How to Synchronise with the Seasons - Autumn Equinox

22 September 2025 The Autumn Equinox a single point in time when the Earth's axis is tilted neither toward nor away from the sun. 

The day and night are equal with light and dark in harmony and balance. Yin and yang energies are equal a good time to reflect and cultivate balance for better harmony making space for new growth like the falling of leaves in nature.

Our health is connected to the natural cycles of the seasons which influences our body, mind and soul. Within us we have a vital Life Force referred to as Qi in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is the energy that flows through us and circulates our bodies pathways known as meridians which link to key organs. The body is not separate from emotion or spirit; when something feels off it’s not just physical, emotional but whole body needing holistic balance and harmony.

The Shift of the Season

Autumn is a time of release and letting go of what we do not need for clarity and protection for the winter ahead. A time to pause with gratitude and reflect with release. An introspective Yin season, in  TCM this season's organs of focus are lungs so mindful breathing calms and strengthens, paired with the large Intestine which eliminates waste, letting go of what we don't need including emotions and blocked energy. The metal element encourages us to shed and strip away excess to reveal with clarity what is most precious.

We are what we eat which also affects how we think and feel. For balance we need harmony, our bodies are ecosystems and thrive when all parts are nourished. The taste and flavour of the season is warm, spicy and pungent foods excessive cold and raw foods can disrupt balance.

Moving matters for mind, body and wellbeing. Step into the season with intentional grace and gratitude harnessing the solar energy we collected in the summer. On the day of the Equinox some Yogi's practice 108 Yoga Sun Salutations a ritual to signal the change at sunrise or sunset. This stems from the significance of the number 108 in spiritual and yogic practices, symbolizing wholeness and the connection. A physically and mentally demanding way to connect with the energy of the day. It takes around 2 hours; a meditative practice to release and renew. We don't all have a few hours to spare on the Equinox - here are some ways to embrace the season.

8 Everyday Tips to Nurture and Balance your Autumn Metal

1. Mindful breathing release tension and stress

2. Hydrate well in the dryer season with nourishing fluids and foods such as apples, pears, honey, mushrooms, cauliflower, whitebeans and teas.

   
   

3. Eat cooked nutritious foods such as soups, stews, bone broth and seasonal produce such as pumpkin, butternut squash with warming turmeric and ginger

   
   

4. Boost immunity to protect ahead of winter and feed your gut with funky fermented foods such as miso and kimchi include immunity warriors garlic and lemon.

5. Wrap up well in cooler weather, keeping your neck covered from the wind and harsh weather elements

   
   

6. Moving matters enjoy walks in nature and admire the visual delight of autumn gold

   
   

7. Practice gentle slower paced yoga including chest openers and arms to stimulate the meridians targeting lung and large intestine. Longer holds allow for deeper engagement with your body's energy channels

   
   

8. Restore your energy with good sleep routine

Autumn Foods to Add to your Shopping List