Known for its beauty and bounty, Fall is a favorite season for many. As we transition from the warmer months of Summer to the cooler months of Autumn, we can turn to the ancient teachings of Eastern Medicine to move with the shift and guide us to choosing aligned foods, potions, and offerings for the season.
The old saying goes, “As above, so below," meaning that as we transition from one season to the next, our bodies go through changes as well. According to Chinese Medicine Five Element Theory, each season is related to a Yin + Yang organ pair, texture, emotion, flavor, and so much more.
During Fall, the Yin + Yang organ pair is the Lung + Large Intestine, respectively. This is truly the season of allowing ourselves to let go of what is no longer needed, and taking in new, fresh experiences, just as the Lungs take in fresh, vital praana/life-force. As this is the overarching theme of the season, we can begin to become more aware of what we need to let go of in order to bring new experiences in our lives.
Dryness is the ‘temperature’ of the season. When balanced, our skin feels plump and our hair feels full of life. If we are affected by the seasonal shift, we might notice dry skin, hair and lips from the lack of moisture.
Rather than waiting until things feel out of balance, we can use the wisdom of Chinese Medicine to keep our skin glowing and our bodies nourished. Here are a few tips for Fall and Autumnal offerings to stay vital and radiant all season long...
PEARS
Not only is this seasonal fruit delicious — in Chinese Medicine pears are traditionally valued for moistening the Lungs, and they are absolutely abundant this time of year. If your throat is feeling dry, pears are a perfect seasonal choice. Rich in Vitamin C, eat them as is or make fresh pear juice in the morning — your body and skin will love you.
ASTRAGALUS
Reputed as one of the most treasured Qi tonics in the world, this traditional Taoist herb is traditionally used to support the Lungs and Wei Qi.
TOCOS
Known as “The Ultimate Skin Food,” Tocos is a rich source of bio-available Vitamin E and is traditionally valued for supporting the appearance of healthy skin. And with its rich + creamy texture, we can’t think of a more perfect addition to your seasonal rotation.
TRIPHALA ELIXIR
A classic Ayurvedic formula, this Triphala Elixir is a lovely addition to your daily routine for the season. Triphala is traditionally used to support the organs of digestion and elimination.
SHEA BUTTER
Wildcrafted Shea Butter is absolutely divine. The smell alone is enough to send you into bliss, and it is deeply nourishing — traditionally used for dry skin, chapped lips and rough patches. Slather it on from head-to-toe for glowing skin all season long.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Autumn correspond to in Chinese Medicine?
In Five Element Theory, Autumn is governed by the Metal element and the Lung + Large Intestine organ pair. Its ‘temperature’ is dryness, which is why the season’s foods and herbs lean toward the moistening and the nourishing.
Which herbs are traditionally used in Autumn?
Astragalus is a classic Taoist Qi tonic traditionally associated with the Lungs and Wei Qi, and Triphala is traditionally used to support digestion and elimination.
What helps with seasonal dryness?
Moistening foods like pears, plus Tocos internally and Shea Butter topically.
How do I add these to a daily routine?
Astragalus and Tocos blend easily into a morning potion or latte, Triphala is taken as an elixir, and Shea Butter goes on after a shower while the skin is still warm.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
