TCM Seasons: Supporting the Shift from Summer to Fall
- Adam Fiore, DHOM, N.D., DHP
- September 24, 2022
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views with great importance the transition from the active energy of the Fire element (summer) to the more inward energy of the Metal (fall) and Water (winter elements.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and other ancient medical systems teach us to move with the seasons.
Specifically, TCM views with great importance the transition from the active and outward pouring energy of the Fire element (summer) to the more inward moving energy of the Metal (fall) and Water (winter) elements.
Soup and stews, baked fruits, baked or steamed vegetables and warming grains (quinoa, oats, brown rice, etc) are best eaten during fall and winter seasons. Visit your local market and stock up on nutrient-dense vegetables and fruits like pears, apples, beets, squash, etc. Continuing to eat too many cooling foods like salads, tropical fruits and smoothies, and consuming large amounts of dairy products make the transition into the cooler months more difficult.
We don’t have enough digestive fire to break down these cooling and raw foods and as a result we produce phlegm, which affects the lungs and its paired organ, the large intestine. Therefore, change from raw and cooling foods to warming and heartier meals.
The lungs are fragile during the fall season while the kidneys are most sensitive during the winter. Here are some beverage ideas to support the lung energy during the transition into cooler months:
Ginger Tea
Warms the lungs and digestive system. Place 5 or 6 fresh slices in water (or you can grate it) and boil for 10 minutes. Add agave nectar or raw honey to sweeten.
Hot Lemon Tea
Squeeze half a lemon in hot water with raw honey. Add a pinch of cayenne to stimulate metabolism and break down any accumulation of phlegm. Do this first thing in the morning.
Herbal Teas
‘Breathe Easy’ by Traditional Medicinals combines Western and Chinese herbs to warm and invigorate, and is widely available at local health food stores.
About Adam Fiore, DHOM, N.D.
Adam brings his rich experience in Traditional Chinese Medicine and the Yogic healing arts, where he is certified both as an Acupressure therapist and Yoga instructor, as well as his training practice as a Naturopath. As a long-time practitioner of meditation, he fully embodies and practices the Holistic approach and philosophy of MICH. He has utilized various body-mind modalities in his work with children, teenagers and adults, working in areas such as spectrum disorders, addiction and mental health.
Do you want to apply the principles of a holistic lifestyle to your life, to help yourself and others? Consult with a MICH holistic practitioner or study with us.