Embracing Autumn with Qi Gong Flow
Discover this seasonal routine to enhance and harmonise your energy.
As the crispness of autumn fills the air, nature begins its graceful descent into a slower, more reflective pace. The vibrant hues of summer fade, and the earthy tones of autumn take their place. Leaves fall from the trees, and there’s a sense of letting go, of preparing for the quiet of winter. Autumn is a time of transition, and in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this season is particularly aligned with the lungs, large intestine, and the element of Metal. It’s a time for clearing, for releasing what no longer serves us, and for restoring balance as we prepare for the colder months ahead.
Qi Gong, the ancient Chinese practice of cultivating and balancing energy, is a beautiful way to stay grounded during this transition. A gentle combination of breathwork, movement, and meditation, Qi Gong works with the flow of Qi (or life force energy) within the body, encouraging vitality, inner peace, and harmony. This autumn-focused Qi Gong routine can help you strengthen your lungs, release old emotional baggage, and reconnect with the natural rhythms of the season.
Why Qi Gong in Autumn?
Autumn’s energy corresponds with the Metal element, which governs the lungs and large intestine. These organs play a vital role in the body’s ability to breathe deeply and let go – both physically (through the lungs) and emotionally (through the large intestine). Autumn is a time of harvest and release, so a Qi Gong practice during this season encourages both the expulsion of excess and the cultivation of clarity and strength.
This routine is designed to:
Support lung health: Autumn is a time to nourish and fortify the lungs, which can be more vulnerable in colder, drier weather.
Promote emotional balance: In TCM, the lungs are linked to grief and sadness. By practicing Qi Gong, we help release emotional blockages and restore emotional equilibrium.
Encourage grounding and letting go: The act of shedding leaves in autumn mirrors our own need to release attachments, making space for new energy.
The Autumn Qi Gong Routine:
This simple yet powerful routine will help you tap into the energy of the season, restore your internal balance, and support your body’s natural processes. Set aside about 15-20 minutes each day, ideally in the morning or evening, to create a grounding practice that invites the essence of autumn into your life.
Want to deepen your Qi Gong practice and knowledge? See our retreat schedule to discover one of Hedwig Bakker’s Qi Gong retreats at Mana, find more here.