Holistic Health Blog

The progressive slowing down of growth in autumn is understood to have an affinity with the metal element. In the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) system, the qualities of balanced metal are apparent when we similarly are able to hone our focus and know a shining mental clarity (indeed, metal is associated with a clear or white colour). We also experience this in a sense of self-worth that lets us set healthy boundaries and structures for ourselves.

The organs associated with autumn gives us a clue as to how we protect ourselves at this physically and emotionally vulnerable time of year. Our Lung-Large Intestine system, through the actions of inhalation and elimination, teach us that we don’t hold on to what we absorb. We feel it, use only what is vital, and release the rest.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) the particular element associated with Late Summer is Earth, which provides us with our physical and emotional stability, and gives so generously of itself at this time of year.

In the same way that Earth nurtures us, this season calls us to nourish and strengthen ourselves after the expansive growth and outer-directed movement of summer, to once again ground and centre ourselves. We take special care of our own centre, our Stomach and Spleen and digestion, what is most in need of regeneration during this season.

Human beings are designed to appreciate sweetness. Sweet is the taste of the first nourishment we know (breastmilk being somewhat sweet), and the flavour most prevalent in foods. This connection between the sweet flavour and mother’s milk reflects the way many cultures see the earth itself as a mother. It also highlights Traditional Chinese Medicine’s (TCM) association of the earth element with the sweet taste.