Autumn

Dear Patient,

It’s officially autumn in my corner of the world—my favorite time of year! The chill in the air, the colors, the crunch of leaves underfoot, ghost stories, sweaters and boots—I love it all!

And yet, despite my delight in the season’s gifts, sometimes a pang of sadness will hit me.

One way we acupuncturists make sense of the world is through the theory of the five elements and their associations. The fall season corresponds with the element of Metal, the Lungs and Large Intestine organs, and the emotions of grief and sadness. So it’s natural to feel a little sad in the fall. Your Metal element is expressing its fullness. Sadness kept under wraps during other times of the year might suddenly clamor to be noticed. That’s good! You’re in touch with the rhythms of the natural world. Autumn is a time of decay and endings. Embrace it. Cry it out.

But there’s something else to it. Perfect autumn days are so few, so fleeting - that's what makes them special. If it were autumn every day, I’d miss the spring blooms. I’d long for a summer heat wave and an outdoor cookout by the pool. But I know the reds and oranges against the vibrant blue sky of fall won’t last, and it makes me a little sad. I don’t try to cheer myself up right away; I honor the sadness, grieving a bit for the swiftness of it all, knowing it brings me a deeper appreciation for this brief, perfect season.

If autumn is your favorite season, I hope you relish these days. May they be long and crisp and cool. May autumn envelop you like a favorite sweater. May you savor every pumpkin spice latte as if it’s your last. And if you have your moments of sadness, may you honor your body's attunement with the natural cycles of the world you inhabit.

And if autumn isn’t your favorite, well…your season will be here in due time.

Love and gratitude,

Your Acupuncturist