"The trees are about to show us how beautiful it can be to let things go"
TCM 5 Element Theory
Season: Autumn
Element: Metal
Organ: Lungs
Emotion: Grief/Sadness
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is deeply rooted in theory and observation of the natural world around us. We are so interconnected with the world around us that we are significantly affected by the seasonal changes whether we are aware of it or not. The season of Autumn in TCM is considered a transitional season where our energy shifts from the outward, abundant, yang energy of summer to the inward, still, yin energy of winter. Yin and Yang are in a constant state of ebb and flow and this time of year is responsible for shifting from yang to yin (alternatively, spring is responsible for shifting from yin to yang).
Autumn is represented by the lung organ. This means that the energy of the lungs is dominant right now. This is a great time to practice breathwork in order to help facilitate balance in the lungs. Long, slow deep inhalation followed by long, slow deep exhalation. If this organ is imbalanced it will manifest physically as asthma, heaviness in the chest, shortness of breath, allergies, chronic coughing or excessive crying.
Autumn is the perfect time to be outside and enjoy the fall colours. In nature, we can watch the trees “let go” of their leaves. This is representative of our need to learn to let things go on an emotional level. Trees are known as the “lungs of the Earth” because of their ability to produce oxygen. The branches of the trees are symbolic of the lungs (bronchi and areoli). We must nourish our lungs during this time by healing ourselves from old hurts and resentment. Practice journaling, meditation or Qi Gong to help unburden yourself and “let go.”
The emotion associated with the lungs is: Grief. Grief that is repressed or unexpressed will manifest as an imbalance in this organ. The lungs are associated with attachment, so if you have a hard time letting go of people, objects, experiences or spend a lot of time reliving the past this can point to a deficiency in the lungs. If the Lung Qi (energy) is weak this can lead to an overwhelming constant state of grief and sadness that does not ease. If the lungs remain in a state of deficiency for a long period of time this can lead to depression.
If you have more questions about how to stay balanced during the Autumn season or would like to schedule an appointment to help balance your lungs please give us a call: 905.553.9255 or book online
