Here we are in the middle of autumn, the season associated with the Lungs in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is a time of transition, of slowing down, of returning to the essentials. Just as the sun sets earlier, our energy also tends to withdraw inwards, calling us to a work of purification, order and detox – physical, mental and emotional.
In the cycle of the Five Phases, autumn corresponds to the Metal phase, linked to the ability to tell what should be kept from what should be let go. The Lungs represent the breath and contact with the new, while the Large Intestine, the organ paired with them, represents elimination: letting go of waste, toxins and everything that is no longer useful.
Our overall wellbeing depends on this delicate balance. When the Lungs are out of balance, symptoms such as nervousness, fatigue, breathing difficulties, mild low mood, deep sadness and a tendency to withdraw into oneself can appear. In the intestine, constipation, bloating or difficulty eliminating toxins may occur: clear signs of a body that can no longer let go on a physical and emotional level.
The sauna: a precious ally for the autumn season
In this context, the sauna – and in particular the infrared sauna, especially far infrared – proves to be a powerful natural tool to support the body in its process of purification and seasonal harmonisation.
The deep heat generated by infrared penetrates the tissues, stimulates sweating and encourages deep cellular detox. From the TCM point of view, the skin is considered the outer extension of the Lungs: keeping it clear and breathable is essential to support their function.
The benefits of the sauna in autumn are many:
- It stimulates the elimination of toxins through sweat.
- It supports the function of the Large Intestine, encouraging proper elimination.
- It strengthens the Lungs, improving breathing and the ability to welcome the new.
- It helps release muscular and mental tension, countering nervousness and restlessness.
- It encourages emotional release, helping to prevent or ease mild symptoms of seasonal low mood.
- It improves blood circulation and can help regulate conditions such as high blood pressure.
The sauna thus becomes a true natural therapy, combining heat, detox and energetic regeneration. In particular, the far infrared sauna works in depth without stressing the cardiovascular system, making it suitable even for more sensitive people or those with circulation difficulties.
Breathe, walk, let go
As well as Sauna Smarty, conscious breathing and morning walks – especially between 5 and 7 a.m., the time of the Large Intestine – help to rebalance the energy of Metal, encouraging inner purification.
When it comes to food, autumn invites us to choose seasonal foods that can moisten the Lungs in case of dryness (such as pears, figs, persimmons, goat’s milk and apples) or help drain excess dampness (such as brown rice, leeks, fennel and slightly spicy foods).
Conclusion: find your centre again through warmth
Autumn is a powerful, transformative season. The body asks us for rhythm, inwardness and deep cleansing. Including practices such as the infrared sauna, breathing and a mindful diet in your routine means honouring the time of Metal (autumn in TCM), freeing yourself from what is superfluous and nourishing the most authentic part of yourself.
At a time when it is easy to fall into sadness or nervousness, choosing to take care of your body through warmth, detox and purification becomes an act of love and prevention. Because a body that lets go is a body that breathes, regenerates… and finds itself again.
In short, autumn is the time of introspection, discernment and “making space”. Sauna Smarty, as a practice of purifying warmth, helps us do exactly that: sweat away what we don’t need, lighten body and mind, and prepare ourselves, more grounded and centred, for the winter to come.
For a general overview you can read the Wikipedia article on Traditional Chinese Medicine.
