September 22, 2025 @ 1:14 AM

秋分 Autumn Equinox (Qiu Fen): Balance Between Light and Dark

What Is Autumn Equinox?

Autumn Equinox, also known as Qiu Fen, marks the moment when day and night are equal in length. Occurring in late September, it represents a point of balance within the seasonal cycle—neither expanding nor contracting, but evenly poised.

From this point forward, nights grow longer and yang energy continues its gradual decline, while yin energy becomes increasingly dominant. Autumn Equinox is a moment of equilibrium before descent.

The Meaning Behind the Name

The name Qiu Fen translates to “Autumn Division” or “Autumn Balance.” It reflects the precise division of daylight and darkness rather than a dramatic environmental change.

During Autumn Equinox:

  • Light and darkness are evenly matched

  • Temperature fluctuations become more noticeable

  • Seasonal direction shifts from transition to consolidation

The name emphasizes balance, not movement.

Autumn Equinox in Traditional Chinese Medicine

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, balance is central to health. Autumn Equinox represents a rare moment of external symmetry, offering an opportunity to recalibrate internal rhythms.

This Solar Term continues to emphasize the Lung system, associated with autumn, respiration, and regulation. At the same time, early Kidney influences begin to emerge as the body prepares for colder months ahead.

This period supports:

  • Regulation rather than stimulation

  • Moderation in activity and diet

  • Stabilizing routines

Autumn Equinox encourages alignment rather than effort.

Seasonal Focus: Moderation and Balance

Autumn Equinox is an ideal time to restore balance in daily habits before colder weather sets in.

Seasonal principles during Autumn Equinox include:

  • Eating regular, balanced meals—neither overly cooling nor overly warming

  • Supporting digestion with warm or room-temperature foods

  • Maintaining consistent sleep and daily rhythms

  • Avoiding extremes in work, exercise, or social activity

The emphasis is on steadiness, not intensity.

Emotional and Mental Qualities of Autumn Equinox

Emotionally, Autumn Equinox often brings a desire for clarity and calm. People may notice:

  • A natural inclination to reflect

  • A need to simplify routines

  • Greater sensitivity to imbalance or excess

Traditional Chinese Medicine views this awareness as beneficial. Autumn Equinox provides a moment to pause, assess, and gently correct course before the deeper inward turn of late autumn and winter.

Autumn Equinox as a Moment of Adjustment

Unlike other Solar Terms that signal clear directional change, Autumn Equinox offers a moment of stillness within motion. It is an opportunity to fine-tune habits, release excess, and stabilize energy before the cooling intensifies.

Small adjustments made here can have lasting effects through the colder months.

Living in Rhythm With Autumn Equinox

Autumn Equinox invites balance—not perfection. By choosing moderation, maintaining regular routines, and honoring both activity and rest, the body aligns naturally with this moment of seasonal symmetry.

Autumn Equinox reminds us that balance is not static.

It is a living process—one that requires attention, flexibility, and timely adjustment as the cycle continues.

Way2Health • Seasonal Wisdom for Modern Living