The Wisdom of Autumn in Traditional Chinese Medicine

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the rhythms of nature are seen as reflections of the rhythms within our own bodies. Each season connects to certain organs, elements, emotions, and qualities that can guide us toward better balance. Autumn is a season of transition. The outward, expansive energy of summer begins to turn inward. Leaves fall, days shorten, and our bodies naturally prepare for the slower, quieter months ahead.

To better understand autumn through the lens of TCM, let’s look at the organs, elements, and themes most connected with this season:

Organs: Lungs and Large Intestine

The Lungs are the organ of receiving and taking in: the breath, oxygen, inspiration, and energy from the outside world. In autumn, the Lungs are especially vulnerable to dryness, coughs, and colds. The Large Intestine, paired with the Lungs, is about letting go: releasing waste, toxins, and what the body no longer needs. Together, these organs reflect autumn’s lesson: to take in what nourishes us and release what does not.

Emotion: Grief and Letting Go

Autumn’s emotional theme is grief. As trees let go of their leaves, we’re reminded of the cycles of holding on and letting go in our own lives. Grief, in TCM, isn’t “negative”. It’s a necessary process that allows us to honor loss while creating space for new beginnings. When Lung energy is imbalanced, grief can feel overwhelming or stuck. When balanced, it allows us to move forward with clarity, resilience, and acceptance.

Element: Metal

Metal represents refinement, structure, and clarity. Just as metal is formed under heat and pressure into something strong and enduring, autumn is a time of paring down, letting go, and keeping only what is essential. In nature, this is reflected by the trees dropping their leaves. For us, it’s an invitation to simplify our lives, strengthen boundaries, and hold onto practices and habits that truly support us.

Sense Organ: The Nose

The Lungs open into the nose, which makes the respiratory system especially connected to autumn. Seasonal allergies, sinus congestion, dry nasal passages, or frequent colds are all signs of imbalance this time of year. By protecting the nose and supporting the breath, we align with the Lung energy that dominates autumn.

Color: White

Autumn’s color is white, representing purity, clarity, and refinement. You see it in the cloudy skies, misty mornings, and seasonal foods like white radish, garlic, cauliflower, and pears—all of which are thought to strengthen Lung function. Eating more of these “white” foods helps harmonize the body with autumn’s energy.

Body Tissue: The Skin

The skin is seen as the “third Lung” in TCM. It’s the first line of defense between our inner world and the environment. In autumn’s dry climate, the skin often shows signs of imbalance with dryness, itchiness, or sensitivity. Taking care of the skin with hydration, moistening foods, and topical nourishment supports both Lung health and immune function.

Climate: Dryness

Each season carries a dominant climate influence, and for autumn, it’s dryness. Just as leaves become brittle and the air turns crisp, our bodies can experience dryness in the throat, lungs, skin, and intestines. Dryness can lead to coughs, constipation, or rough skin. Counteracting dryness with warm soups, teas, and moistening foods like honey, sesame, and pear helps keep balance.

Autumn reminds us to slow down, breathe deeply, and release what we no longer need. By nourishing the Lungs and Large Intestine, honoring the natural rhythm of letting go, and supporting our bodies with seasonal foods and practices, we can move gracefully into the stillness of winter with strength and clarity.

But understanding the philosophy is just the beginning, what really matters is how we apply it in daily life. In my next post, I’ll be sharing practical fall health recommendations inspired by TCM: the best foods to eat, simple lifestyle shifts, and self-care practices to keep your energy strong and your immune system resilient as the weather turns cooler.

Think of this post as the “why” of autumn in TCM, and the next as the “how”, a guide you can use right away to stay balanced, grounded, and healthy this season.