Breath and Death: Honoring the Season of Fall
As fall arrives, we witness a beautiful paradox in nature—the season of both harvest and release, vitality and letting go. In Chinese medicine, each season corresponds to specific elements, organs, colors, and emotions. Fall embodies the Metal element and is associated with the Lungs and Large Intestine, the color white, and the emotion of grief.
During this time of year, some people may experience weakened lung energy and a more vulnerable immune system. Fall can also invite us to explore layers of grief that are ready to be released. The Large Intestine, one of fall's paired organs, supports our ability to let go—both physically and emotionally. Often, the path through grief involves this very act of letting go, sometimes again and again.
I often remind patients that we don't always need to intellectually understand what we're releasing. Our breath does this work naturally. With each inhale, we receive; with each exhale, we let go. This rhythm continues from our first breath at birth to our final breath at death. Fall mirrors this cycle beautifully as leaves change color, fall from trees, and return to the earth.
This season also brings us holidays that honor the connection between life and death—Halloween, which originated from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. The Celts celebrated Samhain on October 31st, marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter—a time often associated with death. They believed that on this night, the boundary between the living and the dead became blurred, and the ghosts of the dead could return to earth. We also have All Saints Day and El Dia De Los Muertos during this time. These traditions remind us that breath and death are woven into the fabric of this season.
When we hold onto grief without processing it, we can compromise our lung health. Fall invites us to honor change, acknowledge our grief, and release what no longer serves us. This practice supports our spirit, lungs, and immune system.
The Importance of How We Breathe
As many of you know, I discovered Chinese medicine through Qigong and the internal martial arts. My teachers consistently emphasized breathing in and out through the nose and down into the dantian (lower belly). I'm eternally grateful for their patient repetition of this fundamental practice.
Nasal breathing into the lower belly activates the parasympathetic nervous system, shifting us out of sympathetic dominance (fight or flight). When we're stuck in fight or flight mode, our body's ability to heal is significantly compromised. If you're working to shift any pattern in your life, begin with your breath.
Ideally, each inhale and exhale should take between 3-5 seconds, making one complete breath cycle close to 10 seconds. Try practicing a few of these deep breaths each morning before getting out of bed. Place your hand on your belly and feel it rise with each inhale. Allow yourself to truly enjoy fall through your breath—receiving, letting go, and beginning again.
Nourishing Your Lungs This Season
Foods that support lung health include pears and apples. Try cutting them in half, baking them, and topping with cinnamon, honey, and walnuts for a delicious and lung-nourishing treat.
I highly recommend the book Breath by James Nestor, which explores profound research on the importance of nasal breathing. It's full of valuable information about how the way we breathe can transform our health. I have a copy at the clinic available for anyone who would like to borrow it.
An Invitation
Let's breathe together this month. We don’t know how many breaths we have left. Be curious about what slow breathing in and out of your nose feels like. When a strong emotion arises, notice what happens to your breath. And remember—if conscious breathing feels like too much effort, simply let go and allow your body to breathe you. It can be effortless. This is fall, time for nourishing our lungs, letting go, and connecting to ourselves and all living things with our breath.
If you'd like to schedule a fall tune-up, please click here to book an appointment: https://dradriannagonzalez.com/join
I continue to be deeply grateful for all of my wonderful patients. I feel blessed and honored to do this work each day. I truly love it. Thank you all for continuing to show up for yourselves.
May we all breathe with ease and joy. Happy Fall!
In deep gratitude,
Adrianna
Breath and Death: Honoring the Season of Fall
As fall arrives, we witness a beautiful paradox in nature—the season of both harvest and release, vitality and letting go. In Chinese medicine, each season corresponds to specific elements, organs, colors, and emotions. Fall embodies the Metal element and is associated with the Lungs and Large Intestine, the color white, and the emotion of grief.
During this time of year, some people may experience weakened lung energy and a more vulnerable immune system. Fall can also invite us to explore layers of grief that are ready to be released. The Large Intestine, one of fall's paired organs, supports our ability to let go—both physically and emotionally. Often, the path through grief involves this very act of letting go, sometimes again and again.
I often remind patients that we don't always need to intellectually understand what we're releasing. Our breath does this work naturally. With each inhale, we receive; with each exhale, we let go. This rhythm continues from our first breath at birth to our final breath at death. Fall mirrors this cycle beautifully as leaves change color, fall from trees, and return to the earth.
This season also brings us holidays that honor the connection between life and death—Halloween, which originated from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. The Celts celebrated Samhain on October 31st, marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter—a time often associated with death. They believed that on this night, the boundary between the living and the dead became blurred, and the ghosts of the dead could return to earth. We also have All Saints Day and El Dia De Los Muertos during this time. These traditions remind us that breath and death are woven into the fabric of this season.
When we hold onto grief without processing it, we can compromise our lung health. Fall invites us to honor change, acknowledge our grief, and release what no longer serves us. This practice supports our spirit, lungs, and immune system.
The Importance of How We Breathe
As many of you know, I discovered Chinese medicine through Qigong and the internal martial arts. My teachers consistently emphasized breathing in and out through the nose and down into the dantian (lower belly). I'm eternally grateful for their patient repetition of this fundamental practice.
Nasal breathing into the lower belly activates the parasympathetic nervous system, shifting us out of sympathetic dominance (fight or flight). When we're stuck in fight or flight mode, our body's ability to heal is significantly compromised. If you're working to shift any pattern in your life, begin with your breath.
Ideally, each inhale and exhale should take between 3-5 seconds, making one complete breath cycle close to 10 seconds. Try practicing a few of these deep breaths each morning before getting out of bed. Place your hand on your belly and feel it rise with each inhale. Allow yourself to truly enjoy fall through your breath—receiving, letting go, and beginning again.
Nourishing Your Lungs This Season
Foods that support lung health include pears and apples. Try cutting them in half, baking them, and topping with cinnamon, honey, and walnuts for a delicious and lung-nourishing treat.
I highly recommend the book Breath by James Nestor, which explores profound research on the importance of nasal breathing. It's full of valuable information about how the way we breathe can transform our health. I have a copy at the clinic available for anyone who would like to borrow it.
An Invitation
Let's breathe together this month. We don’t know how many breaths we have left. Be curious about what slow breathing in and out of your nose feels like. When a strong emotion arises, notice what happens to your breath. And remember—if conscious breathing feels like too much effort, simply let go and allow your body to breathe you. It can be effortless. This is fall, time for nourishing our lungs, letting go, and connecting to ourselves and all living things with our breath.
If you'd like to schedule a fall tune-up, please click here to book an appointment: https://dradriannagonzalez.com/join
I continue to be deeply grateful for all of my wonderful patients. I feel blessed and honored to do this work each day. I truly love it. Thank you all for continuing to show up for yourselves.
May we all breathe with ease and joy. Happy Fall!
In deep gratitude,
Adrianna
