Seasonal Wellness Tips for Li Qiu - Beginning of Autumn
Mid-August may seem too early to be thinking about autumn, but according to the ancient Chinese calendar, it is when this season officially begins.
Li Qiu, or the Beginning of Autumn, is the 13th of 24 solar terms that occur throughout the year. It usually falls on the 8th of August, plus or minus a day, depending on the timing of the solstices.
Read on to learn more about Li Qiu and how to stay healthy during this crucial transitional period.
Changing Seasons
By Li Qiu, the hottest days of summer have passed, and the days are steadily becoming shorter and the nights longer.
Because of differences in latitude and altitude, the precise weather conditions on a given day will vary by region. However, most places in the Northern Hemisphere will enter autumn by mid-to-late September. This generally means the weather becomes pleasantly cool and there is a significant reduction in humidity.
Autumn Dryness
It is the reduction in humidity that leads to one of the most common patterns of disharmony to occur at this time of year - autumn dryness. It is not a serious issue here in the UK where we have ample rainfall, but is still worth being aware of.
The symptoms of autumn dryness include:
Dry skin
Mouth ulcers
Dry nasal cavity
Sore throat
Cough
Constipation
These symptoms result from reduced body fluid secretions in the respiratory and digestive tract, coupled with dry environmental conditions.
Eat Sour Foods
To promote the production and retention of body fluids, eat more sour foods, which have astringent properties and help draw moisture deeper into the body.
Furthermore, sour fruits and vegetables that are rich in tannins and organic acids stimulate gastric secretions and improve gut motility to aid digestion. Some of the best examples include Chinese hawthorn, grapes, olives, apples, pomelo, and pomegranate.
Moisten the Lung
Autumn dryness can affect the health of every organ, although the Lung is particularly delicate and prone to injury.
Not paying attention to our Lung system at this time of year can result in damaged Lung qi, leaving us unable to adapt to the cooler winter months with weakened immunity and an increased risk of winter respiratory diseases.
To counter this risk, engage in regular aerobic exercise during autumn to strengthen respiratory function. Reduce your intake of spicy, pungent, and bitter foods, which have a drying effect, and increase your intake of foods that moisten the Lung, such as pears, radishes, and tofu.
Receive Nourishment
In five element terms, we are in the season of late summer, associated with the earth element and its organs, the Stomach and the Spleen. These organs are crucial for healthy digestion and nourishment of the body, which is particularly important at this time of year.
During the summer months, we tend to eat lighter foods and may lose weight. However, as the weather cools, it is necessary to rebuild our reserves and ensure we are consuming enough energy, protein, and healthy fats.
It is natural to start craving more heavy, starchy foods at this time of year so eat plenty of hearty beans and pulses, root veg, and whole grains like millet.
For more personalised seasonal wellbeing advice, you can book a holistic health coaching session via the contact page.
References
买雯婷 (2011) 第一养生药膳 - Tangmark Publishing and Distribution, Beijing