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Lisa Reichert, surfacingwellness.com

It’s important that we allow our bodies’ rhythms to echo the shifting seasons.The Five Element theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine helps us make the connection between the Earth and ourselves, shedding light on, among other things, healthy eating patterns and the organs that are most affected by particular seasons. With fall, whose associated element is metal, we recognize the body’s need to slow down and restore itself, to prepare for winter’s element, water. But first, we should consider how summer’s fire has affected us.

Recently, in a perfect illustration of summer’s expansive yang energy, abundant rains swelled the wooden door in my backyard. It would stick, a hard yank and slam announcing each tenant’s arrival. That moisture bloated the door just as the excesses of our sociable summer can accumulate in our bodies causing sluggishness, foggy-headedness and digestive or sinus issues.

The sweetness of summer fruit, juices, pastries and ice creams can add to the dampness that causes physical sluggishness and heaviness. Balancing all the seasonal flavors of sour, bitter, spicy, bland, salty and sweet will reduce potential for imbalance. Introducing bitter and spicy flavors will cleanse the body of the damp excess, and prepares for the changing season. This balance is especially important for the lungs, which are most susceptible to infection through dampness in both the winter and the summer. However, the good news is that they can be easily strengthened now that it’s autumn.

Metal, the element of autumn, means contraction, condensation and crystallization. It is a time of more yin, of inward and downward movement. Within the body, metal is connected to the skin and pores, the lung and large intestine, therefore an imbalance in metal can result in respiratory or skin problems, constipation or immune dysfunction. Autumn is time for these related organs to let go of that which no longer serves us.

To flow with the seasonal rhythm and to strengthen the metal element, experiment with pungent greens and warming spicy teas to activate Qi (energy) to push outward and upward, raising warming yang energy and maintaining yin. Look for arugula, radish, kale, mustard and turnip greens, horseradish, chives and brassicas, cabbages, brussel sprouts, broccoli rabe, radicchio, and endive. Make herbal teas with fresh nutmeg, allspice, ginger and cinnamon. These foods will help you clear away dampness and strengthen your immune and respiratory systems for winter. Practice yoga, Qigong, or receive tonifying and cleansing acupuncture for the lung and large intestine.

Watch the leaves change and fall and feel the north winds blow. Match fall’s cadence within yourself by turning inward and reflecting. Bringing your body in rhythm with the seasons will mean a more balanced and harmonious life.

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