When Summer Begins to Fade: The TCM Wisdom of Lì Qiū (Start of Autumn)
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Another summer is slowly coming to an end. After months of heat, many of us have settled into our summer habits — turning on the air conditioning the moment we walk through the door and reaching for something cold to drink throughout the day.
Yet the season quietly begins to change. The same air conditioner that brought relief in the afternoon may start to feel a little too cool, and the evening breeze carries a hint of autumn. Without noticing, we begin to sense that a new season is approaching.
As summer slowly begins to fade, Traditional Chinese culture welcomes Lì Qiū (立秋), meaning the Start of Autumn, which is the first solar term of autumn.
The ancient meaning of Lì Qiū reflects this change. The character "秋"(Qiū/Autumn) carries the meaning of gathering and storing, reflecting the way nature begins to move away from summer's outward growth and prepare for the quieter season ahead.
For centuries, the 24 solar terms have helped people understand the changing relationship between nature and daily life. Originally created to guide agricultural activities, these seasonal markers later became an important part of traditional wellness practices, influencing how people approached food, movement, rest, and self-care.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), seasonal changes are closely connected with the body's own rhythms. As the environment shifts, our energy, comfort, and daily habits may also need small adjustments. Seasonal wellness begins with noticing these changes and making small choices that feel right for the season.
What Is Lì Qiū? The Start of Autumn in TCM
The Ancient Wisdom Behind the 24 Solar Terms
Lì Qiū (立秋), also known as the Start of Autumn, is the first solar term of autumn in the traditional Chinese calendar. It is one of the 24 solar terms developed in ancient China through generations of observing the sun’s movement, seasonal changes, and patterns in nature.
As an agrarian society, ancient China relied closely on these seasonal markers to guide farming activities. Farmers used these markers to decide when fields needed attention, when crops were ready to harvest, and when the land needed rest. Rooted in the seasonal rhythms of the Yellow River basin, where the four seasons are clearly defined, the solar terms helped people organize their work around the natural cycle of the year.
Over time, these observations became more than a farming calendar. They shaped traditional Chinese approaches to food, lifestyle, and wellness, reflecting a deeper understanding of the relationship between humans and nature.
Lì Qiū and the TCM Understanding of Seasonal Change
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, seasonal transitions are closely connected with the concept of harmony between humans and nature.
The Huangdi Neijing (黄帝内经), one of the foundational texts of TCM, describes the changing seasons as closely connected with human rhythms, including how people adjust their lifestyle throughout the year, the movement of Qi, the balance of Yin and Yang.
According to this seasonal perspective, Lì Qiū is a reminder to look at the small habits that often change with the seasons — when we sleep, what we eat, how we move, and how we create moments of rest.
Understanding Lì Qiū Through Yin and Yang
This seasonal transition is closely connected with Yin and Yang, a central concept in TCM philosophy.
Think about how summer naturally changes our behavior: longer days, more outdoor activities, lighter clothing, and a tendency to stay active later into the evening. In TCM, these outward, active qualities are associated with Yang. In TCM, this outward expression is often associated with stronger Yang qualities, such as warmth, movement, and outward activity. As autumn approaches, Yin qualities gradually become more prominent, bringing a quieter rhythm of reflection and conservation.
From a TCM perspective, seasonal wellness means observing these changes and finding ways to support balance through everyday choices.
Can Ancient Chinese Seasonal Wisdom Apply Today?
Although the 24 solar terms originated in China, the idea behind them — observing nature and adapting our routines accordingly — remains meaningful today.
Many regions around the world, including parts of North America with temperate climates, experience noticeable seasonal changes that can make these traditional observations relevant. However, seasonal experiences naturally vary by geography. In tropical and subtropical regions, where temperature shifts may be less distinct, the solar terms may serve more as a cultural and seasonal framework rather than a direct reflection of local weather.
From a TCM perspective, seasonal wellness is less about following a calendar date rigidly and more about noticing how our environment changes and adapting our daily rhythms with greater awareness.
Why Does Lì Qiū Still Feel Like Summer?
One common question about Lì Qiū is:
"If autumn has started, why does it still feel so hot?"
The answer lies in the difference between a seasonal calendar and daily weather.
Lì Qiū is based on the Earth's position around the sun, making it an astronomical marker of seasonal transition. However, the temperature we experience depends on many other factors, including stored heat from summer, regional climate patterns, and atmospheric conditions.
After months of summer warmth, the ground, oceans, and surrounding environment continue releasing accumulated heat. In many regions, hot weather can continue well into early autumn, a phenomenon traditionally known as "autumn tiger" (Qiūlǎohǔ, 秋老虎) — a period when summer-like warmth returns after the beginning of autumn.
From a TCM perspective, this period represents a gradual transition. The season may have shifted on the calendar, but the body and environment often need time to adapt.
How Different TCM Constitutions May Experience Lì Qiū
TCM recognizes different constitution tendencies that describe how people may respond to internal and external changes.
