The autumn season is now upon us,  the days get shorter, leaves begin to fall and the energy of trees redirect themselves into the trunk for preservation to withstand the coming winter. As we shift from the vibrancy of summer to a time of more introspection we aim to nourish the yin as summer has consumed it.

As cyclical beings we collectively transition through each of these seasons together. With each season comes the opportunity for us to create habits and rituals that support us.

In Chinese Medicine the organ associated with Autumn is the Lungs and associated with letting go of what no longer serves. Here are some tips to nourish us during this time:

Lifestyle:

• Go to bed earlier, wake earlier. Restore, restore, restore!
• Deep belly breathing is especially nourishing for the Lungs each morning (begin with 5-10 breaths each day)
• Include more Yin Yoga classes into your week, as we transition from all the Yang of the Summer months enjoy winding down and letting your body rest
• Keep warm with a scarf and extra layers
• If you have been experiencing sadness and grief now is the perfect time to allow those emotions to come, embrace them and let them go. Feel and release!

Diet:

• Eat seasonally (pears, apples, cauliflower, cabbage, brussels)
• Favour pungent foods & spices ( bay leaves, cardamom, chives, cinnamon, cloves, turmeric and ginger)
• Moisten the dryness of Autumn, foods that moisten the Lungs: Black sesame seeds, apples and pears
• Avoid cold raw foods, include more warming foods such as broths, soups and congee
• Avoid icy cold drink
• Reduce the consumption of sugar, dairy and gluten to reduce phlegm through the next few months