As the sun crosses the celestial equator, day and night come into perfect balance. The Autumn Equinox is more than a single day—it is a whole season of transition, reflection, and recalibration.
In Traditional East Asian Medicine (TEAM), the seasons are guides to how Qi (our vital life force) moves within us. Just as the trees draw their sap inward and leaves begin to let go, our bodies, too, are called to turn inward, release what is no longer serving, and store energy for the colder months ahead.
Across the world, ancient indigenous cultures looked to the sun, moon, and stars to guide when to plant, when to harvest, and when to rest. The Equinox—when light and darkness are in harmony—was seen as a sacred threshold, reminding us that balance is not static but a living rhythm to embody.
The Organs of the Season
In TEAM, autumn corresponds to the organs of the Lungs and Large Intestine. These are the organs of both breath and release:
- The Lungs take in fresh inspiration, oxygen, and spirit. They help us connect with the present moment and with the grief that often arises during times of letting go.
- The Large Intestine reminds us that health depends on release—whether of waste, stagnant emotions, or old stories that no longer fit.
When these organs are in balance, we feel clarity, openness, and resilience. When they are depleted, we may experience seasonal allergies, coughs, digestive issues, fatigue, or unprocessed grief.
The Emotions of Autumn
In Traditional East Asian Medicine, each season is connected not only to the organs, but also to the emotions. Autumn corresponds to grief and letting go. Just as the trees release their leaves, we, too, are asked to release—whether that means old stories, unprocessed sadness, or even identities that no longer fit. When grief is acknowledged and moved through, it transforms into clarity, courage, and a deeper appreciation for the preciousness of life.
Caring for Your Body in Autumn
This season is also associated with dryness. You may notice your skin feeling tight, your lips chapped, or your throat scratchy as the air cools and loses moisture. This is the time to care for your Lungs and skin by:
- Staying hydrated with warm teas, broths, and soups.
- Eating moistening foods such as pears, apples, honey, sesame seeds, and cooked root vegetables.
- Using herbal oils or balms to protect the skin and prevent dryness from entering the body.
Supporting the Large Intestine also helps the body release what is no longer needed—both physically and emotionally. A simple daily practice of deep breathing, journaling, or gentle Qigong can support this process of letting go.
The Seasonal Energy of Autumn
The Qi of autumn is about turning inward. Just as nature contracts and prepares for winter, this is a season to slow down, conserve energy, and cultivate stillness. Rather than scattering energy outward, autumn invites us to gather our Qi, reflect, and realign with what truly matters.
Cultivating Balance in the Autumn Season
The Autumn Equinox is an invitation to nourish your body and spirit through:
- Acupuncture and acupressure to strengthen immunity and restore balance of your Qi.
- Herbal medicine to fortify the lungs and support digestion as the weather cools.
- Qigong, to gently open the chest, release heaviness, and cultivate inner stillness and strength. I specialize in teaching trauma-informed women’s practices (make sure to sign up for my newsletter so you don’t miss my free masterclasses–coming soon!)
These rituals of balance are medicine for the body, mind-emotions and spirit. By aligning with the rhythms of nature, we align more deeply with ourselves.
A Season of Preparation
I’ve been preparing something special —something that weaves together the wisdom of qi cultivation, ancestral memory, and women’s embodied healing. Soon, I’ll be sharing more about it in a free masterclass series designed to support your journey into balance and deep soul nourishment.
For now, I invite you to take this season slowly. Breathe deeply into your lungs, let go of what no longer serves, and step into the balance the Autumn Equinox offers. The seeds planted now will carry you through the months ahead.