August 8 marks Lìqiū 立秋, the beginning of autumn according to the Chinese solar calendar. During this pivotal period, the heat of summer persists, the air becomes drier, and our body begins a crucial energy transition. However, in traditional Chinese medicine (MTC), this residual heat can weaken the lungs, key organ of autumn, by consuming organic liquids and by disturbing respiratory IQ.
This is why the MTC pays particular attention to this phase: this is the moment when Yang energy declines to give way to the yin, more introspective and nourishing, which should be preserved in order to protect the lungs and support the general balance of the body.
Why anticipating the change of season is essential according to the Chinese solar calendar
According to the MTC, each season acts directly on our internal organs. Fall is associated with the metal element, lungs (Fei) and large intestine (Da Chang), but also with the emotion of sadness (BEI).
Before autumn proper, Chinese tradition recognizes an intermediate season (offseason), called "Earth season", which marks a transition phase. It allows the body to refocus, to harmonize the spleen and the stomach, and to prepare for the drop in yang. If this rocking period is neglected, the energy of the fall may arrive on weakened ground, making the lungs more vulnerable to respiratory and emotional imbalances.
A poorly managed passage between summer and fall can cause:
🌬️ Drought of the mucous membranes
🛌 Increased fatigue
🫥 Melancholy, emotional instability
🫁 Respiratory fragility or ENT affections
Why is Yin so important at the end of summer according to traditional Chinese medicine
The role of the yin and organic liquids in MTC
In traditional Chinese medicine (MTC), the yin represents the aspectFresh, deep and nourishingbody. It is essential for energy anchoring, recovery, tissue hydration and emotional stability. Its balance depends largely onOrganic liquids (Jin Ye), which irrigate and protect the organs.
How the residual heat exhausts yin
At the end of summer, the external heat persists while the body enters the transitional phase. This situation can cause:
- Aexcessive sweating, which drains the liquids
- A Too hot or spicy food, which dries up
- Amental overwork, which disturbs the heart and the Shen
- A Dryness of the air, which directly affects the lungs
The kidneys, guarantors of the deep yin, and the lungs, autumn organ, areparticularly vulnerableat that time.
Symptoms of a weakened yin: how to recognize them
When the yin fails, several imbalances may appear:
- Chronic fatigue, difficulty recovering
- Dry throat, rough skin, cracked lips
- Dry stools, dark urine
- Insomnia, mental agitation, incessant thoughts
- Emotional hypersensitivity or irritability
These signals indicate that the body needs to be rehydrated in depth, beyond the simple consumption of water.
How to feed the Yin in the fall: simple and effective MTC tips
Recommended drinks and infusions
Drinking lukewarm and small quantities supports digestion and nourishes the yin without weakening the spleen:
- Chrysanthemian infusion
- Honeysuit
- Sweet liquorice
- Hot lemony water (without ice cubes)
Moisturizer to strengthen yin
Some foods help to cool the body gently, rehydrate the tissues and calm the mind:
- Steam cooked pear: humidifies the lungs
- Silky tofu, lotus seeds, pearl barley: nourish the Yin des Réins
- Cucumber, watermelon (moderately): refresh and rehydrate
- Lukewarm soups, light broths
Nourish the lungs: Dietetics and hydration in autumn according to the MTC
What foods consume to hydrate the body?
Certain foods have refreshing, humidizing and soothing properties, ideal for the fall season:
- Watermelon, pear, cucumber: rich in water, these fruits and vegetables hydrate the mucous membranes, calm the irritation of the throat and reduce residual internal heat.
- Pearl barley, lotus seeds, silky tofu: these foods nourish the kidneys (source of the yin) and soothe the Shen, the spirit, often disturbed during seasonal transition.
- Light green tea, chrysanthemum, sweet mint: these lukewarm drinks support the respiratory function, clarify heat and facilitate the circulation of Qi in the upper body.
🫁 In summary: Choose juicy, steamed or slightly lukewarm, easy to digest food, which preserve your organic liquids without attacking the spleen or overheating the organism.
What foods to avoid not to worsen drought and unbalance your energy?
Certain foods weaken the organs linked to the fall, disrupt digestion and promote drought or the stagnation of Qi:
- Icy drinks: they suddenly cool the stomach, block the Qi of the spleen (central digestion organ) and weaken immunity.
- Fried, very salty or spicy foods: they cause internal overheating and dry up the organic liquids necessary for the proper functioning of the lungs.
- Coffee, alcohol, processed products: exciting or too rich, they tire the heart, disperse the Shen (spirit), and harm the energy anchor in the fall season.
🚫 MTC advice: in autumn, bet on a soft, moderately cooked kitchen, with few seasonings. The goal is to preserve the reserves, not to excessively stimulate metabolism.
Energy practices to regenerate the body
In the transition between summer and fall, the body needs to slow down, to calm down, and to feed its yin energy, softer and introspective. Here are some simple gestures to integrate into your daily life to support this dynamic:
Refreshing breathing (inspired by Qi Gong)
Practice a slow and soothing breathing: inspire deeply through your nose, then exhale gently through the mouth, as if you were blowing on a candle.
This technique helps to calm the mind, refresh the body, and balance the internal heat still present after the summer.
Targeted self-massages
- Zhaohai R6:
Gently massage the area located just below the internal malleolus (ankle): this area supports the overall yin of the body, promoting calm and regeneration. - Lieque P7:
Stimulate the upper part of the wrist, on the side of the thumb: this point helps to humidify the lungs, often weakened by the drought of the fall. - Quichi gi11:
Finally, apply a circular pressure on the external side of the elbow, halfway between the fold of the elbow and the bone: this allows the excess heat accumulated during the summer.
Refocusing meditation
Take a few minutes every day to come back to you. Sit comfortably, breathe deeply, and imagine the air to enter the lungs, purify them, then come out by taking the tensions. This simple practice promotes mental clarity, soothes emotions, and supports the harmonious circulation of Qi.
In conclusion - prepare in the fall with the MTC
Preparing your body for the change of season means preventing drought, dropping energy and emotional imbalances typical of autumn.
🌿 By strengthening your lungs, nourishing your yin, and adjusting your lifestyle, you cross this transition with serenity.