🎃 Fall TCM Vibes: Support Digestion & Let Go
By the Acuworx Team
As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to fall, autumn invites us to slow down, reflect, and nourish our bodies more deeply. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), fall is the season of the Lungs and Large Intestine — organ systems that govern not only breathing and elimination, but also our ability to let go, physically and emotionally.
It’s also the time of year when our digestive systems can feel a little off balance. Between Halloween treats, busier schedules, and colder weather, it’s easy to overindulge in sweets or cold foods that weaken digestion.
Here are a few ways to stay balanced this season - without missing out on the fun:
🌿 TCM Tips for Fall Balance
Warm your digestion: Focus on soups, stews, and roasted root vegetables. Avoid too many cold salads or iced drinks.
Sweeten naturally: Choose gentle, nourishing sweetness from foods like pumpkin, sweet potato, or pears instead of refined sugar.
Breathe deeply: Strengthen your Lungs with mindful breathing and outdoor walks.
Let go: Just as the trees shed their leaves, fall is the perfect time to release habits, emotions, or clutter that no longer serve you.
Book acupuncture: Regular treatments support immunity, digestion, and emotional balance during seasonal transitions.
🍲 TCM-Inspired Recipe: Warming Pumpkin Congee
This cozy dish supports digestion and immunity while satisfying that fall craving for something comforting and naturally sweet.
Ingredients:
½ cup white rice (or jasmine rice)
2 cups pumpkin or kabocha squash, peeled and cubed
6 cups water or broth
1–2 tsp fresh grated ginger
1 Tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
Pinch of cinnamon
Sea salt to taste
Optional toppings: toasted pumpkin seeds, chopped scallions, sesame oil drizzle
Directions:
Rinse rice and add to a large pot with water or broth.
Add pumpkin and ginger. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally until thick and creamy.
Season with salt and cinnamon, and sweeten lightly if desired.
Top with scallions or sesame oil and serve warm.
TCM Benefits:
Pumpkin strengthens the Spleen and Stomach, supporting digestion and energy. Ginger warms the middle jiao, helping transform food into Qi, while cinnamon boosts circulation and prevents cold from stagnating the system.
✨ Final Thought
Autumn is nature’s reminder to slow down, nourish, and realign. By eating seasonally, breathing deeply, and supporting your body through acupuncture, you can move into the colder months with strength, warmth, and balance.