Autumn Shiatsu Self-Care
Moving from one season to another sometimes requires a different perspective.
Seasonal Self-Care with Shiatsu: Welcoming Autumn with Balance and Ease
As the air turns cooler and the light begins to soften, autumn quietly arrives. The days grow shorter, leaves drift to the ground, and nature reminds us of a universal truth: change is constant. Just as the trees release what no longer serves them, we, too, are invited to let go of what we’ve been holding onto and prepare for the stillness of winter.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), every season carries a distinct energy that influences our bodies, emotions, and spirit. Shiatsu, a gentle hands-on therapy rooted in these principles, offers a nurturing way to stay balanced during seasonal transitions. By supporting energy flow and easing tension, Shiatsu helps us feel more grounded, resilient, and at ease with life’s natural cycles.
Why Seasonal Self-Care Matters in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
The Changing Energy of the Seasons
In TCM, humans are seen as part of nature, not separate from it. Just as the seasons bring cycles of growth, harvest, rest, and renewal, our bodies mirror these rhythms. When we align with the season’s energy, we feel supported and in balance. When we resist, we may feel out of sorts—tired, unsettled, or even unwell.
Spring – linked with the liver and gallbladder; a time of growth and renewal.
Summer – linked with the heart and small intestine; a season of activity and joy.
Late Summer – linked with the spleen and stomach; a time for grounding and nourishment.
Autumn – linked with the lungs and large intestine; a season of letting go and preparing.
Winter – linked with the kidneys and bladder; a time of deep rest and storage.
How Autumn Influences Body, Mind, and Spirit
Autumn belongs to the Metal Element in TCM, symbolising clarity, organisation, and release. The lungs (responsible for breath and vitality) and large intestine (responsible for letting go) are most active in this season. When balanced, they support strong immunity, clear thinking, and emotional resilience. When out of balance, we may notice:
Dry skin, throat, or sinuses
Lowered immunity, coughs, or chest tightness
Feelings of sadness, nostalgia, or difficulty letting go
Digestive sluggishness
Shiatsu can help restore harmony, making this seasonal transition smoother and more nourishing.
Shiatsu as a Gentle Guide Through the Seasons
What is Shiatsu? (For New Readers)
Shiatsu is a Japanese form of therapeutic touch based on the principles of TCM. The word “Shiatsu” means “finger pressure,” but in practice, it includes gentle stretches, rotations, and palm pressure along the body’s energy channels, or meridians. It is performed fully clothed and adapted to each person’s needs.
For anyone new to this practice, you can read more here: What is Shiatsu. You might also find the University of Minnesota’s introduction helpful: Shiatsu – Taking Charge of Your Wellbeing.
Shiatsu and Energy Flow in Autumn
Autumn is often a time when energy begins to turn inward. Shiatsu supports this natural process by easing the body, calming the mind, and strengthening the lungs and immune system. Many people find it especially beneficial in autumn for:
Building resilience against colds and flu
Easing the emotional weight of transition
Encouraging release of physical and emotional tension
Preparing the body for the restfulness of winter
By harmonising the flow of Qi (energy), Shiatsu gently helps us adapt to the changing season.
Autumn Self-Care Practices to Restore Balance
Gentle Stretches to Support Lungs and Large Intestine Meridians
These stretches don’t require special equipment—just a quiet space and a few minutes.
Shoulder-opening stretch – Stand tall, interlace your fingers behind your back, and gently open your chest as you breathe in. This supports lung energy and creates space for fuller breathing.
Gentle spinal twist – Sit comfortably, place your right hand on your left knee, and twist slowly to the left. Repeat on the other side. This supports digestion and helps the body feel more flexible.
Breathing Practices for Autumn Clarity
Breath is central to autumn self-care. Taking a few mindful breaths can reset your nervous system and clear mental fog.
Deep belly breathing – Rest your hands on your lower abdomen. Inhale slowly into your belly, feeling it rise, then exhale fully. Repeat for 5–10 breaths to nourish lung energy.
“Letting go” breath technique – Inhale deeply, then exhale with a soft sigh, imagining tension and worries leaving with the breath. This is especially helpful at the end of the day.
Nourishing Foods for Autumn Energy
Food can be medicine when chosen to match the season’s needs.
Warming seasonal foods – Root vegetables, squashes, soups, and lightly cooked grains help ground energy. Adding spices like ginger or cinnamon can support digestion and warmth.
Moistening foods – Pears, honey, sesame seeds, and tofu help counteract dryness in the lungs and skin.
Hydration – With cooler air often comes dryness—drinking water and herbal teas supports the lungs.
By combining these simple practices with regular Shiatsu sessions, you create a powerful seasonal self-care routine.
Common Autumn Challenges and How Shiatsu Can Help
Autumn can bring unique challenges for body and mind. Here’s how Shiatsu supports some of the most common ones:
Stress and Anxiety – The seasonal shift and busy schedules can create unease. Shiatsu helps regulate the nervous system, leaving you calmer and more centred.
Fatigue and Low Energy – As daylight decreases, many people feel drained. Shiatsu restores vitality by improving circulation and energy flow.
