Embracing the Element of Fall: Living Cyclically for Hormone Balance

As the leaves turn golden and the air becomes crisp, we naturally begin to turn inward, much like nature itself. Fall represents a time of transition—an invitation to let go of what no longer serves us, just as trees shed their leaves. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), fall is associated with the element of metal, and its corresponding organs are the lungs and large intestine. Understanding these natural rhythms can help us, as womyn, support our bodies, nurture our hormones, and live in harmony with the changing seasons.

The Metal Element and Fall’s Transformative Energy
The metal element embodies clarity, reflection, and the ability to discern what we need to hold onto and what we can release. It represents a time of introspection, inviting us to clear out the old, embrace simplicity, and make space for new experiences. The organs most closely associated with the metal element are the lungs and the large intestine, both of which help us process and let go, whether through breath or elimination.

The lungs, as the organ of respiration, bring in fresh air and vitality, symbolizing inspiration and our connection to the outside world. On the other hand, the large intestine is responsible for letting go of waste—both physically and energetically. These processes mirror the natural rhythms of our bodies and minds during fall, allowing us to release emotional baggage, toxins, and anything that may create imbalance.

Hormone Balance and Cyclical Living
Living cyclically means honouring the rhythms of both our inner and outer worlds. For womyn, this involves tuning into the menstrual cycle, which, much like the seasons, moves through phases of growth, bloom, shedding, and rest. Fall aligns with the luteal phase of our cycle—the time after ovulation when progesterone rises to prepare the body for menstruation or pregnancy. This phase is about reflection and slowing down, just as nature draws its energy inward. For those who do not or no longer have a menstrual cycle, one can align with the latter half of the moon phase, the waning moon. Fall also correlates to the Mage phase of a womyn's life phases. This is the phase from approximately 50-70, from menopause to old age,  between Mother and Crone. 

To maintain hormone balance during this time, it's important to embrace the qualities of fall. Support your lungs by practicing deep, mindful breathing, which can help reduce stress and promote a sense of calm—a key factor in balancing hormones like cortisol and progesterone. Similarly, nurturing the large intestine through a diet rich in fiber primarily from plant foods, fermented foods, and warm, grounding meals supports healthy digestion and detoxification, which are crucial for maintaining hormonal equilibrium.

Lifestyle Tips for Fall and the Luteal Phase
Breathe Deeply: Incorporate breathwork or pranayama into your daily routine. Deep breathing nourishes the lungs, helps release emotional tension, and calms the nervous system, creating a balanced environment for hormone production.

Eat Seasonally: Choose warming foods like roasted root vegetables, pumpkins, and squashes. These foods provide nourishment for the body and help keep energy levels stable during the luteal phase, reducing cravings and mood swings. They are like "eating sunshine" as they have absorbed the sun and all it's nutrients during the months they were maturing. 

Release and Reflect: Take some time to journal about what’s been weighing you down—this could be thoughts, habits, or even relationships that no longer serve you. Letting go emotionally can be just as powerful as physical cleansing for hormonal health.

Slow Down: Just as the natural world begins to quiet down, allow yourself to rest more and say "no" when needed. Avoid overstimulation, prioritize sleep, and engage in gentle movement like yoga or walking. Many womyn don’t realize that we need 8–10 hours of sleep to fully regenerate and restore, especially when it comes to balancing our hormones.

Connect with Nature/Ourselves: Spend time outdoors, take in the changing colours, and practice forest bathing to connect with the rhythms of fall. This connection helps regulate the stress response, which is vital for keeping cortisol and other hormones balanced. We are not separate from nature, we ARE nature. 

Living in Harmony with the Seasons
Embracing the energy of fall and the metal element is about finding strength in simplicity, learning to let go, and allowing space for rest and renewal. By syncing our lifestyles with the natural flow of the seasons, we can better support our bodies and cultivate hormonal balance throughout the year. Fall teaches us that shedding what no longer serves us is necessary for growth, and as womyn, honouring these rhythms helps us live in greater harmony with ourselves.

If this has piqued your interest and you'd like to learn more about cyclical living and how to support you and your hormones to thrive I invite you to take a look at my upcoming Thriving Hormones - Your Path to Vibrant Health Fall Edition group program starting on Nov.2nd, 2024 at the link below or message me on Instagram or Facebook.  

 https://bit.ly/thrivinghormonesfall

Massive love and Blessings,

~johanna 

https://linktr.ee/ilivevibrantly