Seasonal Balance: Acupuncture & Tuina for Autumn Wellness
Finding Balance with Acupuncture and Tuina Massage
As the heat of summer fades and the air turns crisp, we can feel the shift deep within our bodies. Autumn is a season of transition—nature exhales, the trees release their leaves, and the air grows drier and cooler. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), these changes aren’t just poetic; they’re energetic. Each season has its own Qi (vital energy), and autumn’s energy invites us to let go, replenish, and restore balance before winter’s stillness sets in.
At Forest Park Wellness, acupuncturist Dennis “Kaz” Kasunic helps patients align with this natural rhythm through acupuncture, Tuina massage, and other TCM therapies designed to harmonize the body’s internal energy with the changing seasons.
The Autumn Element: Metal, the Lungs, and Letting Go
In Chinese medicine, autumn corresponds to the Metal element and the Lungs and Large Intestine organs. This season governs the act of letting go—physically, emotionally, and energetically. The lungs draw in fresh Qi from the air, while the large intestine releases what the body no longer needs. When these organs are strong, we feel clear, inspired, and resilient. When they’re out of balance, we may experience dryness, coughs, constipation, or even grief and emotional heaviness.
Autumn is also known as the season of dryness, which can manifest as dry skin, lips, or throat, as well as a lingering cough. To balance this, TCM emphasizes moistening, nourishing, and protecting the lung Qi. Foods like poached pears, apples, honey, and soups made with root vegetables are ideal. Hydration—especially warm teas and broths—helps keep the yin (cooling, moistening fluids) abundant.
How Acupuncture Helps You Adapt to Seasonal Change
Many people find that their energy dips, sleep patterns shift, or immune systems falter as the seasons change. Acupuncture helps the body adapt more gracefully to these transitions by supporting the natural flow of Qi and blood, strengthening the immune system, and calming the nervous system. When the body’s Qi flows freely, it can better respond to changes in temperature, daylight, and environmental conditions. Acupuncture points along the Lung and Large Intestine meridians are often used during autumn to:
- Support healthy respiratory function
- Strengthen immune defenses (known in TCM as “defensive Qi”)
- Relieve stress, anxiety, or grief
- Promote smoother digestion and elimination
- Counteract dryness and fatigue
For many patients, a few acupuncture sessions in early autumn serve as a reset—a way to restore balance after the intensity of summer and build resilience before winter.
The Healing Power of Tuina Massage
While acupuncture is often the star of the show, Tuina massage is one of Chinese medicine’s most versatile and therapeutic bodywork techniques—and a hidden gem of Kaz’s practice. Pronounced “twee-nah,” this centuries-old form of massage works along the same meridians and acupoints used in acupuncture, but instead of needles, it uses hands, fingers, and even forearms to move Qi, release tension, and open the body’s energetic pathways.
Tuina techniques include kneading, rolling, pressing, stretching, and acupressure, all tailored to the individual’s needs. It’s more than just relaxation—it’s medical massage, grounded in the same diagnostic principles as acupuncture. By stimulating circulation, relaxing tight muscles, and harmonizing internal organs, Tuina helps to:
- Relieve pain and stiffness in muscles and joints
- Boost immunity by moving lymph and Qi
- Support digestion and organ function
- Calm the mind and release emotional tension
During autumn, Tuina can be especially helpful for those who feel tightness in the chest, shallow breathing, or lingering fatigue—symptoms often linked to the lungs and large intestine. Kaz may combine Tuina with acupuncture or cupping to amplify results, providing both physical relief and energetic realignment.
Simple Ways to Stay Balanced This Fall
Chinese medicine is ultimately about prevention—living in rhythm with the seasons to keep the body’s systems strong and adaptable. Along with acupuncture and Tuina, Kaz encourages a few simple habits to support your body’s Qi this time of year:
- Eat warm, cooked foods. Stews, soups, and roasted root vegetables nourish and ground the body.
- Hydrate wisely. Choose warm water or herbal teas instead of cold drinks to protect digestion.
- Protect your neck and upper back. In TCM, wind and cold can “invade” the body here—so grab that cozy scarf!
- Practice letting go. The lung season is linked with grief and the act of release. Reflect, journal, or simply allow yourself space to breathe and move through change.
One classic home remedy to help expel early cold symptoms is ginger and scallion tea—a simple brew that warms the body, opens pores, and helps release invading pathogens before they take hold. (A recipe is available on the Forest Park Wellness blog.)
Supporting the Metal Element with Chinese Herbs
For those prone to autumn dryness or recurrent coughs, Chinese herbal formulas can provide targeted support. Formulas such as Yin Qiao San (for early cold symptoms) or Lily Preserve Metal Decoction (for lung yin deficiency after illness) are often recommended—but herbal medicine should always be customized. Kaz can guide you toward safe, effective options based on your personal constitution.
Seasonal Balance Starts with Awareness
The shift to autumn offers a natural pause—a chance to breathe deeply, reflect, and restore. Acupuncture and Tuina massage can help you synchronize your body with the season’s rhythm, supporting both physical health and emotional ease. Just as trees shed their leaves to prepare for renewal, autumn invites you to release what no longer serves you—stress, tension, old habits—and make space for vitality. With mindful care and a little help from Chinese medicine, you can embrace the season’s changes with balance and calm.
Forest Park Wellness
Acupuncture · Tuina Massage · Herbal Medicine · Natural Healing for Health & Wellness
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