Autumn in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine is the season associated with the lung system. The lung system controls not only respiration and lung health, but also the condition of the skin. Emotionally, the lung is associated with sadness and grief as well as inspiration and resilience.
It is important during this time of the year, to take deep, gentle breaths and long cleansing exhales. This exercise fuels inspiration and discards old, non – productive energies. Foods and herbs that are linked to and support the lung system tend to be “pungent” and promote overall energetic flow and reduce stagnation. Some foods that are particularly energetically good this time of the year are : Amaranth, Cabbage, Coriander, Daikon radish, Kale, Mustard greens, Nori and other seaweeds, Olives, Pumpkin, Almonds, Cashew, Peanut, Cheeses and Yogurt.
The winds of change tend to blow chilly in the fall, the TCVM lesson is to breathe through it and try not to be stuck in any sadness or regrets of the past, but to be fueled with inspiration and resilience for whatever may lie ahead.