From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, fall is the time when the peak of Yang is slowing turning into Yin, it is the season of Yang within the Yin, where slowness is welcomed. The organs that Fall relates to is the Lung + Large intestine and they are associated with the emotions of grief. Metaphorically speaking it is the time of letting go of everything that no longer serves us so that we can fall into a space of inspiration and make room for intentional relationships, connections, wellness, and nourishment to prep our body for the coming winter season.

On another note, the Lung organ is known to be the most delicate organ in TCM, sitting on top of all the other organs it is most easily exposed to external pathogens. As the Lung organ correlates to fall, it is also the organ that is most susceptible to illnesses. As I’m sure you know, during this season many respiratory illnesses start to arise and it is important to maintain and strengthen our immune system along with strengthening the Lung function to keep ourselves healthy throughout the season.

Foods that are recommended during this time are those that are naturally coloured white (and conveniently they are also in season!), and those that are yin nourishing, such as apples, pears, tremella fungus (Bai Mu Er), Mountain Yams (Shan Yao), lily bulbs (Bai He), apricot seeds (Bai Zhi Ren), Daikon, tofu, as these can all be very nourishing for the Lungs as we start to feel the dryness in the air.

Herbs that can be consumed or used in cooking, or steeping in teas are Lily Bulbs (Bai He), Apricot Seeds (Bai Zhi Ren), Ren Shen (Ginseng) and Huang Qi (astragalus). Ren Shen and Huang Qi both enter the Lung and Spleen meridians, can generate fluid and tonify both organs to strengthen the immune system. A TCM formula that is often used to strengthen the immune system is Yu Ping Feng San (Jade Windscreen Powder), and it is composed of Huang Qi, Bai Zhu and Fang Feng – the ingredients synergystically work together to help with strengthening the immune system and keeping pathogens out.

Yintent was created to help you intentionally slow down, reconnect with yourself so that you can show up fully and authentically. Besides for our curated products we offer for intentional wellness, here are some great self care practice you can incorporate this season.

1. Journaling, and specifically journaling about what you think you need to let go in this season of your life so that you can make room for the things that you truly deserve.
2. Gentler movements like walking, yoga or pilates and breath work. Breath work is not only a great tool to use for grounding, but it’s also a great way to keep the lungs moving optimally through full expansion and contraction, and metaphorically through exhaling we let go, through full inhalation we welcome in the new.
3. Sleeping earlier, ideally before 11pm so that your body is getting adequate rest and restoration.

If you’re able, book a visit with your TCM practitioner or acupuncturist so they can help support your immune system throughout the season and come up with a customized health plan just for you. If you’re in the Toronto area and are interested in seeing if TCM is the right fit for you, click on the book now button and schedule a free 15 minute Discovery call with me. Happy Fall!