Autumn and Your Skin: Supporting the Lung and Large Intestine in Traditional Chinese Medicine

By Khairul Bhagwandin, EAMP, LAc

As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to fall, nature reminds us that it’s time to slow down, release, and restore. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Autumn is governed by the Metal Element, associated with the Lung and Large Intestine channels. These two organ systems reflect the energetic qualities of the season — clarity, purification, and letting go — both physically and emotionally.

Just as trees shed their leaves to prepare for winter, our bodies are called to release what no longer serves us. The Lung governs the skin, respiration, and the immune system, while the Large Intestine helps eliminate waste and toxins. When these systems are in harmony, our skin appears clear, hydrated, and radiant. When imbalanced, we may experience dryness, dullness, eczema, or breakouts — often seen as the body’s way of trying to expel stagnation or retained toxins through the skin.

The Metal Element: Skin, Breath, and Boundaries

In TCM, the Lung is called the “delicate organ” because it is the first line of defense against the external environment. It takes in the pure Qi of the air and disperses defensive Qi (Wei Qi) and fluids to the skin’s surface, maintaining moisture and immunity. When the Lung is weakened by external dryness or internal grief — the emotion associated with Autumn — the skin may become rough, itchy, or sensitive.

The Large Intestine, the Lung’s paired organ, supports this process of purification. Physically, it clears waste from the body, and energetically, it helps us let go — whether that’s waste, stagnant emotions, or old patterns. When the Large Intestine becomes sluggish, toxins can accumulate, showing up as acne, rashes, or inflammation.

Emotional Balance: The Season of Grief and Release

Each element in TCM has an associated emotion, and Autumn corresponds to grief and sadness. Just as the trees release their leaves, we are invited to release emotional weight. Allowing ourselves to feel and process grief — without holding onto it — strengthens the Lung and supports our capacity for inspiration and resilience. Practices like breathwork, gentle Qi Gong, journaling, or acupuncture can help move stagnant Lung Qi and bring a sense of inner calm and renewal.

Nourishing Foods for Autumn

Diet plays a key role in supporting the Lung and Large Intestine during the fall. This is a time to shift from the raw, cooling foods of summer to warm, cooked, and moistening meals that protect against seasonal dryness.

Supportive foods include:

• Pungent and warming foods such as garlic, ginger, onions, cinnamon, and chili to gently open the Lung and support circulation.

• Sour foods like lemon, vinegar, and fermented vegetables to help consolidate energy and support digestion.

• Moistening foods such as pears, apples, honey, sesame seeds, and bone broth to counteract dryness in the skin and lungs.

• Whole grains and root vegetables like oats, rice, carrots, and leeks to strengthen the digestive system and nourish Qi.

Avoid: cold dairy, greasy or oily foods, and excessive sugar, as these can create dampness and phlegm that burden the Lung and Spleen systems — often showing up as congestion, puffiness, or dull skin.

Living in Harmony with the Season

In Autumn, we transition from the outward, expansive energy of summer to the inward, reflective nature of yin. It’s a season to restore your energy, care for your skin, and support your inner systems. Dress warmly, protect yourself from wind and cold, and spend time in nature observing the beauty of change.

By nurturing the Lung and Large Intestine — through breath, nourishment, and emotional release — we align ourselves with the rhythm of Autumn and allow our skin to radiate the calm and clarity that this season embodies.