With autumn's arrival, certain distinct changes in nature begin to take place. The air gets crisper and cooler. The leaves fall off the trees. The nights get longer. Animals begin to make provisions for winter. There is an ending to the growth cycle in nature, and a general decline…a winding down….a descent.

In Chinese Medicine, the seasons are seen as teachers that can help us to understand the natural cycles and rhythms within ourselves. Each season has certain qualities that we embody as well.

For instance, the Winter is a time of great stillness, darkness and quiet. The qualities of summer include greater activity, light and blossoming. We have the capacity for both of these season’s qualities within us. When there is a great absence or excess of any of these qualities, we are out of balance and our health will ultimately reflect this.

What does Autumn have to teach us? It teaches us about letting go so that we can make way for new growth (the leaves falling of the trees). It teaches us that there can be breathtaking beauty and inspiration during the letting go/grief process (the theatrical bursts of color of the leaves). It teaches us about the importance of activities and emotions that have a downward quality.

The following is a list of practical suggestions that can help you attune to the awe inspiring season of Autumn.  Use them in, and for, good health:

• Go through your closets, drawers, garage, and cabinets and get rid of what you no longer use or need. Donate or sell anything of value, so that others can benefit from it, and throw out the rest. This de-cluttering will help you to feel lighter and more energetic.
  

• Consider doing “moving meditations” like tai chi, qi gong, and yoga. These can help create better circulation and attention to your breath.
  

• Just as you go through the closets and drawers of your home, go through the mental and emotional storage places within you and see if there are any old hurts, grudges, hatreds or resentments to let go of. This season is an ideal time to let go of any stuck emotions and old pains that contribute to suffering. Sometimes this may include contacting the people who we are harboring these feelings with, and seeking resolution and healing.
  

• Each day, take some time to breathe deeply and slowly. As you inspire the crisp Autumn air, feel yourself taking in pure energy and as you exhale, feel yourself letting go of that which you no longer need.
• Attempt to eat seasonal foods whenever possible. Autumn is a time of increased coolness so eating hearty soups with lots of vegetables, beans and grains is ideal. Other seasonal foods include squash, pumpkin, potatoes, turnips, late spinach, and apples.
  

• Our health is defined not only by the quality of what we take in in our lives, but also by what we eliminate and let go of. If your bowels are sluggish, consider changing your diet to include more fruits, vegetables, and fiber. Also make sure you are drinking adequate amounts of water (approx. ½ of your body weight in ounces daily). If these simple changes do not help improve your elimination, then consider seeing a health practitioner (such as a physician, nutritionist, massage therapist, acupuncturist, or herbalist) who can assist you.
  

• Consider an Autumn detoxification fast. Fasting, when done safely and wisely (if you are in ill health then its best to be supervised by an experienced health practitioner), can be an excellent way of cleansing our system. In addition to the many physiological benefits, many people who fast report feeling a distinct increase in energy, and a renewed sense of clarity.
  

• Ask yourself the questions: “What is of value to me?” and “Is my day to day life aligned with my  values?” Asking these questions can help begin the process of making sure that we are filling our life with that which is valuable to us while pruning and letting go of that which isn’t.
  

• Allow yourself to grieve the losses in your life. Allowing grief to move through you does honor to that which you have lost, and it can lead to greater grace and compassion. Expressing grief can also help to lighten your heart, and create room for greater growth and creativity.

-Jeff Millison

Practitioner Profile
 Jeff Millison, M.Ac., L.Ac.