12/03/2022
Autumn transition time.
The shift from summer into autumn is one of the more dramatic seasonal changes we experience each year. Although officially Autumn starts on the 1st of March it actually starts around the 20th of March at the Equinox.
Autumn is the season of decline and loss. Things begin to slow down, trees start to lose their leaves, days become shorter and the weather becomes more temperate. It’s always a great time for sunsets, but during any transition you may also experience some digestive problems. Eye (Conjunctivitis) or ear difficulties, acne, eczema and other skin problems may also occur as the body expels the accumulated summer heat. I suggest you always take a light scarf with you to keep the wind off your neck, wry neck is a common complaint at the change of season.
In Chinese medicine autumn is associated with the metal element. The lungs & large intestines are the organs associated with autumn. Look out for lung dryness, which may show up as a dry cough or tight chest.
Eating well is important at any time, but especially important in this seasonal transition. It’s important to be eating foods that are well cooked rather than salads. Soups are good, also seasonal fruits - pears & apples. These are moistening & cooling which is what our bodies need to minimize autumn dryness. Pears specifically tone Lung yin (moisture).
Autumn foods:
Miso soup
Brown rice
Wild rice
Lentils, fish, tofu or tempeh
Sturdy greens or roots
Seasonal squash
Kombu - seaweed
Toasted seeds & nuts
Ginger & onion
Seasonal fruits - not tropical as they are too yin & cooling
Leeks and potato soup
I always suggest that you find what is in season and grown locally.
The emotion associated with autumn is Grief, often in autumn we have a sense of melancholy or loss. As the days get shorter we feel the winter coming. Life is slowing down. Autumn is a great time for self reflection and adjustment as we slow down from the silly season. In most agricultural societies it’s time to slow down after the harvest, reflect and prepare for winter. But in our urban societies we are just gearing up for the busy time. The academic year begins and most of us are starting to get back into the tension of the mid year workload. It is said that the flu and other Lung related illnesses which occur during winter could be avoided, if we were able to take autumn at a more leisurely pace, so take a bit of time each day, breathe in and out and relax and reflect.
Have a good one
Robb Venn,
Shiatsu Practitioner
Westgarth Traditional Chinese Medicine Centre 61 Simpson Street Northcote
For the transition into autumn try 4 weekly shiatsu sessions for $80.00 per session (normally $90.00). Call me on my mobile 0431 401 438
