Chinese medicine teaches that each season is in resonance with, and governed by, a particular element or phase. This means, for example, that the fall season has resonance with the metal element and the related organ / bowel pair of the Lungs and Large Intestine. As the circulation of Qi enters these organs and channels, and is then regulated by them, there is a vulnerability in the transition that can readily lead to illness. This is particularly true in the fall.
The Lungs govern the Wei Qi, or protective Qi of the body. This refers to what we would consider in the West to be the immune system. Physically, it includes not only lungs, but also the nose, skin, and body hair. Wei Qi is thick and dense, and circulates in the more superficial aspects of the channel system. It is governed by the Lungs, and arises from the Spleen. The Spleen is the lower half of the TaiYin channel, the upper half of which is the Lung channel.
In fall, the weather gets colder and windier, there are external allergens, and people generally do not adjust their lifestyle for these changing factors. People are outside without warm clothing, and are often exposed to the colder climate with wet hair and skin. Chinese medicine teaches that without a surplus of Wei Qi, this will lead to invasion of external pathogens such as cold and wind. This will lead either to immediate illness, or to penetration of these pathogens into the deeper layers of the body with manifestation of illness sometime in the coming months. Yes – Chinese medicine teaches that the manifestation of symptoms may arise from factors that occurred in the past. This is an important concept that is generally not understood nor considered by most people. If we do not understand that diet, lifestyle, illness and treatment have consequences over time, we lose the ability to properly care for ourselves and evaluate the results.
Wei Qi is built and stored over time through good diet, lifestyle, and rest. Patients often express that they are surprised they became sick, for example, as they “just had a relaxing weekend and ate a few good meals.” Building and storing reserves of Qi takes time, and what we experience in the fall is the result of what has come in the preceding year. Consequently, what we do now always has effect in the future. While life is unpredictable and ultimately uncontrollable, simple acts of self-care will always help us to encounter these unknowns when they occur. It is human nature to perceive dichotomy and live in extremes: For example, either I am in complete control of my life through what I do, or I am not in control of anything and nothing I do matters. As is always stressed in Chinese medicine, both ends contain truth and deeper understanding and wise action lies in the middle.
Causality in Chinese medicine allows us to perceive and understand relative causes of disease, and to live in a harmonious manner that promotes health. Absolute causes, however, are often beyond our perception and understanding. We can often understand how, but not why. As long as we understand how, we can make choices that will lead to a healthier and more balanced life. Chinese medicine is rich with modalities to help us live in this way.