Embracing Autumn : Nurture your lungs and let go of seasonal sadness.

As we head into autumn, many of us begin to feel a sense of sadness. Interestingly in Traditional Chinese Medicine ( TCM), each season is associated with a specific organ and emotion. For Autumn, its the lungs and the emotion of grief.

It's fascinating that in the modern world, we recognise a condition called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a name that ironically spells out how many of us feel. As a summer lover myself, I often feel the loss of those longer sunny days. For some, this shift can feel like a sense of grief—a loss of warmth, light, and outdoor activities.

In TCM, grief and sadness are linked to lung health. You may have experienced moments of profound sadness or grief where breathing feels difficult, like the air has been knocked out of you. I’ve seen this firsthand in my work as a nurse, and personally, after the loss of my mother 12 years ago, which triggered panic attacks. Grief isn’t only tied to bereavement; we can feel it during other life transitions, such as children leaving for university, job changes, or menopause. Anytime things shift, we may experience loss.

This emotional connection impacts the lungs in TCM. The lungs are how we connect with the outside world, through both receiving (inhaling) and letting go (exhaling). When grief blocks this exchange, it can disrupt our breathing patterns and weaken the lungs. People who feel sad often breathe more shallowly, which may even isolate them emotionally, mirroring their physical disconnect from the world around them. Emotionally, this can raise cortisol levels, compromising our immune system and making us more prone to coughs, colds, and respiratory issues.

Here are a few tips to support your emotional and physical wellbeing this autumn:

1. Awareness: If you’re feeling overwhelmed by grief or sadness, it’s important to talk to someone. Whether it's a friend or a professional, there are many local and national organizations that offer support and talking therapies (see resources below).

2. Breathing Techniques: Consider learning some simple breathing exercises. Studies have shown that breathing techniques can improve lung function, reduce heart attack risk, enhance mood and sleep, and help support lung energy.

3. Apples & Pears: As the weather cools, the lungs can become dry. In Chinese medicine, apples and pears are known for moistening the lungs, combating dryness, and boosting the immune system. Incorporating these fruits into your diet can help keep your lungs healthy through the season.

If you’re interested in additional support for grief, emotional adjustments, or navigating the seasonal changes, consider Traditional Acupuncture. Acupuncturists can offer personalized treatments, teach breathing exercises, and provide diet suggestions tailored to your specific needs.

Resources for Support:

• Samaritans - call 116 123 ( 24 hours a day, 7 days a week). www.samaritans.org

• Bereavement Advice Centre - 0800 634 9494 www.bereavementadvive.org

• Cruse Bereavement Care - 0808 8081677 www.cruse.org.uk

• Total Well-being Luton - www.totalwellbeingluton.org

• Harpenden Health PCN - www.harpendenhealthpcn.nhs.uk

• Bedfordshire Talking Therapies - www.elft.nhs.uk

Remember, you don’t have to navigate the season alone. Reach out and take steps to support both your emotional and physical health.