A Practical Guide to Prepping Your Body for the Fall Equinox
We’ve officially hit the Fall Equinox — when nature hits the reset button, shifting gears from the active, high-energy vibes of summer to the cooler, calmer energy of autumn.
But it’s not just about swapping from iced coffee to pumpkin spice lattes (though we’re all for it). The equinox is also a nudge for our bodies to transition along with the season.
So, what exactly should we be doing to support ourselves and prepare for the seasonal shift? Let’s break it down.
What the Fall Equinox Means for Your Body
The fall equinox is a transitional phase that marks the shift from the warmth and activity of summer to the coolness and introspection of fall. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), this season is associated with the metal element, which governs the lungs and large intestine.
These two organs help us take in what’s beneficial and eliminate what’s not, making them key players in our overall health and well-being. It’s a time to turn inward, strengthen your body, and let go of what no longer serves you.
The Main Players: Lungs and Large Intestine
During autumn, your lungs and large intestine take center stage. While the warm months of spring and summer are all about expansion and outward energy, fall is a time for contraction and focusing inward. Here’s what these organs do and why they’re so important this season:
- Lungs: They don’t just breathe in oxygen; they also filter out pollutants, pathogens, and other unwanted particles. The lungs are essential for distributing protective energy (or “wei qi” in TCM), which defends your body against external threats like colds and flu. When they're not functioning well, you might experience respiratory issues, skin problems, or fatigue.
- Large Intestine: Its main job is to absorb water from digested food and expel waste from the body. It also plays a role in your immune system and helps maintain healthy skin. If your large intestine is out of balance, you might notice digestive issues like constipation or bloating, as well as emotional difficulties letting go of old patterns or negativity.
How to Support Your Lungs
Your lungs are the gatekeepers of your body, pulling in oxygen and pushing out carbon dioxide. They filter out harmful particles like dust and allergens, and they play a major role in your immune system by acting as the first line of defense against pathogens.
- Stay Hydrated: Dry air can lead to dry lungs. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day, and consider herbal teas like mullein or peppermint, which are known for supporting respiratory health.
- Eat Lung-Nourishing Foods: Incorporate foods like pears, white mushrooms, and almonds into your diet. These help to moisten and protect the lungs.
- Practice Breathing Exercises: Deep breathing or practices like Qigong can help strengthen your lungs and increase their capacity. It’s also a great way to reduce stress and anxiety.
- Stay Warm: As the weather cools down, make sure to keep your chest and neck covered, especially when outside. A scarf can help protect your lungs from cold air, which can weaken your immune system.
How to Support Your Large Intestine
The large intestine is responsible for absorbing water and eliminating waste, but it also helps maintain a healthy gut microbiome, which is crucial (pun intended) for overall health and immunity.
- Increase Fiber Intake: Foods high in fiber, such as root vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, can help keep things moving smoothly in your digestive system.
- Stay Hydrated: Water isn’t just for your lungs; it’s essential for your gut health too. It helps soften stool and supports the large intestine in its role of eliminating waste.
- Eat Fermented Foods: Incorporate foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, and kefir into your diet. They’re rich in probiotics, which help maintain a healthy gut flora and support the large intestine.
- Practice Mindfulness: The large intestine is also linked to emotional health, so practice mindfulness or journaling to release any mental clutter or stress.
Other Ways to Prepare Your Body for the Fall Equinox
- Seasonal Detox: Autumn is the perfect time for a gentle detox to help cleanse the liver and support your lungs and large intestine. Focus on whole, unprocessed foods and consider a short detox program to reset your system.
- Stock Your Natural Medicine Cabinet: Prepare for the cold and flu season with natural remedies like mImmunity, mStrength (for restorign Qi), mHydrate, mPurify (to boost your immune system), and mDefense (for a kick of vitamin C).
