“As the wheel of the seasons turns to fall, the days shorten, the earth cools, and the expanded energy of summer begins to consolidate.” Nishanga Bliss

Fall energy is the time of Metal and mineralization. This means that issues with lymphatic and venous circulation can give you the feeling of heaviness in the legs and hips and your skin can become dull and lifeless without the minerals it needs to glow. Mineralization is the most important focus during the fall months to regain a feeling of lightness. Heavy metal toxicity will be more prevalent, as well as issues with nails and hair. This is the time to do deep hair and skin treatments such as the Chinese Five Element Body Cure. This is when calcium issues such as osteoporosis, osteopenia, bone spurs and gallstones can develop and varicose veins can erupt. Constipation is common during this time with a lack of magnesium and asthma and breathing difficulties may be worse. Maintaining effective lymphatic circulation can be a strong factor during this period of time for keeping skin looking great and preventing signs of aging from developing.

Organs: Lungs and colon, skin and hair
Action: Deep breathing, lung and colon cleansing and detoxification
Emotion: Grief, the healing of scars

Metal energy is consolidating with inward movement, like a flower closing its petals. Be one with nature. It’s okay to close your petals for awhile.

Metals motion is determined, forceful, strong, unyielding, self-reliant, reserved and sophisticated. Use these to your best advantage.

Metal is associated with the lungs, respiratory system and is related to the nose. Take in the heavenly Chi.

Metal is also associated with the large intestine, an organ of elimination.

Through the lungs we not only regenerate from the air we breathe, but we also eliminate the carbonic gas produced by the metabolism of our cells. Elimination and cleansing is both a physical and a psychological activity. It is one of the purposes of this energetic season.

Both courage and sadness are emotions associated with this season. Allow yourself to weep when you feel too, but also find the courage to face what’s ahead.

Metal represents the direction West (the direction of helpful people/travel & creativity/children). In Taoist mythology, West is guarded by the White Tiger, known for righteousness, independence and determination. Stand facing West and honor the “Westness” of Autumn.

This season’s color is represented by white or blue; light white candles against the growing darkness of the season.

Source of quote above:Bliss, Nishanga. Real Food All Year: Eating Seasonal Whole Foods for Optimal Health & All-day Energy. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications, 2012. Print.

Here are 9 More Tips to Thrive During the Energetic Season of Fall

1. Practice letting go in all things.
2. Release old resentments or hurts. Start fresh.
3. When feeling sad or stuck, remember that nothing is permanent. It will pass.
4. Eliminate negative and destructive habits.
5. Meditate or pray. This is the time of year when spiritual vision comes easier.
6. Cleanse your body. Support the immune system by eating more fresh fruits and veggies and less animal products.
7. Help your body to rehydrate by drinking lots of water and eating high water content produce.
8. Breathe and smell the new scents of nature and the season. Note the subtle or remarkable change in the quality of the air.
9. Complete unfinished projects. Prepare for the winter.

Skin

Dryness is the ruling chi of the Fall season. For skin, the Metal energetic season is the optimum time to address demineralization, surface dehydration, puffiness and congestion, and dull, lifeless skin. The PHYTO5® Metal energetic line has mineralizing and anti-inflammatory properties, increases circulation, promotes oxygenation of skin, diminishes swelling and puffiness, and rehydrates and rejuvenates the skin.

Food

Sour foods like lemon, plum, pear, and mango work to obstruct bodily functions, which make them helpful in alleviating diarrhea, excessive perspiration, and hemorrhoids, among other conditions. Sour foods are most active in the liver, where they counteract the effects of rich, greasy food. Sour foods are related to the fall season. Ross, Rosa, and Suzanne LeVert. Chinese Healing Foods. New York: Pocket, 1998. Print.

Your diet should be dictated by the rhythms of the external world. Food gains power to maintain health from its relationship to the external world…Root vegetables, such as burdock and turnips have downward-moving energy, so give in to the natural desire to eat them in the fall. Cohen, Misha Ruth.The New Chinese Medicine Handbook: An Innovative Guide to Integrating Eastern Wisdom with Western Practice for Modern Healing. Fair Winds Press, 2015. Print.