Joint Pain and Stiffness – Cooler air can lead to tightness in muscles and joints. Shiatsu gently encourages flexibility and warmth.
Digestive Issues – Seasonal changes in diet and routine can upset digestion. Shiatsu supports the digestive organs and eases bloating or sluggishness.
For a deeper overview of how Shiatsu supports health, visit: Shiatsu Benefits.
Creating Your Autumn Shiatsu Ritual
Home Practices vs. Professional Support
It’s wonderful to practice daily care at home—simple stretches, mindful breathing, and eating seasonally can do a lot. Still, there are times when extra support makes all the difference. A Shiatsu session offers something unique: a quiet space where your body can deeply relax and where your energy can gently re-align. It’s a way of saying to yourself, “I deserve to be supported,” especially at a season that asks us to slow down and nurture ourselves.
When to Book a Seasonal Shiatsu Session
Many people find it especially helpful to book a Shiatsu treatment at the start of a new season. Autumn sessions support immunity, ease the shift into cooler weather, and help release what no longer serves—whether that’s tension, stress, or emotional weight. Even one session can leave you feeling lighter and more balanced, though regular visits deepen the benefits.
👉 Ready to harmonise your body with the autumn season? Book your Shiatsu Massage today.
Or if you’d like to speak first: Contact us to schedule your seasonal wellness session.
Questions About Seasonal Self-Care with Shiatsu
Q1: How often should I receive Shiatsu in autumn?
There’s no single rule, but many people benefit from a monthly session as the seasons shift. This rhythm gives your body regular support and keeps your energy flowing smoothly. Some prefer a session every two weeks during times of stress, while others may come only once at the change of season. The most important thing is to listen to your body’s needs and choose a pace that feels sustainable.
Q2: Can Shiatsu really boost immunity?
Yes—Shiatsu supports the lungs, which are strongly connected with immunity in Traditional Chinese Medicine. By encouraging deeper breathing, improving circulation, and releasing physical tension, the body is better able to defend itself against colds and seasonal bugs. While Shiatsu is not a substitute for medical care, many people report fewer illnesses and quicker recovery when they receive regular treatments, particularly during autumn and winter months when immunity can be more vulnerable.
Q3: What if I feel extra emotional in autumn?
It’s very natural. Autumn is linked with the lungs, which in TCM are associated with grief and the process of letting go. As the trees shed their leaves, we may also feel stirred to release our own emotional burdens. Shiatsu provides a safe, calming space to process these feelings. Gentle touch helps the body relax, allowing emotions to soften and move more freely. Many people leave a session feeling lighter, calmer, and more at peace with themselves.
Q4: Is Shiatsu safe for everyone?
Shiatsu is generally safe for people of all ages and health backgrounds. Because it works with energy flow rather than deep force, it can be adapted to suit each person’s comfort and needs. Sessions are always tailored—whether you’re dealing with fatigue, stress, or physical discomfort. If you have a specific medical condition, it’s best to let your practitioner know in advance so they can adjust techniques. Many people appreciate its gentleness compared with more vigorous therapies.
Q5: How is Shiatsu different from regular massage?
Unlike massage that often focuses on muscles and uses oils, Shiatsu works with the whole body through energy pathways known as meridians. It is performed fully clothed, often on a futon or mat, using comfortable pressure, stretches, and gentle movement. The aim is not only to ease muscle tension but also to restore balance throughout the body. People often describe it as deeply calming and harmonising—an experience that helps them feel more connected and centred as well as physically relaxed.
Q6: Can I combine Shiatsu with other wellness practices?
Absolutely. Many people find Shiatsu works beautifully alongside yoga, meditation, mindfulness, or even gentle exercise like walking. Because Shiatsu enhances energy flow and relaxation, it often deepens the benefits of other practices. For example, after a session you may find your breathing feels freer in yoga, or your mind settles more easily during meditation. Combining Shiatsu with seasonal self-care habits creates a holistic approach that supports both body and spirit through autumn and beyond.
Conclusion: Flowing into Autumn with Ease
Autumn is a season of gentle release—a time to breathe deeply, let go, and prepare for the restfulness of winter. By listening to the rhythms of nature, nourishing ourselves with seasonal foods, practicing mindful breathing, and receiving Shiatsu, we can move through this transition with greater ease and resilience.
Shiatsu is not about “fixing” the body but supporting it to find balance. In the embrace of autumn, it becomes an invitation: to slow down, to care for ourselves, and to trust the natural flow of change.
About The Author
Norma is a highly experienced and dedicated Shiatsu Practitioner with over a decade of expertise in holistic therapies. She qualified in 2010 after completing an intensive three-year programme at the British School of Shiatsu-Do in London. As a proud member of the Shiatsu Society, Norma adheres to the highest professional standards, ensuring trustworthy and effective care. Beyond Shiatsu Massage, her comprehensive practice includes Reiki and Japanese Facial Rejuvenation Massage, allowing her to offer a truly holistic approach to well-being. Norma's passion lies in creating a peaceful space where clients can find balance and benefit from therapeutic touch, nurturing their body, mind, and spirit.
