Bowel Movements, Detox Myths, and the Art of Elimination
Supporting the Large Intestine, Gut Emotions, and Letting Go
This post is Part 2 of a 6-part Autumn Health series rooted in Chinese Medicine.
(We recommend starting with the Five Elements Series for deeper context if you haven't yet.)
The Spirit of Autumn: Breath, Harvest, and the Season of Letting Go
Bowel Movements, Detox Myths, and the Art of Elimination (you are here)
Nourishing the Lungs: Breath, Sadness, and Defence (coming soon)
Fall Foods and Gentle Transitions in the Kitchen (coming soon)
Menstrual Cycles, Perimenopause, and the Power of Letting Go (coming soon)
Feeling It All: The Metal Element and the Corporeal Soul in Autumn (coming soon)
In Autumn, nature lets go with grace—leaves fall, air clears, and within us, the body asks the same. Elimination isn’t just physical; it’s also emotional and energetic. In Chinese Medicine, the Large Intestine governs not only stools, but also our ability to release what no longer serves. This post explores what healthy elimination really looks like, why fall isn’t the time for juice cleanses, and how to support your gut with TCM wisdom.
Large Intestine and The Daily Act of Letting Go
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Large Intestine is paired with the Lungs, both belonging to the Metal element—and both responsible for letting go. As trees release their leaves in Fall, the body echoes this cycle. We eliminate waste through breath, skin, urine, and stool. But stool, often ignored, is one of our most crucial exit routes. It even helps eliminate metabolized hormones like estrogen—especially significant for those with cramps, endometriosis, or hormonal imbalance.
TCM View on Detoxing in Fall
In TCM, detox is about honouring the rhythm of the body and the seasons. Autumn isn’t about depletion—it’s about regulation and refinement. Juice cleanses that send you to the toilet don’t equal detox. True cleansing means supporting your body’s natural elimination, not bypassing it. Start by helping your bowels move with ease—so the body can prepare for the deeper stillness of Winter.
Fibre, Poop Quality, and Healthy Peristalsis
Think: large, soft-but-shaped, easy to pass. No strain, no drama.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the ideal time for a bowel movement is between 5–7am, during the Large Intestine’s peak on the body clock.
Some people go twice or more per day—that’s fine, as long as it feels complete. But if it’s too hard, too loose, or skipping days altogether, we take it as a sign that something in the system—perhaps digestion, hydration, or even the emotions—needs attention.
Fibre and warm, cooked foods help bulk and move things along, while adequate hydration (not icy!) supports moisture and ease. The goal isn’t perfection, but rhythm.
Emotional Constipation + Spiritual Clutter
Remember our conversation about chewing on thoughts in Late Summer’s post on overthinking and worry? The same applies here. Emotional and spiritual clutter can clog the body just as much as physical tension. Making space—physically and mentally—helps Qi and bowels move freely. Journaling, reflection, and actual decluttering can help your gut, too.
Fermented Foods, Fibre, and Water
Food can be powerful medicine.
Real fermented veggies—like kimchi, sauerkraut, or miso—help seed your gut with beneficial microbes. Fibre feeds those good bugs and adds bulk to your stool, while moisture keeps everything moving smoothly.
Pro tip: pair fibre with warm hydration and healthy fats. Icy water? Never a go in Chinese medicine.
More gentle kitchen strategies coming in Part 4: Fall Foods and Gentle Transitions in the Kitchen.
Other posts on the Autumn Health series:
The Spirit of Autumn: Breath, Harvest, and the Season of Letting Go
Bowel Movements, Detox Myths, and the Art of Elimination (you are here)
Nourishing the Lungs: Breath, Sadness, and Defence (coming soon)
Fall Foods and Gentle Transitions in the Kitchen (coming soon)
Menstrual Cycles, Perimenopause, and the Power of Letting Go (coming soon)
Feeling It All: The Metal Element and the Corporeal Soul in Autumn (coming soon)