In late August, the growing season comes to a close and I am simultaneously awed by the exquisite Fall foliage and grieved that the sunlight and greenery I have enjoyed so much is bowing out gracefully to reveal a withering landscape. This is the energy of Autumn, which calls us to release what no longer serves and journey inward, much like the trees lose their leaves as sap retreats from the periphery. Nature teaches us that loss is inevitable and, that when we shift our focus from the external, we discover what is most precious, the jewels that give our life meaning.
Autumn is the seasonal expression of the Metal element, represented in nature as rare gemstones, fine silver and gold, and soil-enriching minerals. The Metal element manifests in us as the purist essence of our being. Metal inspires us to seek virtue, honor, beauty and the spiritual. It serves as the bridge between heaven and earth connecting us as finite beings to the infinite universe. We experience this element when we recognize the interface between the sacred and the mundane revealed to us in poignant moments. In one breath, we appreciate the beauty of a tree’s stunning autumnal transformation from lush green to shades of brilliant oranges, reds and yellows. In the next breath, we experience deep sorrow as the wind shakes the dying leaves to the ground reminding us that soon the tree will be bare.
In traditional Chinese medicine, which includes acupuncture, the Colon and Lungs belong to the Metal Element. In addition to our western understanding of anatomy, the ancient Chinese understood organ systems to possess similar mental and emotional capacities. The Colon and Lungs gift us with the ability to let go of the old and to receive inspiration on every level. The body, mind and spirit aspects of this pair can be treated by accessing points along meridians (energetic pathways on the body) named for the organs.
Colon: the Great Eliminator
The Colon is responsible for eliminating that which is not useful while capturing the last little bit of minerals needed. When the Colon is functioning optimally, we move our bowels regularly and with ease. On the mental and emotional levels, we keep what has value and discard the rest. Forgiveness is a virtue of the Colon. We let go of transgressions – ours or others’— and move on.
In imbalance, our Colon energy might have difficulty letting go or recognizing what is precious. On the physical level, this may manifest as bowel disturbances: constipation — holding on to too much — or diarrhea – purging everything without retaining what is important. We may also experience sinus or nasal congestion as our system is unable to rid ourselves of excess mucus and toxins. This can occur on the emotional level too. If our system is polluted, our thinking or emotions can become pessimistic or hypercritical. If we have trouble letting go, we may live in the past, or cling to old beliefs and habits that no longer fit. We lose the ability to gain fresh perspective.
Welcome Fragrance
One of the acupuncture points along the Colon meridian, called Welcome Fragrance, is located on either side of the nostril. This point demonstrates the cleansing nature of our Colon so that we can breathe in pure air. It is often treated to address sinus and nasal congestion as well as spiritlevel complaints related to obscured thinking or a negative outlook.
The Lungs and Inspiration
While the Colon’s emphasis is on letting go, the Lungs’ emphasis is on drawing in. The Lungs regulate the entire rhythm of the body with the ebb and flow of the breath. This is more than the air we breathe however, the breath is vital pure energy from the heavens. In addition to sustaining life, the breath also symbolizes our connection to the divine. In many spiritual traditions, all of creation began with the breath. Inspiration represents our pursuit to discover the sacred within us. If our Lungs are healthy, we experience awe at the wonder of life and recognize our value.
If our Lungs are not functioning properly, we may feel hollow, or empty inside because we lack a meaningful connection to another person or a power greater than ourselves. The emptiness may feel like a chasm bringing us into the depths of despair.
We may be paralyzed by grief, an emotion associated with the Lungs, when we are unable to see loss as part of the natural order. On a physical level, grief may obstruct the Lungs causing chronic congestion. The chest may feel constricted or heavy. Breathing may be shallow and the voice lacking strength and clarity. If the Lungs are weak, they may fail to absorb enough oxygen resulting in chronic fatigue or disruptions to the heart’s rhythms.
Very Great Abyss
When we are in the lowest place imaginable, this wrist point on the Lung Meridian can revitalize the spirit. When we can’t find our way out of negativity, Very Great Abyss helps us emerge from the darkness. This point can be treated to lighten a feeling of oppression in the chest and address breathing difficulties. It can also restore order if a person suffers from a sense of chaos, manic behavior, palpitations, or poor circulation.
Using nature’s wisdom
Autumn is the perfect time to strengthen the Colon and Lung energies. The following are some suggestions to optimize health during the Fall season.
Breathe deeply. Take a yoga, Tai Qi or meditation class to learn the healing power of the breath.
Prune back on the unimportant. Let go of the busywork, clutter and obstacles that keep you from enjoying who you are and what you hold most dear. Consider your values and act on them.
Create rituals to tend your soul. Make a point to watch the sunset every day, or engage in some practice that nurtures your spirit.
Eat cooked seasonal foods. Squashes, radishes, cabbage, broccoli, kale, onions, garlic and ginger are foods that nourish the Colon and Lungs. Opt for simple warm dishes like soups, stews and sautées.
References:
The Five Elements and the Officials, J.R. Worsley
The Clinical Practice of Chinese Medicine, Lonny Jarrett
A Manual of Acupuncture, Peter Deadman
Becky Thoroughgood is a licensed acupuncturist and Chinese herbologist practicing in Harrisburg. She earned her Master’s Degree in Acupuncture from the Maryland University of Integrative Health (formerly Traditional Acupuncture Institute) in Laurel, MD.