Breathe Deep, Let Go – Seasonal Support for Autumn

Sanae Baba
Sep 2
3 min read

Updated: Sep 3

🍂 Autumn & The Metal Element

As the air cools and the days shorten, autumn invites us to pause and let go. In Chinese Medicine, this season belongs to the Metal element, linked to the lungs and large intestine—our organs of breathing in and releasing. How to align body and mind with the season of letting go.

The Wisdom of Autumn

As the days shorten and the air turns crisp, autumn invites us to pause and release. In Five Element Theory, this season belongs to the Metal element, linked to the lungs and large intestine. Together, they remind us to:

Take in nourishment and inspiration.
Let go of waste, grief, and what no longer serves.

Acupuncture Insight (In Traditional Chinese Medicine)

Lungs govern breathing, qi, skin, and immunity.
Large Intestine helps us release, both physically and emotionally.

When Metal is balanced, we feel clear, resilient, and calm. When imbalanced, we may notice cough, dryness, constipation, low immunity, or lingering sadness.

Why Acupuncture in Autumn?

🍁 Strengthens immunity and lung qi🍁 Supports digestion and elimination🍁 Calms stress and eases emotional release🍁 Prevents dryness and seasonal imbalances

Best schedule: Weekly or fortnightly treatments help your body adapt smoothly to seasonal change.

Key Acupuncture Points for Autumn:

LU 7 (Lieque): Opens the lungs, supports immunity.
LI 4 (Hegu): Clears stagnation, encourages release.
ST 36 (Zusanli): Strengthens digestion and vitality.

Naturopathic Tips

🌬️ Breathe deeply outdoors🥣 Eat warm, pungent foods – ginger, garlic, radish, pear🧣 Protect chest + neck from wind💊 Add Vitamin C, zinc, and vitamin D for immune resilience🌿 Herbs: astragalus for qi, elderberry for defense, licorice root for soothing lungs

Naturopathic Support:

🌿 Herbs: Astragalus (Huang Qi) to strengthen immunity; Licorice root for soothing dryness; Thyme tea for the lungs.
💊 Supplements: Vitamin C, Zinc, and Vitamin D to boost immune defense. Probiotics to support gut and large intestine health.
🍵 Teas: Ginger + honey for warmth; Pear + chrysanthemum to moisten dryness; Elderberry for prevention in cold/flu season.
💧 Hydration: Soups, broths, and warm herbal teas keep fluids balanced and protect against autumn dryness.

Nourishing Recipes for the Metal Season

🍐 Warm Poached Pear with Honey & Ginger

Moistens dryness, soothes lungs.

2 ripe pears, halved
1 tsp fresh ginger, sliced
1 tbsp honey
1 cup water

Method: Simmer pears, ginger, and water for 15–20 minutes until soft. Drizzle with honey before serving.

🌿 Garlic & Ginger Stir-Fry Greens

Strengthens lung qi, boosts immunity.

2 cups seasonal greens (bok choy, kale, cabbage)
2 cloves garlic, sliced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, sliced
1 tbsp sesame oil
Splash of tamari

Method: Heat sesame oil, sauté garlic + ginger, add greens, stir-fry quickly, finish with tamari.

🥣 White Radish & Carrot Soup

Clears phlegm, supports digestion.

1 daikon radish, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
1 knob fresh ginger
1–2 spring onions
1.5 L stock

Method: Sauté ginger + spring onion, add radish, carrot, and stock. Simmer 30 minutes, season to taste.

Autumn teaches us clarity and release. By aligning with the Metal element, you can strengthen immunity, nourish your lungs, and create space for new inspiration.

New Clinic Hours from September

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🏡 Home Clinic (North London)

🗓️ New Hours from September:

Tuesdays: 9am - 12pm

Wednesdays: 9am – 7pm

Fridays: 9am - 7pm

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🏙️ Light Centre Marylebone

📍 Unit 4, 10 Portman Sq, W1H 6AZ

🗓️ New Hours from September:

Tuesdays: 2:30pm - 7:30pm

Thursdays: 8am - 2pm

Saturdays: 10:00am – 2:00pm

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💻 Online Booking is Now Open

Appointments tend to fill quickly as we head into autumn, so I recommend booking ahead to secure your preferred time.

👉 Book your session here (https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=34948356)