Autumn & Winter in Chinese Medicine:
How the Metal and Water Element Influence Your Health

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the seasons are not just weather conditions; they are essential to our health. Each season represents an element that has unique energy and influence on our body and mind. But what exactly do autumn (metal element) and winter (water element) mean for our well-being? And what happens if you don't keep up with the energy of these seasons? In this blog, you will discover how to make the most of autumn and winter according to the principles of Chinese Medicine and prevent health issues by adapting your lifestyle to the season.

Autumn: Letting Go and Creating Space with the Metal Element

Autumn, according to TCM, is the season of the metal element. This element is associated with the energy of letting go and clearing. Just as trees let go of their leaves to conserve energy, autumn encourages us to let go physically, emotionally and mentally. Think unhealthy habits, old patterns or even unnecessary stuff. Clearing out allows new energy to flow and prepares you for a healthier, balanced transition into the colder months.

How to support the metal element:

1. Digest and Release:

Autumn is the season of the lungs and colon, two organs that play an important role in releasing waste products. It seems so obvious: we breathe in and out, and our body separates the good substances from the bad. Within seconds, we blow out the bad again. So letting go can be that easy! If only it were that simple with everything in life. For example, I have a lot of trouble throwing things away, just like my father. Just ask my close friends how many clothes I have. I just can't seem to get rid of it. My lungs are weaker, I have asthma. Which is an indication that I have a weakness in this element. What that looks like is different for everyone. For me, it manifests itself in an overstuffed wardrobe.

By paying more attention to our breathing, we give space to our lungs. Your breathing doesn't even actively change, but just by focusing your awareness on it, your rhythm becomes slower and calmer. This is exactly what you need to gain overview and a better sense of what you can distance yourself from. Gentle breathing exercises or a quiet walk in nature can strengthen your lungs. 

2. Reflect and reset:

Autumn is the time to reflect. Think of it this way: a leaf buds, develops into a beautiful leaf, turns colour and falls from the tree. This is also how it works with us: an experience (leaf) comes from an idea (bud), which develops and comes to life (fully grown leaf on the tree), after the experience we look back at what it gave you and what perhaps could be different (discolouring of the leaf). This is food for thought, reflection (leaf let go of the tree). In order to develop new ideas again.

Just as the leaf falls to the ground: it gives space to a new leaf, mineralises the earth and provides nourishment for the next round. The latter belongs to the water element, which is our winter. (Read about the Winter element below this post or click here)

Write down what you want to leave behind, what are convictions you might reconsider. Talk to close friends about things you find difficult, maybe they can give you inspiration to a new insight or encourage you to let go of something.

3. Seasonal foods:

Eat warming and nourishing foods such as pumpkin, sweet potatoes, carrots and spices like cinnamon and ginger. These ingredients support your immune system and help you maintain your energy in the colder months. (Click here for a tasty breakfast recept for or read more about nutrition here )

What happens when you don't let go?

When you ignore the autumn energy of the metal element, health issues can arise. Your lungs and colon may become unbalanced, leading to breathing problems, stiffness and digestive problems. Emotionally, you may notice that you are stuck in old thoughts and patterns, which can lead to stress and anxiety. This can also weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to colds.

Bear in mind that Chinese Medicine does not follow an order of complaints. Emotional complaints can lead to physical complaints and vice versa. Digestion for this reason is not just about literally digesting pure foods in the lung (air) and our food. It is also about digesting life.

My teacher used to say: never eat your food while watching the news. Then you literally take in all those bad and nasty stories.

More on the winter season the recipe of my favourite winter breakfast!

Now you have done beautiful reflection in autumn, and now what? As I ended the previous piece: the fallen leaves mineralise the water element. Which means: you have learnt from your previous experience, you have realised what you can let go of. Now is the time, winter, to let it all sink in and be still. Deep in the earth, there is indeed movement. Those minerals, those lessons we have learned, are slowly simmering into new ideas and bringing us growth: Wood element/spring.

The Water element belongs to winter, is all about resting, recharging and deep recovery. Just as seeds rest in the ground for spring, winter asks us to turn inward and store our energy. The winter period is not meant to bang on, but rather to consciously rest and prepare for the growth cycle of spring. So that you can also take on those newfound ideas with sufficient energy.

How to support the water element:

1. Limit overactivity: Leave your schedule a little emptier and provide moments of real rest. The kidneys and bladder are central in winter and need the rest to balance your energy.

2. Warm yourself from within: Eat warming soups, stews and use spices like garlic, ginger and cinnamon. These foods help your body stay warm and support your energy balance. [Blog on Nutrition).

3. Self-care and cocooning: Give yourself space to turn inward. Meditation, warm baths, and spending time with a good book suit winter perfectly. It is the season to stay close to yourself and build up your reserves.

What happens if you ignore winter energy?

If you spend the winter restless and without a break, your body can become exhausted faster. You may experience cold hands and feet, a weakened immune system, and be more susceptible to illnesses such as colds and flu. Mentally, it can also become harder to focus, leading to feelings of anxiety or insomnia.

All those Christmas drinks, dinners and last-minute trips to the busy shopping streets for presents? You are doing yourself a huge favour by buying presents on time and dividing the festivities well. Also remember sometimes you can't be everywhere.