Find the Beauty in Letting Go, by Carolyn Laney

​Find the Beauty in Letting Go
by Carolyn Laney, BA, MCM, Dipl.Ac., L.Ac., CMT
 
“The trees are about to show us how beautiful it is to let things go.”
 
Autumn is upon us. Days are getting shorter. Nights are getting longer and cooler. The trees are turning color and letting go of their leaves.
 
The Chinese believe that the environment in which you live greatly influences your body, mind, and spirit. Living in harmony with the current season is one way to assure optimal health.
 
In Chinese medicine, autumn corresponds to metal in Chinese five-element theory. Metal represents many concepts, such as:

• Harvest, decline, and reduction
• Turning inward, self-reflection, and letting go
• The organs: lungs, large intestine, skin, and mucus membranes
• Dryness
• The sense of smell
• Emotions of sadness, grief, hope, and inspiration

 
Balancing our spirit and emotions along with protecting our body from the cool air and building our immune system is essential during autumn months according to the Huang Di Nei Jing, the oldest Chinese medical book.
 
But particularly the emotions of autumn can be most difficult for some to balance. Sadness and grief are more close to the surface during this time of the year. You might notice that you are more nostalgic lately. Or things in your life might be touching you in a way that might bring you to tears a little easier. This is natural and a part of the season.
 
Autumn is a time for self-reflection and letting go of habits that no longer serve us. It is a great time to be intentional with our thoughts and tune into our emotions. By letting go we are making room in our lives for other pursuits, dreams, or thoughts that haven’t come to fruition yet by creating inspiration and hope.
 
Receiving acupuncture and herbal medicine can help support and balance your emotional health through this season. Outside of the clinic, gentle practices of Qi Gong, Tai Chi, yoga, and meditation can also help regulate the mood and rejuvenate the spirit.
 
If any of this rings true for you right now, please reach out and book an appointment. We are here to support you to live in harmony with this beautiful season.