Autumn through the CEAM Lens

Hello, and welcome to another episode of "Ancient Wisdom, Modern Health: Reaching the Balance Within," where we explore the wisdom of Classical East Asian Medicine and how it applies to modern life. I’m Dr Ian and I’m your host, and today we’ll be diving into the magic of autumn—what it means for our health, our emotions, and how we can align ourselves with the energy of the season.*

In CEAM, autumn marks a shift—a drawing back of energy, a time of reflection, and a moment to prepare ourselves for the quieter, more restful energy of winter. It’s a beautiful time to pause, reassess, and release what no longer serves us, both physically and emotionally.

We’ll explore how the Metal element, which governs autumn, is associated with our lungs and the emotion of grief. And I’ll share some tips on how to nourish our bodies and minds as we move through this season, from breathing practices to eating styles. So, let’s begin.  

Autumn is a season that encourages introspection and letting go. In nature, we see the trees shedding their leaves, and in ourselves, we may feel an emotional pull to reflect and release. This is a time to simplify, to hold onto what’s important, and to gently let go of anything that is no longer necessary.

In Classical East Asian Medicine, autumn is governed by the Metal element, which is connected to the Lungs and the large intestine. It’s no coincidence that this season is about grief and letting go. Just as the trees let go of their leaves, we may find ourselves processing feelings of loss or releasing old emotions. It’s a natural part of the cycle of life.

Take a moment to reflect on what you might need to release this season. It could be something emotional—grief, fear, or frustration—or perhaps a habit or pattern that no longer serves you. Autumn invites us to honour these changes, knowing that they create space for new growth in the future.

One of the key aspects of autumn in CEAM is dryness, which has a big impact on the lungs, our skin, and even our digestion. The air becomes crisper, and this dryness can lead to issues like dry coughs, rough skin, or even constipation.

Since the lungs are the organ most affected by autumn, this is a time to really focus on breathing, hydration, and nourishing foods. Moistening foods are key during autumn. Things like pears, white radish, and even almonds are wonderful for keeping the lungs moist and healthy.

Another simple way to care for your lungs is by practicing deep, mindful breathing. Let’s take a moment together to try it.  

As we breathe deeply, we nourish the lungs and prepare our bodies to move through the changes that autumn brings. If you practice this for just a few minutes every day, you’ll not only strengthen your lungs but also calm the mind.

Autumn is also a time of energetic transition. In the warmer months, we’re in the peak of Yang energy—active, outward, full of vitality. But as we move into autumn, Yang begins to decline, and the more introspective, inward energy of Yin starts to rise.

This transition calls us to slow down. You may feel a natural pull to spend more time resting, reflecting, or simply being still. Honour that instinct. It’s a sign that your body is preparing for the winter months, where energy conservation is key.

To support this shift, I recommend incorporating more warming and grounding practices into your routine. Light activities like slow walking, Qigong, or gentle yoga are perfect for keeping the body moving without overstimulating it. Think of it as a time to recharge rather than push forward.

In Classical East Asian Medicine, we align our eating with the seasons to support the body’s natural rhythms. In autumn, we focus on foods that are warming, moistening, and easy to digest. This is the season of Metal, so we want to nurture both the lungs and large intestine with foods that help balance dryness.

Think of root vegetables like sweet potatoes, pumpkins, and carrots—foods that grow down into the earth. They have a grounding quality that helps us connect with the energy of autumn. Grains like rice, oats, and barley are also wonderful for this time, as they are easy to digest and warm the body.

And let’s talk about flavours. In CEAM, the pungent flavour is associated with the Metal element and can be used to stimulate the lungs and promote circulation. So, adding a little ginger, garlic, or onion to your meals is a great way to keep your system warm and healthy. But balance is key, so pair pungent foods with sweet and sour flavours, which help nourish Yin.

If you’re looking for a simple recipe, try making a warming autumn soup with carrots, ginger, and a touch of white radish. It’s perfect for nourishing the lungs and keeping the body hydrated.

Autumn is also a beautiful time for mindful practices. Journaling or quiet reflection can help us process emotions and prepare for the inward focus of winter. You might take a few minutes each evening to write down what you’re grateful for, what you’ve learned from the day, or what you feel ready to let go of.

Pairing this with a breath work or meditation practice can really help you stay grounded during this transitional time. By letting go of old patterns and clearing emotional clutter, we create space for new growth in the months to come.

To round out our autumn discussion, let’s talk about some herbal remedies that can help you stay balanced during this season. One of my favourites for autumn is pear and almond tea. Pears are wonderful for hydrating and nourishing the lungs, while almonds help support respiratory function.

Another great option is to add honey to warm water. Honey is naturally moistening and has a soothing effect on the throat and lungs, especially if you’re dealing with dryness or a cough.

For those of you who enjoy herbal teas, consider sipping on marshmallow root or licorice tea. Both of these herbs are known for their ability to soothe dryness and support lung health. Just be mindful if you have any conditions that require you to limit liquorice intake.

As we close today, I encourage you to embrace the slower pace of autumn. Take time to rest, reflect, and nourish yourself as we transition into the cooler months ahead. By aligning with the energy of the season, we can support our bodies, minds, and spirits in a way that feels balanced and peaceful.

*Thank you for joining me on this journey. I hope today’s insights help you to move through autumn with ease and grace. Stay tuned for our next episode.

Until next time, take care and be well.