The so-called Autumn Equinox (Qiūfēn) signifies a division into two: one is the equal duration of day and night; the other is the transition of climate from heat to cool.
Cool breezes, clear blue skies, the fragrance of osmanthus, and the fat crabs and yellow chrysanthemums are the characteristic scenes of the Autumn Equinox. With the arrival of the Autumn Equinox, it means that autumn is already halfway through, marking a transitional period from heat to cold, a watershed where Yin energy gradually increases and Yang energy gradually declines, and it is also the solar term where the changes of Yin and Yang are most evident.
Autumn is a season prone to diseases. The Yang energy within the body retracts, and the resistance at the surface declines rapidly, making it a prime time for various pathogens to invade, especially for conditions such as joint diseases, rheumatism, and cold-related illnesses.
As the Autumn Equinox truly enters autumn, being a solar term where day and night are equal, people should also follow the principle of Yin-Yang balance in health maintenance, keeping the body in accordance with the principle of “Yin Ping Yang Mi” (阴平阳秘). So how should we maintain “Yin Ping Yang Mi” in autumn?
Living Habits Should Be Constrained
1. Sleep Should Be Regulated
During this special solar term of equal day and night, daily routines should also align with sunlight patterns, changing the late sleeping and early rising habits of summer to restore the rhythm of early sleep and early rise, avoiding excessive sleeping that harms the body’s vital energy and preventing staying up late which depletes Yin essence.
However, to nurture the lung’s autumnal energy, waking up in autumn can be slightly later than in spring and summer.
2. Warmth Should Be Regulated
During the Autumn Equinox, it is not very cold, making it the best time for autumn acclimatization. Therefore, during daily activities, do not dress too heavily or tightly to prevent overheating and sweating, which can harm Yin and injure Yang. It is sufficient to keep the waist, abdomen, and back warm.
However, after the Autumn Equinox, the temperature difference between day and night increases, so it is not advisable to sleep on a cool mat. At night, everyone should cover themselves with a light blanket, especially those with Yang deficiency should avoid using thin blankets.
Exercise for Health
1. Exercise Should Be Regulated
In autumn, nature is in a state of “retraction”. The human body corresponds with nature, and Yin essence and Yang energy tend to converge and nourish internally, so exercise for health should also follow this principle, avoiding overly intense workouts to prevent depleting Yang energy.
Tai Chi (Tàijí), Ba Duan Jin (八段锦), fitness ball, walking, fishing, and outings are suitable for most people.
However, the choice of exercise and intensity should be tailored to the individual, as different constitutions and fitness levels require different exercise demands, but it is best to feel relaxed and not fatigued after exercising.
Autumn Health Tips: Lung Strengthening Exercise
Specific Method: Sit upright on a hard bed with both legs extended, keeping the body straight. Press down on the same side knee with both hands, then lean back and forward, trying to bring the head as close to the shins as possible, holding the forward position for as long as possible to expel residual air from the lungs.
When leaning forward with the head touching the shins, spread the feet about 33 centimeters apart, press down on the shins with both hands, and lean forward until the head touches the bed, expelling residual air from the lungs.
This method has the effects of strengthening the lungs and nourishing Qi, as well as enhancing brain function and beauty, leading to black hair and a radiant complexion.
Diet Should Be Constrained
During the Autumn Equinox, with the balance of Yin and Yang, the diet should also focus on moderation and not excessive nourishment.
1. Autumn Nourishment Should Consider Body Constitution
In summer, the heat and humidity are unbearable, leading to poor digestive function of the spleen and stomach. With the arrival of autumn, appetite increases, making it a good time to replenish nutrition.
However, due to modern dietary habits differing significantly from those of our ancestors, and with a noticeable improvement in living standards, blindly “adding autumn fat” can negatively affect digestive function and disrupt metabolic processes.
Therefore, for those with generally good constitutions, it is advisable to consume foods that are neutral in nature, neither too cold nor too hot, that nourish Yin without being overly rich or obstructive to the stomach, such as lotus root (Liánǔ), lotus seeds (Liánzǐ), red dates (Hóngzǎo), yam (Shānyào), white fungus (Bái mù’ěr), goji berries (Gǒuqǐ), black sesame (Hēi zhīma), and walnuts (Hé táo).
For those who are thin, fatigued, cold in limbs, or even anemic or hypotensive, it is beneficial to eat more animal meats during this autumn coolness, along with sufficient staple foods and moderate amounts of vegetables and fruits, which can improve health and enhance cold resistance.
2. Nourishing Yin Should Not Forget to Warm the Spleen and Stomach
After the Autumn Equinox, the weather becomes dry. The human body is susceptible to dryness, which can harm body fluids, leading to symptoms such as dry mouth, sore throat, and cough. At this time, it is necessary to generate fluids and moisten dryness, so it is advisable to consume moistening foods such as Ophiopogon (Mài dōng), lily bulbs (Bǎihé), Fritillaria (Chuān bèi), pears (Lí), and pomegranates (Shí liú). It is also good to eat more white radishes (Bái luóbo) and carrots (Húluóbo), which have lung-clearing effects.
However, these foods are often cool in nature, and prolonged consumption may harm the Yang energy of the spleen and stomach, so it is advisable to add ginger juice (Jiāng zhī) when consuming them, which has a good warming effect on the spleen and stomach.
Relax and Regulate Emotions
In autumn, with reduced sunlight, decreasing temperatures, and withering flowers and trees, some people may easily develop feelings of melancholy, leading to internal secretion disorders and diseases.
Therefore, it is important to cultivate an optimistic mood, maintain mental tranquility, and keep a cheerful disposition to adapt to the calm energy of autumn. Friends can gather together for outings, climbing high to enjoy the scenery, which can refresh the mind and dispel worries.
During the Autumn Equinox, when the evening breeze brings the fragrance of osmanthus and the morning dew condenses on the yellowing grass blades, autumn has truly arrived. Take a moment to set aside your tasks and enjoy the lush forests and the vibrant colors of the leaves, and relish the bountiful fruits and fragrant vegetables of this romantic autumn.
