AUTUMN is the Element of Metal a time of letting go as can be seen in nature with the trees shedding their leaves. The Element Metal represents the mineral ores and salts of the earth which vary from crude ore to silicone, intrinsic to computer technology and network communications.
According to the Chinese Five Element theory the Organs associated with the Metal Element are the Lungs and Large Intestine. The Lungs perform the function of respiration, taking in essential oxygen and ‘letting go’ carbon dioxide so it is important to deepen and thereby enhance your breathing.
The Large Intestine similarly is associated with this ‘letting go’ of faecal matter and absorption of nutrients and minerals so regular bowel movements are important to release toxins to sustain good health.
Similarly these Metal energies are expressed as activities and inner workings of the bodymindspirit. A time to open to your inner wisdom and balance these inward activities with your outward activities. A time to address and release worries, grief or sorrow, otherwise these emotions associated with the Metal Element, may injure the Lungs or Large Intestine.
The Lungs are vulnerable to Dryness and Cold, Damp Climates so it is important to keep your chest, neck and head area protected, warm and dry with suitable clothing of natural fibres such as wool or silk to prevent colds and flus. Be sure to incorporate the bodymindspirit breathing into your daily routine to improve your Lung function, enhance your oxygen uptake and improve the resilience of your body.
According to Traditional Chinese Medical theory the healthiest diet is composed of clear, bland foods consisting mainly of grains, beans including tofu, dark green leafy and red, yellow vegetables and fruits. As these foods are considered highly nutritious and easily digestible. Also to include only small amounts of meat, eggs and dairy as these foods though necessary to repair the body can be difficult to digest and can clog the body with dampness and phlegm.
You should avoid fried, roasted, fermented, pickled or hot natured foods as these can be very drying and injurious to the Lungs. It is best to avoid all raw food, and steam, boil or lightly cook it, as cooking pre-digests food into a soup-like consistency which enables better assimilation and digestion and prevents food stagnation / indigestion.
Always eat regularly three times a day, moderate amounts and only when hungry. Be sure to eat slowly, chew thoroughly and avoid distracting thoughts or activity such as reading or watching television as this can effect your appetite and result in poor digestion. Importantly never prepare or eat food when emotionally upset as this too will impair your digestion. Avoid eating late at night as this disturbs your quality of sleep and leads to unnecessary weight gain.
Avoid iced water and drinks and keep fluid intake to a minimum during meals because their chilled nature reduces your digestive fire. For excess fluids can overburden the kidneys and create unnecessary abundant urination. Ideally fluids are best taken between meals and only when thirsty so as not to overburden the digestive tract and flood the kidneys with too much water. But a hot drink taken after meals will enhance your digestive capacity.
A diet should include all the five flavours pertaining to each season but a persistent usage of one of the flavours can cause an imbalance in the organs and so should be avoided.
The Taste / Flavour of Autumn is Pungent which enters the Lungs and promotes circulation of Qi and Blood but too much will over stimulate and exhaust the Qi and blood.
Your diet should include foods that reinforce and moisten the Lungs such as almonds, pine nuts sesame seeds, eggs, small quantities of dairy products, barley, millet, pears, apples, bananas, tofu, soy milk, pork and herring. Also pungent flavoured foods, such as watercress, radish, celery, onions, spring onions, garlic, turmeric, basil and mint will be beneficial to the Large Intestine.
As in Winter ensure you always eat warm cooked foods and avoid cold drinks and raw foods, or food which has been chilled or frozen, as this can deplete the Yang energy necessary to sustain your health through the Colder Climate of Autumn.
With the increase of colder weather make a tea from fennel seeds which will help remove cold and warm your Spleen and Kidneys. As it is also a warming expectorant it will treat catarrh, sinusitis and productive coughs associated with cold.
To enhance this ‘letting go’ and as a cleansing process to remove toxins. Use a natural bristle brush and dry brush your skin daily starting from the legs and working up to the torso and chest, always brushing towards the heart region. Then pour a very hot bath and add three handfuls of epsom salts and soak for 15 minutes.
Afterwards wrap yourself in a robe, rest and sweat for another 5-10 minutes and do the bodymindspirit breathing. Be sure to dry off and rest again. This will have a beneficial effect upon your lymphatic system and will aid elimination of toxins throughout the skin. For those of you suffering from heart problems, high blood pressure, fever or signs of heat then this treatment is inappropriate.
In keeping with the Qi of the Autumn Season it is important to sleep earlier as this is the greatest rest of the day. Do not eat immediately prior to sleep as this will affect the quality of your sleep and lead to obesity. Be sure to try to quieten down your activities prior to sleep and therefore your mind in order to maximise a deep restful sleep. Since a large part of our lives are spent sleeping in our bedrooms try to minimalise all electrical appliances such as electric blankets, clocks and telephones etc. as this can interfere with your Qi. Keep your room well ventilated, darkened, warm and harmonious without unnecessary clutter.
Yoga is a very good form of toning and effectively opens up and stretches your joints where toxins can pool causing unnecessary aches and impeding healthy function. It also enhances lung function as each of the movements is related to the breathe. It will also stimulate the Large Intestine peristalsis to regulate bowel movements.
Tai Chi is beneficial as the fluidity of each movement pertains to the breathe which will be beneficial to your skin and enhance elimination. So find a a local teacher to master this Oriental discipline and incorporate it into your daily life.
Rest lying prone for twenty minutes and create warmth in your hands by rubbing them together then place both your hands just below your navel onto your Dan-Tien (a powerful energy centre of the body). Breathe deeply and slowly into this area while you imagine a hot sun revolving and generating energy from this area to the rest of your body. You can do this anytime to release stress, ease fatigue and enhance your energy. If done after meals it will also aid digestion.
For your walk set a reasonable brisk pace for yourself and keep to it, empty your mind listen to your breath and breathe in unison with your walking pace. By stopping your thoughts you will notice the sounds of nature’s Autumn around you. Become aware and mindful of the unique beauty of the Autumn Season. Do not dawdle but maintain the pace and momentum of your movement especially from your lower abdomen and hip region. Feel yourself grounded in your Dan-Tien and stay present to each moment and your breathing rhythmic pace. Do this for at least 20 minutes, preferably three times a week, in order to increase and improve your lung function and cardiac output.
Thinking is also an activity so it is important to become aware of the excess chatter of your thoughts and try to stem unnecessary excessive thinking which can turn into worry or obsessional thoughts. Apart from various meditation techniques one easy method is to set time aside each day for deep relaxation and either listen to non-lyrical music or a guided relaxation tape. By relaxing the body you can calm and empty your mind inducing necessary quietude. As the mind and body are so interdependent this method of relaxing the body will have a positive impact upon your mind and spirit and enhance body health.
One aspect of Autumn is the reduced daylight, as the days become shorter, therefore it is important to ensure you spend some time daily outdoors to breathe more deeply to absorb fresh air and sunlight.