Autumn Body: Strengthening the Body’s Defenses

Nourishment • Protection • Resilience

Autumn begins the movement toward Yin. As daylight decreases and nature gathers its resources, the body also needs a rhythm that supports nourishment, conservation, and preparation for the quieter season ahead.

We may notice changes in our breathing, skin, digestion, or need for rest. These shifts invite us to pay attention to how we nourish ourselves, spend our energy, and respond to the environment around us.

In Chinese medicine, autumn corresponds with Metal and the Lung and Large Intestine systems. Through their functions of receiving, dispersing, descending, and releasing, we can explore the relationship between breath, skin, elimination, and the body’s natural defenses.

Through the Body pillar, we will explore Wei Qi, often translated as protective Qi. Within Chinese medicine, Wei Qi helps protect the body’s exterior, warm its tissues, and regulate the opening and closing of the pores. We will consider how nourishment, rest,…