The Autumn Wellness Series, Part III

Inner Calm, Subtle Strength: Mind-Body Harmony in the Season of Reflection

By late autumn, nature turns inward — and so should we. This final article in the Autumn Wellness Series explores the deeper layers of spirit, stillness, and mindful care that support whole-body balance.

🌿 Cultivating Stillness and Presence

Autumn’s lesson is restraint. Quiet time each day — meditation, mindful breathing, or journaling — calms the Shen (spirit) and nourishes yin. Reduce overstimulation, digital noise, and mental clutter. Stillness becomes the foundation of vitality.

Harvard Health (2023) reports that daily mindfulness reduces cortisol and improves blood pressure regulation — validating TCM’s emphasis on quietude.

✋ Acupressure & Gentle Self-Care

Support your body through touch and breath:

• Hegu (LI-4) – boosts immune resilience

• Taiyuan (LU-9) – strengthens lung function

• Zusanli (ST-36) – tonifies qi and digestion

• Yingxiang (LI-20) – relieves nasal congestion

Massage each point for 2–3 minutes with slow, mindful breathing.

💧 Moisture-Preserving Remedies

As dryness peaks, integrate nourishing teas and soups:

• Chrysanthemum and goji berry tea

• Qingzao Jiufei Tang (Clear Dryness and Rescue the Lungs Decoction)

• Steamed pear with fritillaria and honey

These formulas moisten the lungs and relieve dry coughs, aligning with national TCM guidelines.

🍂 The Practice of “Gathering In”

In TCM, autumn is not decline — it’s refinement. By resting, breathing, and reflecting, we preserve life force for the winter ahead.

“To cultivate the way of health, collect the spirit within and do not scatter the qi.” — Huangdi Neijing