Fall Into Being: Acupuncture, Self-Care, and the Wisdom of Autumn Equinox

The Autumn Equinox is a sacred pause — equal day and night, light and dark. It reminds us that balance is not something we “achieve” once and for all, but something we come back to again and again.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), autumn belongs to the Metal element, which governs the Lungs and Large Intestine. These organs help us breathe in nourishment and clarity, and release what no longer serves us. This is the season of letting go — just as the trees surrender their leaves, we’re invited to release grief, clutter, old stories, and stagnant energy.

Autumn is also about gathering what’s essential: inner strength, warmth, and clarity to carry into the stillness of winter.

Season Wisdom in TCM

 

1. Moisten the Lungs: Dry autumn air can irritate lungs and skin. Pears, almonds, honey, sesame seeds, and warming soups help keep moisture in the body.

2. Support immunity: The lungs protect Wei Qi (defensive energy). Acupuncture, acupressure, and slow breathing practices help keep your system strong.

3. Gentle letting go: This is the perfect time for journaling, decluttering, or even just mindful exhalations. Each breath can be a release.

4. Align with nature’s rhythm: Shorter days invite rest. Try moving toward earlier bedtimes and gentle evening rituals.

Autumn Acupressure

Here are three powerful points to work with this season. Try massaging them for 1–2 minutes on each side while breathing slowly. You can even set the mood — light a candle, sip tea, and use these points as a mini ritual.

 Lung 7 (LU7) – “Broken Sequence”

• How to find it: Rest your palm upward. About two finger-widths above the crease of your wrist (on the thumb side), you’ll feel a small hollow just beside the bone.

• What it does: Opens the lungs, strengthens immunity, eases coughs, and helps release sadness or grief. This is a beautiful point when you feel heavy in your chest or want to breathe more deeply.

• Try this: As you press LU7, inhale and imagine drawing in clear autumn air. Exhale and imagine letting go of something that’s been weighing on you.

Large Intestine 4 (LI4) – “Joining Valley”

• How to find it: On the back of your hand, in the fleshy web between thumb and index finger. Squeeze your thumb and finger together — the point is at the highest mound.

• What it does: Clears sinus congestion, boosts immunity, eases headaches, and releases physical + emotional tension.

• Try this: Use gentle circular pressure during allergy season or when you’re feeling “clogged up” — whether that’s a stuffy nose or stuck emotions.

• Note: Avoid during pregnancy.

 Stomach 36 (ST36) – “Leg Three Miles”

• How to find it: Sit comfortably and place four fingers below the bottom edge of your kneecap. Move your hand slightly to the outside of the shin bone — there you’ll feel a tender spot.

• What it does: A powerhouse point for energy, digestion, and immunity. It’s grounding, revitalizing, and helps when you’re feeling depleted.

• Try this: Massage ST36 while taking three deep breaths, imagining you’re drawing strength and steadiness from the earth beneath you.

A Short Equinox Meditation

Sit comfortably with both feet on the ground.

1. Place one hand on your chest, one on your belly.

2. Inhale for a count of 4, exhale for a count of 6.

3. With each breath in, invite balance, With each breath out, release what you no longer need.

4. Repeat for 3–5 minutes. 

   
   

   Mantra: “As the earth balances light and dark, I too return to balance within.” 

The Autumn Equinox is a reminder that balance doesn’t mean perfection. It means honoring both light and dark, breath and release, holding on and letting go.

This season is the perfect time to receive acupuncture in Sherwood Park at Inner Essence Wellness , strengthen immunity, and align with the natural rhythm of change. May you find clarity, softness, and balance in this beautiful season of release.