Seasonal Harmony: Supporting Lung & Spleen Health This September
Supporting Lung & Spleen Health
As the days grow shorter and cooler in September, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) teaches us that this seasonal shift has a profound impact on our body’s internal balance. In the TCM calendar, this month marks the transition from the Earth element (late summer) to the Metal element (autumn), calling attention to the Spleen and Lung organs. September is a vital time to strengthen these systems, boost immunity, and prepare for the dryness of the fall season.
In TCM theory, each season is associated with specific organs and elements:
- Late Summer (Earth element): Governs the Spleen and Stomach, which are responsible for digestion and energy production.
- Autumn (Metal element): Governs the Lungs and Large Intestine, which regulate breathing, immunity, and elimination.
This transitional period is key to harmonizing digestion while simultaneously beginning to moisten and protect the lungs from autumn dryness.
🫁 Focus on Lung Health: Guarding Against Dryness
The Lungs are considered delicate in TCM and particularly vulnerable to dryness, which is common in early fall. When the lungs are out of balance, symptoms like dry throat, cough, nasal congestion, or even skin issues can arise.
TCM Tips for Nourishing the Lungs:
- Eat moistening foods like pears, white fungus, honey, almonds, and sesame seeds.
- Drink warm teas such as chrysanthemum, ginger, or honey-lemon to soothe the throat and lungs.
- Avoid spicy, greasy, or overly dry foods that may irritate the lungs.
🍠 Supporting the Spleen: Transitioning from Summer to Fall
The Spleen plays a vital role in digestion and immunity in TCM. As we move into autumn, cold and raw foods can weaken the Spleen’s energy (Qi), leading to fatigue, bloating, or a sluggish immune response.
TCM Tips for Strengthening the Spleen:
- Focus on warm, cooked foods like soups, stews, congee, and lightly steamed vegetables.
- Favor seasonal produce such as pumpkins, sweet potatoes, carrots, and squash.
- Consider gentle herbs like astragalus (Huang Qi) or codonopsis (Dang Shen) to support immunity.
🧘♀️ Lifestyle & Emotional Health
Emotionally, autumn is associated with grief and letting go. This season encourages inward reflection and release—whether that means decluttering your home, addressing unresolved emotions, or simplifying your routines.
TCM Lifestyle Tips:
- Practice gentle breathing exercises (like Qigong or Tai Chi) to strengthen lung function.
- Begin to slow down your pace as nature transitions toward rest.
- Get adequate sleep and maintain a regular routine to support immunity.