During this time of year, there is ample focus on respiratory health, but in TCM Autumn corresponds to the Lungs and the Large Intestine—an organ crucial for maintaining the body's balance and overall health. As the final stop for processing waste in our digestive system, the Large Intestine is inseparable from our metabolic health physically, and mirrors a similar course on the psycho-spiritual level. Not only does the Large Intestine extract nutrients and water from food before completing the elimination process, but it also supports our capacity to extract meaning and wisdom from our experiences before letting go of emotional baggage and moving on.
Metabolism refers to the combination of bodily processes responsible for the transformation of nutrients consumed through food and drink into vital energy, or Qi—the abundance and free-flowing nature of which is considered absolutely foundational to vibrant health in TCM. As a Yang organ, the Large Intestine is tasked with distributing energy and nutrients throughout the body. The Lung organ-meridian system is its Yin counterpart and, interestingly, TCM recognizes that Qi is also absorbed from the air we breathe. These two organs are deeply interconnected, as the Lungs are responsible for dispersing and descending Qi, while the Large Intestine assists by letting go of waste. When the Large Intestine is blocked or not functioning properly, it can disrupt Lung Qi, leading to respiratory issues or skin problems.
Healthy metabolic function also encompasses the proper elimination of toxins and waste so as to prevent blockages and stagnation of Qi. One of the ways that the Large Intestine supports this physical act of letting go is in its task of reabsorbing some fluids and minerals from digested food, thus helping to maintain proper moisture balance in the body. Not only does this help maintain harmony between the energetics of Yin and Yang in the body, but it supports the regulation of metabolic waste. In TCM, a well-functioning Large Intestine ensures that the body doesn’t suffer from excess dryness or dampness, which can manifest as constipation or diarrhea, respectively; when waste is not optimally eliminated (constipation) or when nutrients are not properly extracted and are eliminated with waste (diarrhea), we experience Qi stagnation or deficiency.
Emotions are another form of Qi and likewise need to be processed and metabolized. The Po, or “Corporeal Soul,” is one aspect of our psyche that lives in the Lungs and Large Intestine. Responsible for our feelings, sensations, and stored memories, it is specifically suppressed or unconscious feelings that affect the Po, particularly unexpressed grief. Indeed, holding onto grief or worry can manifest as issues in the Large Intestine, like constipation. Thankfully, the Corporeal Soul also facilitates the manifestation of grief through weeping and crying, supporting a sense of expression and release that in turn benefits the smooth function of the Large Intestine. As expected, there is a bi-directional relationship between the physical and psychospiritual, such that supporting the Large Intestine on a physiological level also helps to release emotional baggage together with other metabolic waste.
Ways to support the Large Intestine:
- Eat seasonally: enjoy more cooked and warming foods so as to prevent the constriction of the intestines and Dampness.
- Ensure adequate fiber intake: helps regulate our bowel movements, which prevents toxin reabsorption.
- Hydrate optimally: supports peristalsis, allowing for the fluid and rhythmic elimination of waste out of our bodies.
- Incorporate supportive herbs: Some of our favorite food-as-medicine sources of electrolytes to promote proper hydration include Pine Pollen and Pearl. Additional support for gut health includes Rose and Turkey Tail, helping to prevent constipation while also supporting the Lungs.
- Reflection: carve out some time to reflect upon the year thus far and what you’re being called to release, as well as lessons learned and wisdom earned.
