By Stephanie Ray, BCN, ND

Naturopath, Chinese Herbalist, Mom

The Rhythm of October in Traditional Chinese Medicine

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), October sits at the heart of autumn, a season governed by the Metal element and connected to the Lungs and Large Intestine. This is a time of contraction—energy pulls inward, nature sheds what is no longer needed, and the body mirrors this process.

The Metal element represents clarity, structure, and refinement. Just as metal can be forged, shaped, and polished, this season invites us to let go of what no longer serves us and refine what remains.

Fall is the season of the lungs, while the gastrointestinal system is the body’s first line of defense. Instead of “boosting” immunity—which can overstimulate—what we truly need is immune modulation: restoring balance by strengthening what is weak and calming what is excessive.

When we align with autumn’s rhythm, we create resilience for the colder months ahead. If we resist, imbalance can appear as low immunity, respiratory weakness, skin dryness, or sluggish digestion.

October Wellness Practices

1. Strengthen the Lungs

The lungs are vulnerable in autumn dryness. Protect them with:

• Gentle breathwork or qigong
  

• Warm scarves to protect the neck and chest from wind
  

• Using a humidifier or more showers to counter dryness
  
  

2. Nourish Yin and Body Fluids

Moistening foods replenish Yin and keep tissues supple. Think: pears, apples, sesame seeds, almonds, tofu, lily bulb (if you’re feeling exotic), and root vegetables. Soups and stews become medicine this time of year add Adrenal Recharge for extra moistening impact.

3. Support the Large Intestine

Elimination is essential for balance. A high-fiber diet, gentle abdominal massage, and regular movement help the large intestine let go—physically and emotionally. Some people find added support from Good To Go® or Pooper to lubricate and moisten the intestines helpful.

4. Rest, Reflect, and Release

Earlier bedtimes and calm, grounding practices support October’s energy of letting go. Journaling or meditation can help process the autumn emotion of grief, making space for clarity.

Where Seasonal Support Fits In

Seasonal living is most powerful when paired with targeted support. At BIORAY, we’ve curated two specialized kits that align with the needs of this season: Immunity Knockout® and Mom’s Replenisher™. Each offers unique strengths depending on your personal needs this October.

Immunity Knockout®: Seasonal Defense and Detox

For those who want targeted immune clarity, Immunity Knockout® is a strong ally in autumn.

• Immune Modulation: Clears what burdens the immune system, replenishes what’s lacking, and fortifies your first lines of defense.
  

• Supports the Liver & Gut: Helps strengthen gastrointestinal health—often called the “second lung” in TCM—while assisting the liver in filtering seasonal toxins and supporting the immune defenses found in both the gut and liver.
  

• Best Fit For: Those facing lots of seasonal exposure (teachers, travelers, frontline workers, or anyone wanting sharper immune resilience).

In the TCM seasonal context, this kit aligns with the protective role of the lungs, keeping defenses clear and responsive.

Mom’s Replenisher™: Adrenal & Lung Support for Resilience

For all women of strength—often give more than they receive, leaving adrenal reserves depleted and lung Qi compromised. Autumn’s dryness and contraction amplify this imbalance.

• Adrenal Recharge: Restores adrenal strength, stabilizing energy and mood as the days shorten.
  

• Lung Nourishment: Directly supports the lungs, the organ most taxed in autumn.
  

• Gut Integrity & Gentle Detox: Helps with elimination (paired organ of the lungs), clearing stagnation while rebuilding resilience.
  

• Best Fit For: Women (and men, too) who feel run down, emotionally taxed, or depleted after prolonged stress or caretaking.
  

In TCM terms, Mom’s Replenisher™ honors the yin-nourishing, restorative side of autumn; helping the body let go, replenish, and rebuild.

Which One Fits Best for October?

• Choose Immunity Knockout® if your focus is immune defense and detox, especially if you’re anticipating seasonal exposures, travel, or times of immune stress. This is your shield and filter for autumn.
  

• Choose Mom’s Replenisher™ if your body is asking for deep replenishment, especially adrenal and lung support. This is your restorative anchor—ideal for those feeling depleted, dry, or emotionally heavy this season.
  

For many, starting with Mom’s Replenisher™ in October can help strengthen the lungs and restore reserves—setting the stage for winter. Then, moving into Immunity Knockout® as seasonal exposures increase provides that extra immune shield when you need it most.

Practical October Rituals with TCM + BIORAY Support

Final Thoughts

October invites us to slow down, conserve, and prepare. By following herbal autumn wisdom of protecting the lungs, moistening dryness, and releasing what no longer serves us, it’s about cultivating resilience for the season.

FAQs

Q: What does Traditional Chinese Medicine recommend for autumn wellness?
A: In TCM, autumn is the season of the Metal element, linked to the Lungs and Large Intestine. Practices include protecting the lungs, eating moistening foods like pears and root vegetables, supporting digestion, and allowing time for reflection and release.

Q: What is immune modulation and why is it important in fall?
A: Immune modulation is the process of restoring balance in the immune system—strengthening what is weak and calming what is excessive. Unlike “immune boosting,” which may overstimulate, modulation helps the body adapt to seasonal stressors with resilience and clarity.

Q: Which BIORAY® formulas are best for October?
A: Immunity Knockout® is ideal for those exposed to seasonal stressors and needing clear immune support, while Mom’s Replenisher™ helps restore adrenal reserves, nourish the lungs, and rebuild resilience. Both align with TCM principles for autumn wellness.