Supporting Your Lung Qi This Autumn ☁
The Lung meridian
In Five Element theory, Autumn is associated with the Metal element and the Lung and Large Intestine ( TCM) Organs. It is a season of transition and definition, moving from the Yang, outward, expansive energy of Summer towards the quieter, more Yin, inward nature of Winter.
The Lungs have a particularly important role in Chinese medicine. They are associated with immunity and with the breath, exchanging with our environment- taking in what we need and releasing what we no longer need. They are also considered to be particularly sensitive to the changing environment around us, which is why Autumn is traditionally a time to pay attention to Lung Qi and it’s central role in safeguarding our immunity. When the Lung Qi is strong, it circulates effective ‘Wei Qi’- a defensive layer of energy that protects us from external pathogens, and sits just beneath the skin.
As the weather becomes cooler and drier, we may notice changes in the respiratory system; dry throats, coughs, congestion, skin or feeling more susceptible to seasonal colds and infections. For some people, existing skin or respiratory symptoms can also become more noticeable as the temperature and environment change.
The Lungs association with Autumn isn't only about physical health. In Five Element theory, the emotional qualities of Metal include grief and acceptance. Autumn's natural movement towards shedding and letting go offers a useful reflection of this. Loss, change and grief can all influence the way we breathe and how we experience our bodies, perhaps through holding the breath, sighing, shallow breathing or a feeling of tightness through the chest.
This doesn't mean that grief is literally stored in the Lungs, or that every respiratory symptom has an emotional cause. Rather, Shiatsu gives us a framework for noticing the relationship between our physical, mental and emotional experience. How the body can be influenced by our life experiences.
Autumn can therefore be a valuable time to pay a little more attention to the breath, to warmth, to rest, to hydration and to considering what we might be ready to release and accept as we move into a new season.
Simple And Accessible Ways That We Can Support Our Lung Qi in Autumn
( and always, but particularly in Autumn)
1. Breathe consciously and with intention
Give yourself a few moments each day to notice your breath. Rather than forcing deep breaths, simply allow the inhale and exhale to become a little more spacious, expanding the upper body, enhancing mind-body connection and noticing where the breath reaches.
2. Spend time outdoors
Autumn invites us outside into cooler, fresher air. Walking, especially somewhere with trees and open space, can be a lovely way to connect with the season, breathe in fresh air and bring awareness to breath and our vital exchange with the wider Universe. The morning sunlight is a great antidote to seasonal sadness or changes in mood linked to the seasonal shift.
3. Prioritise warmth and moisture
The Lungs are considered particularly vulnerable to dryness and other pathogenic influences such as cold and wind. They are considered to be a ‘delicate Organ’, with a preference to moisture. Dryness can create irritation of the skin, nasal passages, the lips/ throat, the lungs and large intestine. Wearing a scarf, warm layers and keeping the neck, chest and upper back cosy is ideal Hydrating and good nourishment are of the highest importance to maintain a well moisturised, warm and healthy inner environment.
4. Make space for letting go and releasing ( in various ways)
Support the Lung Qi with good self care and allow yourself to feel and acknowledge unprocessed grief and sadness, which may arise during the Autumn season. This may mean seeking professional talking therapy/ other support which can be incredibly helpful in moving through difficult emotions and situations.
Other ways we can create spaciousness, clarity and healthy movement of Qi include clearing out, organising or releasing something that has been creating mental ‘clutter’, stagnation or disorder in our lives. It always takes a little weight off (once it’s done) and it’s helpful to be mindful of the energetics links between our external and internal environments.
5. Work with the Lung meridian
Gentle tapping, rubbing or acupressure along the Lung meridian can bring awareness and movement to the arms, chest and breath. Equally supporting immunity and overall health. In Shiatsu, we work with the meridians as part of a whole-body approach rather than treating them in isolation, but working with individual points as part of a self care routine is a great to way to foster a deeper sense of awareness and connection.
Wishing you an enjoyable and healthy start to the Autumn season.
