What Does Traditional Chinese Medicine Say About Autumn?
Each season in its own way affects the human body. Now we live in very comfortable conditions: in winter we have heating, in summer we can turn on the air conditioning, and in the shops, regardless of the time of the year, there are always fresh vegetables and fruits, the human body still follows the external rhythms to which all living things on our planet obey. Man is a part of nature and we must remember this.
According to the Wuxing theory, autumn is associated with the Metal, dryness, lungs, nose, skin, white. In the summer, Yang accumulated, and in the autumn, Yang transforms into Yin.
From the perspective of Chinese medicine, autumn is a fairly favorable period. The body gained Yang energy, regained its strength, strengthened the immune system. Autumn is traditionally a harvest time. Around us is an abundance of varied, fresh, quality food. There is an opportunity to eat well and be filled with vital energy. Autumn is also very favorable for weddings and conception of children.
The primary element of Autumn is Metal, and its main property is Dryness. In order to combat Dryness in the autumn season, it is necessary to moisturize the body, otherwise Dryness will be a strong damaging factor, especially for the lungs.
In autumn, there is a very big difference between the night and day air temperatures, so you need to help your body get used to the new weather conditions and prepare it for a smooth transition to winter.
Firstly, in the autumn it is especially useful to engage in hardening. Moreover, the natural hardening of the body. In China, there is a saying: "Hide in the spring, freeze in the fall." That is, in the spring you should not rush to take off your clothes, and when a cool autumn sets in, you can freeze a little. At the beginning of autumn, it is worth enjoying the freshness of coolness and letting your body gradually get used to the cold. But this concerns precisely the beginning of autumn, when the cold can still be endured.
Secondly, you need to pay attention to nutrition. Food should be easily digestible and rich in vitamins, consistent with the state of your body. You should also increase the consumption of products with a sour taste, for example: apples, pomegranates, grapes. It is favorable to use in food that moisturizes the lungs: rice, wheat, pumpkin, zucchini, watermelons, melons and dairy products.
Thirdly, try singing. Singing is excellent breathing exercises. It is very useful for lung diseases, as it promotes the development of the chest and proper breathing. Singing also improves blood circulation, evens out blood pressure, and has a beneficial effect on the vocal cords, tonsils and numerous lymph nodes, which significantly improves local immunity.
Try to go to bed earlier, preferably before 21:00, and wake up before 7:00. Keep the house warm, avoid drafts and strong winds.
Be healthy at any time of the year with Happiness!