Autumn is a season of transition, both in nature and in life. In Chinese medicine, the autumn season is a time of reflection. It is a time to look back on the year to date, acknowledging the accomplishments, the positive aspects, and the achievements that warrant recognition.

Letting Go in Fall

The trees shed their leaves to make way for new growth, we exhale to take in fresh air, and we prepare for the arrival of winter by storing away summer clothes. 

Whether in the natural world or in personal life, autumn requires a sense of letting go. It is a time to release what is no longer serving you and embrace the opportunity to breathe in new life, explore new possibilities, and honor your accomplishments and those of others. By adopting a quieter rhythm, we prepare ourselves for the deep stillness of winter.

How well do you embrace the transition to autumn? Do your allergies flare up, making it challenging to take in the fresh air? Is it difficult to discard old belongings? Do you experience a sense of melancholy as the days grow shorter and the summer sun fades?

To help you welcome autumn with newfound awe and appreciation, consider the following suggestions:

1. Take a daily walk to observe the transformation of the leaves.

2. Compile a list of the events that held significance for you during the past year.

3. Engage in a breathing meditation, focusing on inhaling what you would like to incorporate into your life in the coming year and exhaling anything that no longer serves you and hinders your peace.

4. Select one unfinished cleanup project and complete it. You will likely feel a profound sense of accomplishment.

Aligning with Nature through Acupuncture

Acupuncture offers an opportunity to harmonize your being with natural rhythms. As integral components of the surrounding environment, individuals who are not in alignment with the seasonal change may experience physical discomfort and suffering. Observing the seasonal cycles and the consistent patterns of nature provides valuable insights into our own biological rhythms and susceptibility to disruption. An acupuncturist can guide you toward a state of alignment with your natural potential, resulting in reduced frequency of illness and improved recovery outcomes.

Therefore, let us embrace the beauty of the autumn season, symbolizing a release from constraints, a sweeping away of obstacles, and the invigorating intake of fresh air and life-giving energy.