What I talk to my patients about staying healthy in Autumn

Most people welcome the autumn season after a long, sizzling summer. However, as the season changes, many of us begin to worry about our health. Once fall officially arrives, we may notice dryness on the skin, a dry cough in the throat, or discomfort in the upper respiratory system.

In Eastern medicine, there is a concept called “treating/preventing winter disease in autumn” (冬病秋治). Each season prepares the body for the next one. I often ask my patients about their sleep, bowel movements, and other bodily functions, as these provide important insights into their overall health. After our conversations, patients frequently ask what they can do in their daily lives to improve their well-being.

According to The Yellow Emperor’s Inner Classic (Huang Di Nei Jing), autumn is the season of the Lung, which is particularly sensitive to dryness and is closely connected to the skin. The emotion associated with the Lung is sadness or grief.

It is important for people to align with the natural rhythm of the season by sleeping early and waking early. The brisk air of autumn can make people feel emotionally down, so it’s best to avoid excessive emotional fluctuations. Breathing exercises, Qi Gong, Tai Chi, yoga, or meditation can help manage emotional ups and downs, especially when the environment feels overwhelming.

We should protect our skin by keeping it moisturized and regulating body temperature by covering the nape of the neck and the area from the ankles down. Additionally, incorporating foods that support Lung function—such as pear, lily bulb, white radish, honey, Chinese yam, lotus root, almond, sesame, purple sweet potato, and pumpkin—into daily meals can be beneficial.