Autumn Gathers Inwards – Lungs & Large Intestine Dominate for Immunity

Balancing our Yin & Yang Organs, the Lungs & Large Intestine

Autumn in the Seasonal Yoga calendar runs all the way until the December Equinox on the 21st. During this time of year, the Lung and Large Intestine are the dominant organs. There is a sense of gathering inwards and it is a perfect time to delve deep into our pranayama practice aka Yogic breath work.
A simple breath work practice which is a natural tranquiliser for the nervous system is :

Breathe In x 4 seconds
Hold in the breath x 7 seconds
Breath out x 8 seconds
Repeat 4 times

To be centred and comfortable during this time of transition, one must support both halves of the life balance. Here’s how.

Recognise the yin: Strengthen your Lung qi.

Chinese medicine teaches that Lung qi is closely associated with immunity. This time of year, it is wise to work with the Lung to reinforce your resistance to seasonal viruses and common dry-weather skin irritations.

Respect and support Lung qi through your diet. Warming, rich spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and clove are so much a part of fall cuisine. Surprise! These seasonal favourites are also harmonious with Lung qi. Many delicious, nutritious vegetables are part of a Lung-boosting plate as well: cabbage, onion, garlic, sweet potato, turnip, cauliflower, pumpkin…and those are just a few.

Support the yang: Acknowledge natural endings, nurture new beginnings

Releasing what we don’t need is, after all, the function of the Large Intestine, autumn’s other dominant organ.

Here are some October Journal Prompts:
What do I need to focus on?
I release and let go of….
It’s ok for me to change…
List 3 new things you want to learn

Revel in the shifting of the seasons—honour and embrace the storing, reorganising and releasing you sense going on inside yourself.