October Wellness Guide
A Month of Letting Go & Turning Inward
The Metal Element supports:
Lungs – Breathing, energy circulation, immunity, and emotional openness.
Large Intestine – Letting go physically and emotionally, supporting detox and balance.
Boundaries & Structure – Bringing rhythm, order, and protection.
Emotions – Grief or sadness may surface, inviting healing through breath and acceptance.
When balanced, you feel clear, resilient, and in rhythm with the season. When imbalanced, you may experience respiratory issues, skin dryness, constipation, or difficulty releasing old patterns.
October marks the deepening of autumn. The days shorten, the air cools, and nature begins releasing what is no longer needed. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this season is ruled by the Metal Element, which governs the Lungs and Large Intestine.
The Metal Element invites us to breathe deeply, strengthen immunity, and embrace the natural cycle of letting go — making space for clarity and renewal.
Support the Lungs and Large Intestine with warming, moistening foods and practices that help protect against the chill.
Vegetables: Pumpkins, squash, sweet potatoes, carrots, kale, leeks, parsnips, beetroot, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli.
Fruits: Apples, pears, plums (late), blackberries, elderberries.
Herbs & Spices: Ginger, cinnamon, thyme, rosemary, sage.
Other Supportive Foods: Oats, brown rice, barley, walnuts, sesame seeds, warming soups and stews.
Cooking methods such as roasting, slow cooking, and making hearty soups are especially nourishing now.
Practices for Metal Balance
Breathe Deeply – Gentle breathwork or time outdoors in crisp autumn air supports lung health.
Let Go – Journal or reflect on what no longer serves you, mirroring nature’s shedding.
Moisturise & Protect – Use warming teas, hydrating foods (pears, soups), and self-care rituals to prevent dryness.
Gentle Movement – Walking in fresh air, qigong, or restorative yoga harmonises energy.
The Energy of October: Clarity & Release
Seasonal Living in October
Meal Ideas for October
Breakfast
Warm porridge with stewed apples, cinnamon, and walnuts.
Poached pears with yogurt and pumpkin seeds.
Lunch
Roasted pumpkin and carrot soup with thyme.
Kale and roasted beetroot salad with toasted seeds.
Dinner
Slow-cooked lamb or lentil stew with root vegetables.
Baked salmon with leeks, broccoli, and brown rice.
Teas & Drinks
Thyme tea for respiratory support.
Ginger and cinnamon tea for warmth and circulation.
Strength & Renewal
October is a time to align with the rhythm of release. By supporting your lungs, eating warm seasonal foods, and practicing gentle letting go, you can strengthen resilience and move gracefully into the colder months. 🍂