We celebrate the return of Yin energy, where we begin turning inward after the warmth and outward expansion of Spring and Summer. Autumn is the time of gathering in the fruits of our labors, of bringing in the harvest.

To the Taoists of China, the Autumn Equinox opens the Western Door of Heaven, the door of the White Tiger constellation, one of the Four Doors, when the gates of Heaven are open to virtuous souls with great merit.

In Chinese Five Element Theory, the Autumn Equinox marks the beginning of the Metal Element cycle. Metal is also associated with dusk, the West, with the color white, with the White Tiger protector of the West, with dryness and cooling. It is the most important time of year for building up your immune system in preparation for the approaching cold winds of Winter.

A Time to Strengthen

It’s the best time of year for strengthening the Lungs, as we are more susceptible to colds and flus as the weather changes. Chinese herbs such as astragalus (Huang Qi) and platycodon are perfect to help strengthen the immune system and Lungs.

Now is also a good time to stock up on Yin Qiao, an especially good formula to take at the first sign of a cold. My favorite Chinese herbal formulation to fortify the immune system is Jade Windscreen Formula (Yu Ping Feng San).