Seasonal Wellness Tips for Shuang Jiang- Frost Descends
Shuang Jiang is the 18th of the 24 solar terms that make up the ancient Chinese agricultural calendar. It falls on the 23rd or 24th of October each year.
Shuang Jiang is the period in which we expect the first frost to occur, and marks the final solar term of autumn. With the weather rapidly becoming colder and the nights longer, it is time to begin preparing for winter.
Read on for my top wellbeing tips for Shuang Jiang and how to stay healthy as the seasons change.
Increase Protein Intake
Between Li Qiu (Beginning of Autumn) and Shuang Jiang, the temperature falls significantly. Therefore, we need to increase our intake of warming, nourishing foods.
In Ancient China, special importance was attached to nutrition during Shuang Jiang, suggesting that supporting the body appropriately at this time can prevent disease for the coming year.
Protein is one of the most important nutrients to consider now, because according to Chinese dietetics, it has a warming effect. Moreover, according to modern nutritional science, high-protein foods should make up around one-third of our daily calorie intake.
Protein not only keeps the muscles healthy and promotes healing, but is also an essential component of enzymes, hormones, neurotransmitters, and more. And many of us are not consuming enough!
Many people associate protein with animal-derived foods, such as meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products. However, there are plenty of plant-based protein sources, including legumes, nuts, and whole grains.
Just keep in mind that many plant-based protein sources do not contain a complete amino acid profile, so it is necessary to eat a variety of them each day.
There are a few exceptions, including soy products, hemp seeds, chia seeds, quinoa, and buckwheat, which provide all of the essential amino acids we need to stay healthy and make a great alternative to meat.
Go Nuts for Nuts
Late autumn is the optimal time to harvest a variety of fruits, nuts, and seeds. Nuts and seeds are particularly beneficial seasonal foods, as they are rich in protein and healthy unsaturated fats.
They are also a good source of B vitamins (essential for healthy development, metabolism, and cognitive function), antioxidant vitamin E, and numerous essential minerals, making them a highly nutritious addition to meals and an ideal snack food.
Wrap Up Warm
It may sound ridiculously obvious, but as the weather grows colder, it is essential to wrap up warm!
Keeping warm helps our internal organs to function optimally and prevents us from tensing up against the cold, which can lead to poor posture and pain.
It is particularly important to keep the Kidney area warm. In Chinese medicine, the Kidneys act as a reservoir for many of the body's vital substances and are susceptible to damage in the winter. So, wear plenty of layers around the waist and lower back to keep them healthy throughout the colder months.
It is also a good idea to protect the neck and upper back with a scarf as this is thought to be the area where external pathogens enter the body, causing winter coughs and colds.
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