Since the beginning of autumn, the temperature gradually drops, but the summer heat remains. There is a big temperature difference between day and night. At this time, it is essential to pay attention to the seasonal changes.
In the Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon, it is mentioned: “Ensure tranquility to slow down autumn’s punishment; gather spiritual energy to stabilize autumn qi; don’t let your desires distract you, keep your lung qi clear. This is the correspondence of autumn qi, the way to nurture storage.”
Autumn is the season of “storage,” focusing on health preservation with the theme of “storage.” It is important to adjust your diet, daily routine, and take good care of your body according to the season.
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Four Principles of Health Preservation in Early Autumn
1. Moisturize the lungs, nourish the liver, nourish yin, and clear dryness
Autumn corresponds to the lungs, as mentioned in the Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon: “Nourish yin in autumn.” Therefore, the diet in autumn should focus on moistening dryness, relieving thirst, nourishing yin, and clearing heat.
For example, foods like lily, honey, almonds, etc., can help invigorate the stomach and produce fluids, promoting overall health.
Additionally, as autumn is dry, it is important to drink more water, consume porridge, soy milk, or foods like lotus root and radish to moisturize the lungs and generate body fluids.
2. Adjust daily routines, engage in moderate exercise
During early autumn, the weather is cool and pleasant, so adjust your daily routines to synchronize with nature. Start going to bed and waking up early, following the natural flow of yang energy.
Going to bed early helps consolidate lung qi and enhance lung function. Also, post early autumn, the dampness and heat have not completely dissipated, so avoid excessive exercise and intense activities at this time.
It is best to exercise in the early morning or evening.
3. Prevent heatstroke, beware of the “autumn tiger”
Early autumn still falls in the “three dog days” period, where the summer heat persists. Therefore, one must be vigilant against the “autumn tiger.” People often say that the heat after autumn can be deadly, so be cautious of catching a cold from the significant temperature difference between day and night.
Ensure sufficient sleep and hydration, consume more fresh fruits and vegetables, apply sunscreen when going out, and try not to rely heavily on air conditioning at home; opt for natural ventilation to keep cool.
4. Maintain a calm mindset, nurture the heart and mind
After early autumn, the weather is hot and dry, especially with the interference of the “autumn tiger,” which can easily lead to irritability and anxiety.
At this moment, safeguard against emotional disturbances and keep your inner self calm and serene. Avoid sadness and worries, and if feeling troubled, find ways to address and alleviate your emotions promptly.
Lastly, restrain your spirit and help prepare for better winter “hibernation.”
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Three Ingenious Health Tips for Early Autumn
1. Munch on Autumn
Munching on autumn, also known as “biting into autumn,” involves eating watermelon, peaches, or muskmelon on the day to signify capturing autumn. Eating more fruits and vegetables in autumn helps combat dryness.
2. Plump Up for Autumn
The Book of Jinju Folk Customs states: “On the day of early autumn, families should enjoy a rich feast, known as ‘plumping up for autumn.'” Plumping up for autumn symbolizes good fortune, as the saying goes, “No illness in the summer results in a third less weakness.”
During summer, appetite tends to decrease, causing a decline in physical condition. Eating food to plump up for autumn helps replenish lost energy from the hot days.
3. Drink Early Autumn Water
There is a saying: “Drink early autumn water at the beginning of autumn to dispel the heat and prevent stomach troubles in the fall.” Early autumn water refers to the water collected at the start of autumn.
Early autumn water signifies the transition from summer to autumn, symbolizing joy, health, and hope for the family. Additionally, as the body is prone to excess heat in autumn, drinking honey water can nourish yin and moisturize dryness, aiding lung health.
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The Four Great Tonics for Early Autumn
1. Lotus Seeds
Eating lotus seeds in autumn can effectively alleviate insomnia symptoms and clear heat. Lotus seeds also have excellent nourishing properties, moisturizing the lungs and boosting the body’s immune system.
2. Chestnuts
The delicious and sweet chestnut is a must-have food in late autumn and winter. Its mild flavor is beneficial for stomach and spleen health, kidney nourishment, and strengthening tendons. Furthermore, chestnuts are as nourishing as ginseng.
3. Peanuts
Known as the “longevity fruit,” peanuts are highly nutritious, rich in protein and fats. They help invigorate the spleen and stomach, boost appetite, moisturize the lungs and stomach, and nourish the qi.
4. Eggplants
There’s a folk saying: “Plant eggplants in early summer and eat eggplants in early autumn.” Early autumn is an excellent time to consume eggplants. Although the weather begins to cool after early autumn, the “autumn tiger” might make a return. To counter the autumn heat, consume foods like eggplants that clear heat and summer heat while relieving dryness.
Eggplants have a cooling nature, delightful taste, and they can help clear heat, improve blood circulation, relieve irritability, and combat autumn dryness.
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Acupoint Health Preservation in Early Autumn
During early autumn, the tail end of summer, you can choose to massage acupoints at home to tame the “autumn tiger,” strengthen your body, and maintain wellness.
1. Welcome Fragrance Acupoint: Moisturize the lungs, prevent dryness
In early autumn, as the weather transitions from summer humidity to autumn dryness, common issues like allergies and nasal congestion can arise. Pressing the Welcome Fragrance acupoint on your own can help clear heat, disperse wind, moisturize the lungs, and dispel dryness, relieving symptoms of rhinitis.
2. Supreme Spring Acupoint: Regulate qi and protect the heart
During the onset of the “autumn tiger,” many people may experience chest tightness due to poor blood circulation from the hot weather. The Supreme Spring acupoint is the primary acupoint of the hand Taiyin heart meridian, located at the apex of the armpit. Massaging this acupoint can help regulate qi and blood circulation, nourish the heart and lungs, with the amount of pressure applied varying for individual needs.
3. Four Seams Acupoint: Improve digestion and strengthen the stomach
After early autumn, as temperatures decrease and digestive functions gradually recover, many people witness an improvement in appetite compared to summer. While individuals may opt for “plumping up for autumn,” it’s crucial to pay attention to the diet’s composition to avoid excessive protein intake.
At this point, focus on controlling diet, promoting digestion, and avoiding rapid weight gain. The Four Seams acupoint is specifically for dispelling stagnant food and promoting digestion. Press and massage this point with the thumb for better effects.
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The “Collection and Explanation of the 72 Hou” states: “Autumn is about gathering and storing the producible.” During this season, align with the natural rhythm, take good care of yourself, and reserve vitality for winter, ensuring the preservation of life force and energy.
Reminder: The above content is for reference only and may not be suitable for everyone. It is advised to seek medical guidance for personalized care.
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