As summer fades into late summer and then autumn, our bodies experience shifts that traditional East Asian medicine has long recognised. In this framework, each season is connected to specific organ systems, and transitions between them require mindful adjustments. Western medicine also acknowledges seasonal impacts, particularly on metabolism, digestion, and immune function.
From Earth to Metal: A Shift in Organ Focus
In East Asian medicine, late summer corresponds to the Earth element, which is associated with the stomach and spleen. These organs are responsible for digestion and the transformation of food into nourishment. As autumn arrives, the focus moves to the Metal element, linked to the lungs and large intestine. This seasonal transition brings drier air and cooler temperatures, requiring the body to adapt in ways that affect both respiratory health and digestion.
From a Western perspective, this change mirrors metabolic adjustments. The body begins shifting from a summer state of high energy expenditure, increased sweating, and lighter food consumption toward a phase that favours nutrient absorption, immune strengthening, and preparation for colder months (winter).
Seasonal Health Practices:
Support Digestion – As we leave the Earth organs behind, it's important to strengthen the stomach and spleen. Warm, cooked foods like root vegetables, squash, and lightly spiced grains help maintain digestive efficiency, reducing bloating and sluggishness often linked to metabolic slowdown. Acupuncture can also regulate digestion and improve gut function, supporting overall metabolic health.
Hydration & Lung Health – The transition to the Metal organs signals a need to protect the lungs and skin. Western medicine notes increased dehydration risks with cooler, drier air, so consuming soups, pears, and herbal teas supports both respiratory and digestive balance. An Acupuncturist may recommend specific points to enhance lung function and prevent symptoms of seasonal allergies.
Regulate Immune Function – The gut microbiome is crucial for immune resilience. Fermented foods, fibre-rich meals, and adequate vitamin D levels help prepare the immune system for autumn’s viral season.
By aligning these insights, we can transition smoothly between seasons, supporting both traditional wisdom and modern metabolic health.
Dr. Ash Dean, a Doctor of East Asian Medicine & licensed Acupuncturist at the Misun Wahya Foundation on Mort St, Toowoomba City, has an affinity for integrative approaches that blend these perspectives, with a focus on immune disorders, digestive disorders, and pain management. An Integrative General-Practice of East Asian and Western medicine approach, like that offered at the Misun Wahya Foundation, can help tailor immune support strategies through acupuncture, herbal medicine, and dietary guidance.
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