Embrace the Yin Cycle: Autumn’s Wisdom for Letting Go

As the days grow shorter and the air crisper, we enter the yin cycle that begins with fall. This is a time of harvest, preparation, and reflection as nature slows down and begins to conserve its energy for the winter ahead. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), autumn is associated with the Lungs and Large Intestine, organs that belong to the Metal Element. Their key characteristics? Dryness, contraction, and downward movement.

The Metal Element is all about structure and order. When in balance, it helps us stay methodical, efficient, patient, and disciplined. Think of the Metal Element as a guiding force that keeps things running smoothly. In autumn, we can use this energy to organize our thoughts, create new routines, and become more intentional in our actions.

The Lungs are our direct link to the environment, exposed through the nose and mouth. This constant exposure makes them tender and vulnerable to damage, which is why it’s especially important to protect our respiratory system during the fall season. The Large Intestine, in turn, helps with elimination, releasing waste and toxins from the body. Together, these organs teach us a valuable lesson: the importance of letting go.

Autumn marks the end of the growing season, a time when energy turns inward, and the outward expansion of summer fades away. Just as trees shed their leaves, we are invited to shed what no longer serves us. The old leaves decompose and enrich the soil, nurturing the new growth of spring. This process of release is vital, as it clears the way for new beginnings and possibilities.

In TCM, the emotional aspect of the Lungs and Large Intestine is this very act of "letting go." Like the trees, we don’t cling to the old out of fear or attachment. Instead, we release what’s no longer needed, trusting that new opportunities will emerge when the time is right.

As you move through this season of change, reflect on what you may need to release from your life. This could be physical clutter, emotional baggage, or mental patterns that no longer serve your highest good. Embrace the wisdom of the trees—don’t stubbornly hold onto your leaves. Let them fall, knowing that letting go is not the end, but the beginning of renewal.

In this yin phase, create space to receive. Just as the trees stand bare, open and ready for the next season, so too can we create space within ourselves for new directions and possibilities.

Take time to nurture your lungs, protect your body from dryness, and allow the wisdom of autumn to guide your journey inward. In this period of reflection, remember: by letting go, we create room to receive.

Signs of Disharmony:

• Allergies and sneezing

• Colds and flu

• Asthma

• Constipation

• Dry hair and skin

• Poor appetite

• Stiff joints

• Headaches

• Suppressed Emotions

• Fixed/rigid Attitudes

Suggestions for living in harmony with the Metal season:

Activities: Deep breathing, Meditation, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, Yoga, Dry skin brushing, and Massage

• Go through your closet, desk, garage, medicine cabinet or any cluttered storage area, and discard what you no longer need. Then donate, sell, or otherwise circulate what might be of value to others.

• Do a mental inventory: see what patterns are no longer serving you and brainstorm on new ways of doing. 

• Forgive others and yourself.

• Take time each day to breathe slowly and deeply. Maybe try to go for a walk around your neighborhood. As you inhale the clean and crisp Fall air, feel yourself energized and and at peace. Feel the old negativity, impurity, and pain leave your body and mind. 

• Remember to take inspiration from nature around you; let go to become renewed.

Ban Lan Gen — instant granule tea

Looking for a way to help relieve your scratchy, sore throats this cold and flu season? Ban Lan Gen is here to help!

This renowned, powerful herbal formula is well known in China for its antiviral and antibacterial action and is especially helpful for relieving painful and swollen sore throats. All together this herbal instant tea will help you to feel better in the moment and will help you recover quicker from illness in general!

We always keep a few packets with where ever we go since its so easy to make — bags, cars, your office. The sooner you start drinking the herbs the quicker you will be feeling better once again!

The herb Ban Lan Gen is known for its ability to cool down the body, fight off infections, soothe sore throats, improve blood circulation, and strengthen the immune system.

Ban Lan Gen  has a thousand-year history of use for the prevention and treatment of respiratory tract infections (particularly respiratory viral diseases).

Modern day clinical studies have evaluated the efficacy of BLG granules on treatment of acute pharyngitis, infection of the upper respiratory tract, and influenza H1N1. These studies have suggested that Ban Lan Gan and its active ingredients may inhibit the influenza virus.

Both Eastern and Western medicine approved!!

If this sounds like something that may help you, please give us a call/text at (512)775-4057 or email us at lightfamilyacupuncture@gmail.com to pick up a bag today!

Acupressure to Soothe the Throat: LU 10

Soothe your throat naturally with Lung 10!

This time of year can be very dry and there are lots of colds, flus, and allergens in our environment that can leave our throats feeling irritated!

Lung 10, located on the palm side of your hand, is a powerful point for easing sore throats, reducing inflammation, and clearing heat from the lungs.

👉 How to apply:

1️⃣ Find the point in the fleshy area at the base of your thumb.

2️⃣ Gently press and massage in a circular motion for 1-2 minutes.

3️⃣ Repeat on both hands for optimal relief!

Use this simple technique to keep your throat calm and healthy. 💆‍♀️💨