this fall?
Schedule your seasonal acupuncture or herbal consultation at Natural Flow of Life Acupuncture and Herbs to support your lungs, nourish your Yin, and prepare your body for a vibrant winter ahead.

Written by Dr. Corey Brown, DAOM, L.Ac.
Natural Flow of Life Acupuncture and Herbs | Denver, CO