Embracing Autumn: Nourish Your Body, Skin & Spirit Naturally

As the golden hues of Autumn unfold and the air grows crisp, many of us feel subtle changes within—both in body and spirit. This season invites reflection, gentleness, and a return to inner balance. Drawing on insights from Chinese medicine and over three decades of clinical practice, I’d like to share ways to nurture your vitality, support your skin, and harmonize your energy as we move into the quieter rhythm of Fall.

Have you been feeling a bit heavier in spirit lately—perhaps more tired, introspective, or even a touch melancholy? Are you craving extra silence and stillness? Maybe your skin seems a little less radiant, or your throat feels dry and scratchy. These are all common signs that our bodies are adjusting to the shift into Autumn.

In my three decades of working in natural health, I’ve noticed that Spring and, especially, Autumn are the most demanding seasons for our bodies to adapt to. Just a few weeks ago, I observed that we’d lost nearly fifteen minutes of sunlight here in Colorado. We are deeply influenced by the world around us, particularly by the sun—our great cosmic energy enhancer. As our corner of the planet tilts toward the darker months, nature naturally turns inward. The trees release their leaves, and the life force within their trunks draws deep inside to rest. Our bodies mirror this same rhythm.

With less sunlight entering our eyes, our nervous systems and organ functions subtly adjust. Energy begins to contract, our skin may lose some of its buoyancy, and the dry Colorado air adds its own challenges. Our Qi—the vital energy that animates all life—can stagnate more easily now, leaving our immune systems a bit less resilient.

In Chinese medicine, Autumn belongs to the Metal and Earth elements—stone and soil, the season of harvest. It’s a time to gather what we’ve cultivated and to release what we no longer need. If we’ve overextended ourselves through summer’s busyness or neglected our self-care, we may now feel depleted. This is the moment to nourish deeply—with warm, gently spiced foods like soups, roasted root vegetables, and nourishing proteins such as poultry. Sip hot tea throughout the day to warm your interior; add a slice of lemon or orange to uplift your senses and your mood.

Movement remains essential, but Autumn invites us to move with mindfulness. Choose walking, slow dancing, yoga, Tai Chi, or gentle breathwork—motion that circulates energy without strain. Rest becomes equally sacred. Go to bed earlier to protect your Yin energy and rise with the soft morning light to welcome warmth and awaken your Qi.

In my clinic, I’ve been adding “Acupuncture Tune-Ups” to seasonal treatments, and the results have been wonderful. The luminous glow that returns to each face—the brightened cheeks and renewed vitality—reflects the reawakening of Qi and the harmonizing of organ systems that often feel “sticky” this time of year.

May this Autumn remind you to honor your body’s natural pace—slowing down, replenishing deeply, and embracing the beauty of stillness. True radiance begins with balance from within. Thank you for allowing me to walk alongside you on your healing journey.

With warmth and gratitude,