The Energetics of Fall: A Season for Clarity and Renewal

Ollie on the front steps of Basic Balance

As the warmth of summer fades and autumn’s crisp air settles in, the world around us begins a quiet transformation. The trees let go of their leaves, the air grows sharper, and we instinctively start to slow down and turn inward. In Chinese Medicine, each season is connected to an Element, and fall belongs to the Metal Element. This season invites us to refine, release, and reconnect with what truly matters.

The Wisdom of the Metal Element

The Metal Element is associated with the Lungs and the Large Intestine—two organ systems that beautifully mirror fall’s themes of discernment and letting go.

• The Lungs draw in inspiration. Every breath is a reminder that life is precious and fleeting. To “inspire” is to literally breathe in, but also to feel uplifted and connected to something greater than ourselves.

• The Large Intestine is an organ of elimination, helping us release what no longer serves us—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

  
  

Together, these systems teach us about boundaries, clarity, and the freedom that comes when we release the unnecessary and hold onto what truly nourishes us.

The Great Eliminator: LI4

One of my favorite acupuncture points connected to the Large Intestine deserves a special mention. Large Intestine 4 (LI4), also known as “The Great Eliminator,” is a versatile point I use in the clinic day in and day out.

LI4 is considered a “5-star point” for so many ailments including relieving low back pain, resolving conditions in the lower abdominal area, and easing headaches. Energetically, its actions make perfect sense:

• For low back pain, it helps release unnecessary energetic weight we carry.

• For digestive and urinary issues—and yes, you guessed it, constipation—it supports the body in letting go of what needs to move through.

• For headaches and tension, it helps clear mental and emotional stress that can get stuck and rise upward.

You can locate LI4 on the hand, in the fleshy web between the thumb and pointer finger. The most effective spot is often the most tender—palpate along the muscle under the pointer finger’s metacarpal bone until you find it.

✨ Self-Care Tip: Apply gentle pressure to this point on both hands for 1–2 minutes while taking slow, steady breaths. This simple practice can ease stress, calm your mind, and support your body in the natural process of letting go.

How Fall Shows Up in Our Lives

Fall is about more than just weather—it’s about energy. This season often stirs a desire for order and structure. Maybe you feel the urge to organize your home, tidy your desk, or wrap up unfinished projects. This is the Metal Element at work, guiding us to create space, simplify, and prepare for the stillness of winter.

It’s also a season for reflection.

You might ask yourself:

• What inspires me right now?

• What am I ready to let go of?

• How can I create more clarity and ease in my daily life?

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Journaling, meditation, and mindful breathing are especially powerful practices in fall, helping us stay grounded while also opening to gratitude.

✨ Self-Care Tip: Keep a simple gratitude journal this season. Each evening, write down three things you’re grateful for—big or small. With consistent practice, you’ll start noticing more and more moments throughout your day to be thankful for.

Supporting Your Body with Seasonal Foods

In Chinese Medicine, food is more than fuel—it’s medicine that aligns us with the season. Fall foods support the Lungs and Large Intestine, offering warmth and gentle stimulation as we prepare for winter:

• Pungent foods (radish, turnip, garlic, onion, chives) help open and circulate lung energy.

• White foods (cauliflower, pears, kohlrabi, jicama, tofu) are associated with the Metal Element.

• Root vegetables (sweet potatoes, squashes) help re-ground our energy after the free-spirited, expansive energy of summer.

• Warming spices like cinnamon, rosemary, clove, and fennel enhance circulation and digestion.

Cozy Fall Chai Tea Recipe

Here’s a simple, grounding ritual to support your body and your Metal Element energy this season:

Ingredients (serves 2–3 cups):

• 2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk)

• 1 cup water

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• 4 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed

• 4 whole cloves

• 4–5 black peppercorns

• 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced

• 2 tsp black tea leaves or 2 black tea bags

• 1–2 tsp maple syrup or honey (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, combine the water, almond milk, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, peppercorns, and ginger.

2. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 10–12 minutes to allow the spices to infuse.

3. Add the black tea and steep for 3–5 minutes, depending on your preferred strength.

4. Strain into mugs and sweeten with maple syrup or honey if desired.

5. Sip slowly, taking 3–5 deep breaths to connect with the fall energy and cultivate grounding and gratitude.

This warm, spiced tea supports digestion, circulation, and the Metal Element—perfect for reflection and letting go.

Living in Harmony with Fall

To align yourself with the energetics of this season:

• Declutter your space—donate or release what you no longer use.

• Honor your breath—practice deep, mindful breathing to renew your connection to the present moment.

• Build rhythm and structure—embrace routines that bring calm and stability.

• Let go—release old patterns, habits, or emotions that weigh you down.

Just as the trees shed their leaves to make way for new growth in spring, fall offers us the same opportunity. By letting go of what no longer serves us, we create the clarity and space needed for renewal.

Happy Fall!

Allison, LAc

Owner and Acupuncturist, Basic Balance