Because Lì Qiū is a period when summer warmth, humidity, and early autumn dryness overlap, different constitution tendencies may notice the seasonal transition in different ways.
Yin Deficiency Constitution in Autumn: Supporting Moisture and Rest
As autumn air becomes drier, people with Yin Deficiency tendencies may notice that dryness feels more noticeable — whether it is in their comfort level, daily energy, or overall sense of balance. They may naturally prefer routines that feel more nourishing and restorative as the environment becomes less humid.
Gentle practices such as mindful relaxation, consistent sleep, and a balanced approach to daily habits can support a smoother seasonal transition.
Yang Deficiency and Qi Deficiency Constitution: Maintaining Warmth and Stability
Those with Yang or Qi Deficiency tendencies may notice temperature changes more easily, especially as mornings and evenings become cooler.
They may feel comfortable keeping a light layer nearby, paying attention to morning and evening temperature changes, and choosing movement that leaves them energized rather than exhausted.
Phlegm-Dampness and Damp-Heat Constitution: Supporting Balance During Lingering Summer Humidity
During the transition from summer to autumn, lingering heat and humidity may still affect how the body feels. People with Dampness-related tendencies may focus on maintaining light meals, regular movement, and comfortable daily rhythms.
Blood Stasis Constitution: Supporting Circulation and Relaxation
People with Blood Stasis tendencies may find seasonal transitions a useful reminder to support movement, relaxation, and regular daily habits.
Gentle exercise, stretching, and warming rituals are often emphasized in traditional wellness practices.
Qi Stagnation Constitution: Supporting Emotional Balance and Flow
The change of seasons can also affect mood and daily rhythm. For those with Qi Stagnation tendencies, creating space to slow down — through walks, breathing practices, journaling, or quiet evening routines — may feel especially supportive.
Balanced Constitution: Maintaining Your Natural Rhythm
People with a more balanced constitution may experience fewer noticeable changes during this period.
Even so, small seasonal adjustments — such as refining sleep schedules or spending more time outdoors — can help maintain harmony with the changing environment.
Lì Qiū Wellness Tips: Supporting Your Body During the Summer-to-Autumn Transition
The goal of seasonal wellness during Lì Qiū is to gently transition from summer habits toward autumn rhythms.
This does not require completely changing your lifestyle overnight. Small adjustments in food, movement, and daily routines can make the transition feel more natural.
Food: Balance Summer Heat with Autumn Nourishment
During early autumn, traditional wellness practices often focus on supporting digestion, maintaining balance, and gradually introducing more nourishing foods.
After a long summer, many people naturally continue reaching for cold drinks and chilled foods. However, TCM traditions encourage moderation, especially as the season begins to shift.
Traditional Chinese food traditions often include ingredients such as pears, lotus root, yam, and white fungus during autumn. For a more everyday approach, many of these seasonal ideas can also be reflected through familiar autumn foods such as apples, sweet potatoes, squash, root vegetables, and nourishing grains:
- pears
- apples
- sweet potatoes
- squash (such as butternut squash or pumpkin)
- root vegetables like carrots and lotus root nourishing
- grains such as oats and rice
These foods are often enjoyed in early autumn because they feel lighter while still providing comfort as the weather begins to change.
At the same time, heavier fried foods, excessive spicy foods, and overly cold foods are often reduced during seasonal transitions to support a more balanced routine.
Movement: Choose Gentle Practices and Avoid Overexertion
Summer often encourages more active, heat-releasing activities, but autumn gradually invites a different rhythm.
During Lì Qiū, traditional practices often emphasize steady movement rather than excessive exertion.
Activities such as:
- walking
- gentle stretching
- yoga
- Tai Chi
- Ba Duan Jin
can help maintain movement while supporting relaxation.
Choosing cooler times of the day, such as morning or evening, can also make exercise more comfortable during lingering summer heat.
Daily Routine: Adjust Your Rhythm with the Season
As daylight gradually changes, Lì Qiū is a reminder to slowly shift away from summer habits.
Creating a more consistent sleep schedule, allowing enough rest, and paying attention to temperature changes throughout the day can help the body adapt naturally.
An Evening Ritual for Cooler Days: A warm foot soak can become a simple way to slow down in the evening, especially as the days begin to feel shorter.
In Traditional practices, autumn is also associated with reflection and inward focus. Taking moments to slow down, spend time outdoors, and create calming rituals can support emotional balance during this seasonal transition.
Discover Your TCM Constitution and Personalized Wellness Tips
Every person experiences seasonal changes differently. If you have ever wondered why the same season feels different from one person to another, your TCM constitution may offer an interesting perspective.
If you are curious about your TCM constitution, you can take our TCM Body Constitution Quiz and receive personalized wellness tips based on your results.
Your personalized guide includes suggestions related to:
- food direction
- daily routines
- movement practices
- seasonal wellness habits
Your constitution is not meant to define you permanently. Instead, it can be a helpful tool for noticing patterns and exploring supportive choices that fit your own lifestyle.