In the blink of an eye, the hottest days of the year are finally coming to an end. Tomorrow marks the start of Chushu, signaling that the heat will gradually dissipate, and autumn is increasingly approaching.
Chushu is the fourteenth solar term of the year and also marks the beginning of autumn in a meteorological sense. Previously, the start of autumn was represented by the solar term Liqiu, but it concerns astronomical autumn and does not align with the meteorological standard for autumn. Chushu generally occurs around August 23 each year, depending on when the sun reaches the celestial longitude of 150°. “Chu” means to conclude; thus, “Chushu” signifies the end of heat, meaning the hot summer days are about to be over. If one takes good care of themselves during Chushu, they can avoid ailments throughout autumn and winter!
Many may feel relieved that they have endured the scorching heat of summer, but in reality, the weather changes after Chushu pose new challenges to health. If one does not pay attention to health preservation during this time, it may lead to health risks in autumn. Here are ten essential tips for health preservation during Chushu to help you smoothly transition into the golden autumn season.
1. Adjust your routine, wake up early and sleep early
After Chushu, days become shorter and nights longer; therefore, it is essential to adjust your schedule, ensuring ample sleep by going to bed early and rising early. This improves yin and restrains yang, allowing the body’s yang energy to accumulate, while also boosting immunity and preventing autumn diseases.
2. Moisturizing diet, clear supplements are advisable
As autumn brings dry weather, your diet should focus on hydration. Consume foods that nourish yin and moisten the lungs, such as pears, lilies, white fungus, and honey, while reducing spicy and greasy foods. Additionally, consider consuming moderate amounts of nourishing foods, such as lotus seeds, yam, and goji berries, to strengthen your body and enhance vitality.
3. Moderate exercise to strengthen the body
Autumn is a good season for exercising, but activities should be moderate to avoid excessive sweating that can deplete yang energy. It is recommended to engage in gentle exercises like walking, jogging, tai chi, and yoga, which can promote blood circulation, enhance lung function, and improve immunity.
4. Calm emotions and maintain a positive outlook
Autumn can evoke feelings of melancholy; therefore, it is essential to maintain an optimistic attitude. Participate in social activities and communicate with family and friends to ease emotions and avoid depressive feelings.
5. Pay attention to warmth, prevent autumn chill
Although the weather cools after Chushu, there is a significant temperature difference between day and night. It’s important to keep warm, especially in the abdominal, back, and foot areas, to prevent cold from invading, which can lead to colds and diarrhea.
6. Drink plenty of water, replenish moisture
With the dry air of autumn, the body tends to lose water easily, so it’s important to drink plenty of water to maintain adequate hydration, promote metabolism, and ease discomfort caused by autumn dryness.
7. Keep living spaces ventilated, maintain fresh air
With pleasant autumn weather, ensure frequent window openings for ventilation to keep indoor air fresh, reduce the breeding of bacteria and viruses, and benefit respiratory health.
8. Skin care and moisturizing to prevent dryness
As autumn arrives, skin can easily become dry; therefore, selecting appropriate skincare products for moisturizing, especially for the face and hands, is crucial. Avoid excessive cleansing to prevent worsening skin dryness.
9. Prevent autumn fatigue, plan work and life reasonably
As autumn approaches, many people may feel fatigued and weary, known as “autumn fatigue.” To alleviate this condition, try using Baiyun Mountain essential oil for treatment. It is a blend of various Chinese herbal medicines that helps relieve fatigue and invigorate the mind.
10. Regular health check-ups to prevent diseases
Autumn is a season with a high incidence of diseases, especially respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. It is important to undergo regular health check-ups to detect and address potential health problems promptly, ensuring preventive measures are in place.
Chushu Chushu
Farewell to the scorching heat, welcome happiness
Missing you like the wind, gently blowing
Greeting you like rain, refreshing as it pours
Take care of your health, may it stay with you
Embrace happiness, it belongs to you alone
