As the vibrant colors of autumn begin to surround us, the fall season brings more than just cooler temperatures and beautiful foliage. It is a time of transition—both in nature and in our bodies. According to Traditional Medicine fall is a season to focus on the lungs and large intestine, two organs closely linked to our immune system and emotional balance. Acupuncture can play a vital role in helping us stay grounded and healthy during this period of change. Let’s explore how acupuncture supports immunity and overall wellness as we prepare for the colder months ahead.

The Fall Season in Traditional Medicine

In Traditional Medicine, the fall season is associated with the Metal element, which governs the lungs and large intestine. The energy of the season shifts from the yang activity of summer to the more yin, introspective energy of winter. This transition can make us more vulnerable to illness, especially as the lungs are our first line of defense against external pathogens. Emotionally, fall is also a time of reflection, making it important to release any stagnant emotions like grief and sadness that may arise.

How Acupuncture Supports the Body During Fall

1. Strengthening the Immune System

As we enter the fall, it's common to experience respiratory issues such as colds, allergies, and dryness. Acupuncture can help by strengthening the Wei Qi, our body’s defensive energy. By stimulating specific acupuncture points, acupuncture enhances immune function and helps your body ward off seasonal illnesses.

Common acupuncture points used for boosting immunity include:

LI4 (Hegu): Great for overall immunity and addressing cold symptoms.
ST36 (Zusanli): Known for its immune-boosting and digestive-regulating properties.
LU7 (Lieque): Ideal for nourishing the lungs and preventing respiratory issues.

2. Managing Seasonal Allergies

The fall season often brings an increase in allergens such as mold and pollen. Acupuncture has been shown to relieve common allergy symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, and itchy eyes. Regular acupuncture sessions during allergy season can not only ease symptoms but also strengthen the body's resistance to allergens over time.

3. Balancing the Lungs and Preventing Dryness

Fall is a dry season, and this dryness can affect the lungs, skin, and throat. Acupuncture helps to nourish and balance the lung meridian, preventing conditions like dry skin, sore throats, and coughs. By supporting the lungs, acupuncture can keep you hydrated from the inside out.

Acupuncture for Emotional Balance in the Fall

Fall is also a time for letting go—both in nature and within ourselves. As leaves fall from trees, we are reminded to release emotions that no longer serve us. In TCM, the lungs are associated with emotions like grief, and acupuncture can help release stored sadness and promote emotional clarity.

Acupuncture treatments focusing on the Metal element can help you process emotional shifts, promote a sense of inner peace, and prepare you for the introspective nature of winter. Points like LU3 (Tianfu) and PC6 (Neiguan) can help soothe emotional stress and bring calm during this reflective season.

Herbal Medicine for the Fall

Herbal remedies that are especially beneficial during the fall season, focusing on boosting the immune system, nourishing the lungs, and preventing dryness:

1. Astragalus (Huang Qi, 黄芪)

Benefits: Astragalus is well-known for its immune-boosting properties and is often used to prevent colds and flu. It strengthens Wei Qi (defensive energy) and supports the lungs, making it ideal for fall when the immune system needs extra support.
How to Use: Astragalus can be taken as a tea, tincture, or in soups to strengthen immunity throughout the season.

2. Lily Bulb (Bai He, 百合)

Benefits: Lily bulb is moistening and nourishing for the lungs, helping to counteract the dryness often experienced during fall. It also soothes coughs and supports emotional balance, particularly sadness and grief associated with the lungs.
How to Use: Often included in soups or porridge, lily bulb is gentle and nourishing for both the body and mind.

3. Pear and Fritillaria Powder (Chuan Bei Mu, 川贝母)

Benefits: This herb is used to relieve dry coughs and clear phlegm from the lungs. It is especially helpful for those who experience respiratory discomfort in dry, cold air.
How to Use: Combine Chuan Bei Mu with steamed pear to make a soothing, lung-nourishing dessert or drink.

4. Schisandra (Wu Wei Zi, 五味子)

Benefits: Schisandra is known for its ability to stabilize the lungs and support respiratory health. It also has an adaptogenic effect, helping the body adjust to seasonal stressors, which is helpful in the transition from summer to fall.
How to Use: You can take Schisandra as a tea, tincture, or in powdered form to balance respiratory function.

5. White Fungus (Bai Mu Er, 白木耳)

Benefits: White fungus is deeply hydrating and known for its ability to moisten the lungs, making it excellent for combating dryness during the fall season. It also supports skin hydration, making it ideal for dry or itchy skin in colder weather.
How to Use: Cook white fungus in soups or desserts, often combined with goji berries, red dates, or rock sugar.

6. Dried Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi, 陈皮)

Benefits: Chen Pi helps regulate digestion and resolve phlegm, supporting the large intestine's function. It's useful for addressing digestive issues that can arise during the seasonal shift.
How to Use: Chen Pi can be added to teas or soups, and is commonly used in combination with other herbs to support digestion and lung health.

8. Ginseng (Ren Shen, 人参)

Benefits: Ginseng is a powerful adaptogen that helps strengthen the body’s energy (Qi) and supports the immune system. It also boosts lung function and helps the body adapt to seasonal changes.
How to Use: Ginseng can be taken as tea, in capsule form, or used in soups to enhance energy and prevent illness.

9. Goji Berries (Gou Qi Zi, 枸杞子)

Benefits: Goji berries nourish both the lungs and kidneys and are rich in antioxidants. They help support the immune system, improve vision, and moisturize the body, making them perfect for the fall.
How to Use: Goji berries can be added to teas, soups, or eaten as a snack. They pair well with other lung-nourishing herbs like white fungus or jujube dates.

Supporting Fall Wellness with Acupuncture and Lifestyle Changes

In addition to acupuncture, there are other ways to align with the energy of fall:

Dietary Recommendations

In TCM, fall is a time to nourish the body with warming, grounding foods that support the lungs and large intestine. Focus on foods such as:

Root vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, and turnips.
Moistening foods such as pears, apples, tofu, and honey to combat dryness.
Warming soups and teas made from ginger, cinnamon, or licorice root to strengthen digestion and immune health.

Breathing Exercises and Meditation

Fall is an ideal time to incorporate breathing exercises that nourish the lungs. Simple breathwork practices can enhance lung capacity and bring calm to your mind. Consider incorporating meditation or mindful breathing into your daily routine to stay centered as the season changes.

Staying Warm and Protected

As the weather cools, it’s important to stay warm and protect your body, especially the neck and chest. In TCM, wind and cold can easily invade the body during this season, leading to illness. Wearing scarves and keeping your core warm will help protect your immune system.

JD AcuCare offers a heat therapy treatment that is perfect fit for fall. See more about the treatment here.

Conclusion

As we embrace the transition from summer to fall, acupuncture offers a gentle, effective way to stay balanced and healthy. By strengthening your immune system, supporting emotional well-being, and nourishing your lungs, acupuncture can help you thrive in the face of seasonal changes. This fall, consider booking an acupuncture session to fortify your body and mind, ensuring a smooth and peaceful transition into winter.

Boosting Immunity and Embracing Balance: How Acupuncture Supports Wellness in the Fall