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AUTUMN: The Metal-Season of Introspection and Letting Go
- Chiara Favaretti
- Sep 16
- 4 min read
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.
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.
Pilates Offerings:
Grounding Movement for Late Summer
In my Pilates classes this season,I focus on breath-led movement and chest-opening exercises to support the Lungs, combined with sequences that help circulation and gently strengthen the core. Movements that encourage flow across the ribcage and upper back are especially beneficial for expanding lung capacity and maintaining resilience.
I also weave in stretches from the Yoga of Meridians sequence (taught to me by Sensei Tzvika Calisar during my Shiatsu training). These specifically stimulate the Lung and Large Intestine meridians, supporting not only physical flexibility but also the process of emotional release.
Illustrated below are the meridian stretches for this season. A detailed video with step-by-step guidance can be found in the Virtual Studio > Short Sessions > Meridians.
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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