Autumn SolStice Transition

As late summer gives way to fall, Chinese medicine recognizes a significant energetic shift from the Earth element to the Metal element. This transition affects our bodies, minds, and spirits, and understanding it can help us maintain balance and health.

Energetic Changes and Effects on the Body

Late summer, associated with the Earth element, is a time of spleen and stomach energy. Its qualities are warmth, humidity, and a focus on nourishment and stability. The spleen's function is to transform and transport nutrients, while the stomach is responsible for receiving and ripening food. When this energy is balanced, we feel grounded and nourished.

As we transition into fall, the energy shifts to the Metal element, which governs the lungs and large intestine. The Metal element's qualities are dryness, contraction, and inward movement. Fall is a time for letting go, both physically and emotionally. The lungs are responsible for taking in pure Qi from the air and distributing it, while the large intestine's job is to eliminate waste. This transition can cause our bodies to become susceptible to dryness, leading to issues like dry skin, coughs, and constipation. Emotionally, the Metal element relates to grief and sadness. If this energy is imbalanced, we may feel melancholic or have trouble letting go of the past.

Seasonal transition from Late Summer to Fall.

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Foods to Eat

Nourishing the Metal element involves choosing foods that are moisturizing and slightly pungent to support the lungs and large intestine. It's important to move away from the damp, sweet foods of late summer and incorporate more warming and moistening foods.

• Pungent Foods (in moderation): A small amount of pungent foods helps to disperse and move lung Qi. Examples include ginger, garlic, onions, radishes, and wasabi. These foods can help with the onset of colds and flu.

• Moistening Foods: These foods combat the dryness of the season. Think pears, apples, almonds, walnuts, honey, and sesame seeds. Pears, in particular, are highly regarded for their ability to moisten the lungs.

• White Foods: Foods that are white are often associated with the Metal element and the lungs. Incorporate cauliflower, turnips, parsnips, and jicama.

• Warm, Cooked Foods: As the weather cools, it's best to eat warm, cooked meals rather than raw or cold foods, which can tax the digestive system. Soups, stews, and roasted vegetables are excellent choices.

Acupressure Points

Stimulating specific acupressure points can help ease the transition and support the Metal element's organs. Apply gentle but firm pressure to these points for 1-3 minutes.

• Lung 7 (LU 7): Known as Lieque or "Broken Sequence," this point is a master point for the lungs and is located on the radial side of the forearm, about 1.5 inches above the wrist crease. It's excellent for treating coughs, sore throats, and headaches, and helps to release grief.

• Large Intestine 4 (LI 4): Called Hegu or "Joining Valley," this is a powerful point for pain relief and is located in the web between the thumb and index finger. It's used to treat headaches, toothaches, and issues in the face. It also helps to regulate bowel movements and release emotional tension.

• Stomach 36 (ST 36): Known as Zusanli or "Leg Three Miles," this point, located about four finger-widths below the kneecap on the outside of the shin, is a foundational point for strengthening the digestive system and overall Qi. While it's an Earth element point, strengthening it during the transition ensures the body is well-nourished and can handle the change in energy.

Here is a great resource to locate acupuncture points

By aligning with the natural rhythm of the seasons through diet and self-care, we can navigate the shift from late summer to fall with greater ease and vitality.

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