Autumn governs the health of the lungs and large intestine and it is a time to promote lung function and strengthen immunity as we prepare for the windy days of October and November and cold dark days of winter. As the leaves begin to change colour and fall and the days become darker we need to balance our energy so we can thrive.

If you can, get outside to experience the change of season – marvel at the beautiful changing colours of leaves and skies, dance through the puddles and as nature begins to shed its redundant leaves and flowers, ask yourself ‘What do I need to complete or change in my life as I prepare for the darker, colder days of winter?’. Autumn is not naturally a time for renewal or big change but of scaling back and finishing projects started in the spring and summer. It is a ‘wind-down’ to winter.

The lungs like to be warm and moist so as the winds of autumn cool and dry the air try to avoid excessive dryness caused by artificial heat like car heaters and central heating. (A tip is to have a saucer of water on a shelf in the rooms in which you have heating. This will then re-hydrate the air which dries out with the central heating.)

Try to protect yourself from draughts and feeling chilled. Wind, which can make you catch a cold, attacks the top of the body first so try to wear scarves and cover your head, and keep those ankles and feet warm too or the rest of you will feel cold.

Eat less spicy food as this hot food can injure the lungs. Instead start stocking up on those comfort warming foods like soups and stews. Reduce your intake of summer vegetables and bring more squash, root vegetables, cauliflower, broccoli, potatoes and onions into your diet. If you do feel you’re getting a cold, act fast to minimise the effects of this by doing whatever works best for you, such as hot baths, early nights, staying warm by the fire, chicken soup etc.