Autumn 21 October - 20 December

Autumn is the Metal element,  it is the season of structure but also of awareness of breath, letting go of what no longer serves us and turning inwards.  The leaves are changing colour and falling from the trees.  They turn to compost which nourishes the earth enriching and preparing it for growth which will begin again in Spring.  By refining and re-evaluating our lives and our thoughts, we discover what we truly value.  The 'letting go' of Autumn prepares us for the stillness of Winter.

 

The organs of the season are the Lungs and the Large Intestine.  The body cannot survive without a constant supply of oxygen.  With every inhale the lungs take in fresh oxygen and with every exhale they expel stale carbon dioxide.  The most important muscles for breathing are the small muscles between the ribs (intercostals), the diaphragm and those of the abdominal wall.  The diaphragm is situated in the lower chest and is shaped like an upside down umbrella, on the inhalation it opens downwards massaging all the organs in the abdomen, promoting health.  The large intestine does not play a direct part in digestion, its main function is to re-absorb water to help the body's fluid balance and to make waste easier to expel.  It is twice as wide as the small intestine but much shorter in length, around 1.5 meters.  If these organs fail to do their job the other organs become overloaded.  

 

The meridian line for the lungs, runs from the outer collarbone, along the inner arm, ending in the thumb.    The meridian line for the large intestine runs from the index finger, up the back of the arm into the V of the shoulder, ending in the opposite side of the nostril.  It is the only meridian that crosses the mid-line of the body.

 

Our yoga practice focuses on awareness of breath and gathering energy inwards, slowing down.  Becoming aware of how you breathe allows you to centre yourself, release tension, relax and realise solutions to problems.  Breathing meditation is very important at this time of year. 

 

If your metal element is balanced you will feel positive, open, tolerant.  You will have good judgement, strength and structure with high standards and clear thinking.  In imbalance you will feel melancholy, depressed and closed off.

 

Autumn diet should reintroduce hot foods and warming spices.  The ideal cooking methods  are stews, stir fry, baked and roasted.

 

The essential oil of the season is Eucalyptus or Lavender.

 

The colour of the season is grey or white.

 

Mental/emotional focus:

• Get things off your chest

• Allow spontaneity

• Don’t be too hard on yourself

 

Recommendations for Autumn:

• Letting go of what no longer serves you

• Hold onto your principles and keep your commitments

• Awareness of the quality of your breath; it defines the quality of your movements, experiences, thoughts and moods

• Clear up misunderstandings and focus on what's important and what you value

• Dry skin body brushing

 

Avoid:

• Feeling cut off

• Being negative

• Eating too much dairy and wheat (they create mucus and dampness)