Chinese medicine divides foods and herbs into five essences: Warm, Hot, Cool, Cold, and Neutral. Over several millennia, masters perfected the art of using essence to help prevent illness and disease and to heal a range of conditions. Ginger and cinnamon are two examples of warm essence. No matter how you incorporate them into other foods or change their physical composition—even when they are turned into ice cream—they will always carry a warm essence.

Year-Round Warmth

The body loves warmth. For a healthy and smooth-flowing digestive system, it’s important to feed the body warming foods throughout the year. Fruits can always be eaten raw, but raw vegetables, salads, dairy, and meats have a cold essence. If the digestive system receives too much cold, it will start to send signals, such as bloating, burping, or a white coating on your tongue. By roasting or sauteing your vegetables, or adding them to a pot of soup, the Stomach won’t have to use up its precious Qi to warm up and process the food you eat. Instead, it can reserve this Qi for healing.

The Qi and healing messages you gain from food are more effective than its nutritional or physical components.

During early Fall when the weather is pleasant, the essence is still cold. People often wear shorts and run outside, but doing so punishes the body. A tiny chill or cold will cause Lung dysfunction throughout the Winter. Often, people will go outside in cold or windy weather and leave their chests exposed. The next day, they develop a unique cough. This is a sign from your Lung that cold entered into the body.

The Fall Season

Transitioning between the warm seasons to the cool seasons takes energy and balance. The energy of the season matches that of the Lung and Large Intestine. This organ pair is in charge of helping your body harmonize with Nature’s changes and let go of anything you no longer need.

Fall is Nature’s way of creating balance in life. By letting go of the old, we make room for the new that will come again in Spring, after slowing down, turning inward, and recharging our energy during the cold winter months. Give your body added support by intentionally connecting to the consciousness of Fall.

Lung and Large Intestine

The Lung is known as the great distributor of Qi. After the digestive process, nutritive essence from food is sent to the Lung. The Lung then decides how much Qi each organ receives and distributes it accordingly.

The Lung and Large Intestine continually support one another in letting go and releasing. If Lung Qi becomes weak, constipation may occur. Healthy Lung function will support healthy bowel function. The Lung also provides Qi and nourishment that directly supports skin.

The Lung oversees all aspects of cooperation—left/right eye, left/right hand and foot, hands and feet, inside and outside. All visible and invisible cooperation, including internal consciousness, energy, and meridian cooperation—is based on Lung function.

Healing Foods for Fall

When the Lung and Large Intestine cooperate and communicate, they allow the body to release and receive. The quality of your Lung Qi can be seen in the radiance of your skin. Dry, cracked skin, wrinkles, and constipation are signs that the Lung and Large Intestine are not in balance.

Clearly, your Lung plays a major energetic role in your body! Eat spicy foods and those on this list to support healthy Lung function.

Almonds

Bitter almonds

Chestnuts

Chili

Daikon radish

Honey

Horseradish

Lily bulb

Mint

Mushrooms

Pears

Persimmon

Scallions

White fungus

White sesame seeds

Get Creative!

What recipes can you create with the foods on this list? Try baking pears with almonds and honey for a healing breakfast treat!

Join an upcoming program!

In Person:

Dragon’s Way Qigong® with Deborah Hallahan: September 29-November 3, 6:30pm (ET)

Restore balance and build energy. Each session blends Wu Ming Qigong practice with the wisdom of the Five Element organ systems—Liver, Kidney, Spleen, Lung, and Heart—plus guidance on healthy eating. Held at the Tao of Healing in NYC. Last chance to register!

Virtually:

Qigong for Breast & Digestive Health with Elaine Katen: October 8, 15, 22

An inspiring, must-attend class for women! Multiple energy pathways pass directly through the breast making it especially vulnerable to stagnation. Our Qigong system was specifically designed to support this area making it powerful for prevention and healing.  Learn More and register!

Fall Harmony with Grand Master Nan Lu: October 12-19

We often hear about releasing and letting go—but what does it truly mean? Taoist teachings remind us that consciousness is the root of our deepest feelings, a level we can only reach through the world of Qi. Join Master Lu for a weeklong journey, guided by the wisdom of Zhuangzi and Wu Ming Qigong practice. Learn more and register!