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AUTUMN: The Metal-Season of Introspection and Letting Go
Updated: Sep 22
Autumn carries a very particular energy: one of reflection, slowing down, and preparing for the colder months ahead. As the leaves begin to fall, nature reminds us of the beauty in letting go, releasing what is no longer needed so that new life can eventually emerge.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, this is the season of the Metal element. Its qualities invite us to turn inward, to refine and distil what truly matters, and to strengthen our immunity for the months of Winter. Just as trees conserve their energy, we too can benefit from conserving ours—through nourishing foods, breath-centred practices, and gentle routines that protect both body and spirit.
Here are a few elements you might like to keep in mind…as well as some tips to help you navigate this season!
Metal: Introspection, Clarity, Letting Go
In TCM, Autumn belongs to the Metal element—an energy of reflection and refinement. It invites us to create space by letting go of what no longer supports us, so that clarity and simplicity can emerge. This process isn’t only physical; it also extends to our thoughts, habits, and emotional patterns.
Organs: Lungs and Large Intestine
The Lungs and Large Intestine are the organs most connected with Autumn. The Lungs draw in fresh air, vitality, and inspiration. The Large Intestine supports elimination—helping us release waste and, symbolically, old burdens.
When these organs are balanced, our breath feels open and steady, our digestion works smoothly, and our immune system is resilient. When they’re out of balance, we might notice shallow breathing, skin dryness, constipation, or a lowered resistance to colds. Supporting these organs now helps lay the foundation for a healthier winter.
Emotions: Grief and Acceptance
Autumn is often associated with grief, the natural response to loss or endings. But when this emotion is acknowledged rather than suppressed, it transforms into acceptance and spaciousness. This makes Autumn a season for gentle introspection: asking ourselves what we might release—whether thoughts, commitments, or attachments—so we can move forward with lightness.
Weather: Dryness
Autumn’s dry winds and crisp air can leave both body and skin feeling parched. In TCM, dryness particularly affects the Lungs and Large Intestine, showing up as coughs, dry throats, or sluggish bowels. Moistening foods like pears, apples, sesame seeds, tofu, and warming soups can help protect our bodies, while regular hydration supports immunity and resilience.
Colour: White
The colour of Metal is white, reflecting the clarity and purity of this season. From misty mornings to silvery light on fallen leaves, white reminds us of simplicity and letting go of excess. Bringing lighter shades into your home, clothing, or even on your plate can encourage a sense of spaciousness and calm.
Tissue: Skin
The skin, our boundary with the outer world, is strongly connected to the Lungs. As the weather cools, caring for the skin becomes a way of supporting immunity—through gentle moisturising, protecting against harsh winds, and noticing how breath and skin alike form our first line of defence against the environment.
Taste: Pungent
The flavour of Autumn is pungent. Foods such as ginger, garlic, onions, radish, and mustard greens help stimulate circulation, clear lingering pathogens, and strengthen Lung function. These warming tastes are wonderful allies for boosting immunity in preparation for winter.
In the Virtual Studio for the whole season you'll have access to the
"6 DAYS AUTUMN KIT (pause & repeat)"
A mini video series you can play wherever you are.
Each video is only a few minutes long so you can easily fit it into your day.
Open to all levels. No special equipment required.
Each of these practices are inspired by this season's natural arc (and acronym):
Align — begin the season by aligning your body and breath through intentional movement
Unwind — release shoulders, neck, and hips
Twist — support digestion and spinal health with spiralling movements
Uplift — strengthen the core and upper body, encouraging more energy to flow
Modulate — slow the pace and balance right and left hemispheres through breath
Nestle — rest in supported, comforting shapes, calming the body and nervous system
If you are already a member, enter the Virtual Studio HERE, or try it today for free:
Shiatsu Treatments:
Supporting the Lungs and Large Intestine
Do you feel run-down, find yourself catching colds easily, or notice a heaviness around the chest?
Although each Shiatsu treatment addresses the whole body, in Autumn I often pay particular attention to the Lung and Large Intestine meridians -- pathways that help regulate breath, immunity, elimination, and emotional release.
Through acupressure and gentle stretches, Shiatsu can encourage deeper breathing, strengthen defences, and ease the process of letting go. It offers a supportive way to align with Autumn’s inward rhythm and to prepare body and mind for the colder months ahead.
If this approach resonates with you, I invite you to look for a practitioner near you and try out a Shiatsu Treatment. It offers an effective and holistic way to harmonise with the season, supporting both body and emotions.
Illustrates below are the meridians’ stretches for this season’s organs: Lungs & Large Intestine, which you are welcome to try on your own, whether to support your Shiatsu Treatment or to benefit from the stretches alone.
A longer and more detailed video, with step by step instructions on how to perform these exercises effectively and safely, can be found in the Virtual Studio.
Keen in supporting your body this season?
Join my VIRTUAL STUDIO for unlimited access to Pilates & Shiatsu resources
Autumn whispers:
Breathe deeply. Release gently.
Strengthen within.
Whether through Pilates, Shiatsu, or mindful living, may this season be an opportunity to reflect, let go, and nourish your inner strength ... so you step into Winter feeling supported and resilient.
With love & gratitude,
Chiara
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