Autumn in TCM: Caring for Your Lungs and Skin
How TCM links autumn to the Lung system and skin, why dryness matters, seasonal foods and habits, and facial care for autumn in Vancouver.
Written byFlourish TCM ClinicTraditional Chinese Medicine & skin care · Yaletown, Vancouver
Reviewed byTabasom (Tabi) Mirshahi, R.Ac., R.TCM.P.
Autumn in TCM: Caring for Your Lungs and Skin
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, autumn is linked to the Lung system, which TCM also connects to the skin. Autumn's dryness, from cooler air and the return of indoor heating, is said to affect both. TCM autumn care focuses on moistening foods, protecting against the chill, and supporting the skin as the season changes. In Vancouver, that's the shift from summer sun to rain and heaters.
Autumn and the Lung system
TCM associates autumn with the Lung system and the Metal element. In TCM thinking, the Lung system governs breathing and the body's outer defences, and it "rules the skin." Autumn is seen as a time to protect the Lungs and keep things moist as the air dries. Emotionally, TCM links autumn to letting go.
Dryness and your skin
As temperatures drop and heating comes on, skin often becomes drier, tighter and duller. Summer sun can also leave pigmentation that shows up in autumn. It's a natural time to reset your routine. See dull, dehydrated skin and hyperpigmentation.
Autumn foods in TCM
TCM favours moistening, nourishing foods in autumn:
- Pears, especially gently poached;
- apples, persimmons;
- white foods, such as white fungus, lily bulb, daikon, almonds and sesame;
- honey in warm water (not for infants);
- warm soups and congee.
Go easy on very spicy, drying foods and on alcohol.
Autumn habits
- Keep warm. A scarf protects the neck from wind, which TCM watches in autumn.
- Breathe deeply. A daily walk in the crisp air (seawall season!) and slow breathing.
- Hydrate, and use a humidifier once the heating is on.
- Sleep a little earlier as days shorten.
- Let go. Autumn is a good time to clear clutter and commitments.
Facial care for autumn
Autumn is a good time to reset skin after summer:
- OxyGeneo Facial: exfoliation, infusion and oxygenation for dull, dehydrated skin.
- Microneedling + LED: lower sun exposure in autumn and winter suits collagen treatments and work on sun marks.
- Dermaplaning + Hydrate & Glow: a quick smooth-and-hydrate.
Keep using SPF daily; UVA is present year-round.
When to see a doctor
Persistent cough, shortness of breath, very dry and cracked skin, or itchy patches that don't improve with moisturiser should be checked by a doctor.
Where to book
Autumn facials are available at our Yaletown clinic, easy to reach from Kitsilano and Fairview. See also Eating for the Seasons.
Frequently asked questions
Why does TCM link the Lungs and skin?
In TCM theory, the Lung system "rules the skin" and the body's surface.
Why is my skin drier in autumn?
Cooler air and indoor heating reduce moisture.
Is autumn a good time for microneedling?
Yes. Lower sun exposure suits treatment and recovery.
What's a simple TCM autumn snack?
A warm poached pear.
Do I still need SPF in autumn?
Yes.
Sources
- MedlinePlus (NIH) — Dry skin (medlineplus.gov)
- American Academy of Dermatology — Dermatologists' top tips for relieving dry skin (aad.org)
- American Academy of Dermatology — Sunscreen FAQs (aad.org)
- American Academy of Dermatology — Microneedling can fade scars, uneven skin tone, and more (aad.org)
Information on this site is general and isn't a substitute for advice from your physician.
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OxyGeneo Facial
The OxyGeneo Facial is a 90-minute treatment that exfoliates, infuses and oxygenates the skin in a single pass using the OxyGeneo system. At Flourish TCM Clinic in Yaletown, Vancouver, it starts at $230 and is performed by Mina Gharnian, skin care practitioner.
Skin Care & Facials
Microneedling + LED
Microneedling + LED is a collagen-induction treatment that uses a fine-needle pen to create controlled micro-channels, followed by calming LED light. At Flourish TCM Clinic in Yaletown, Vancouver, the face and neck treatment is 120 minutes, $330, performed by Mina Gharnian, skin care practitioner.
Skin Care & Facials
Dermaplaning + Hydrate & Glow Facial
The Dermaplaning + Hydrate & Glow Facial is a 60-minute treatment that gently removes dead skin cells and fine facial hair with a sterile blade, then deeply hydrates the skin. At Flourish TCM Clinic in Yaletown, Vancouver, it costs $170 and is performed by Mehri Abedi, TuiNa and DDS bio-current therapist.
