As autumn arrives, the climate gradually becomes drier, causing the moisture in our skin and mucous membranes to evaporate more quickly. This often leads to symptoms such as dry skin, chapped lips, and a sore throat, which are commonly referred to as "autumn dryness". "Moisturizing and calming the Qi" is the principle of autumn health maintenance. To incorporate this into our daily lives, we should prioritize getting enough sleep and waking up early to allow our lung Qi to stretch. In terms of diet, it is important to prevent dryness and nourish Yin by focusing on foods that nourish the lungs and moisturize Yin. Autumn health maintenance places emphasis on "nourishing the lungs". Do you know what methods are recommended for nourishing the lungs in autumn?
Bathing for lung health
Taking frequent baths in autumn is beneficial for blood circulation and allows the lungs to communicate with the skin and fur. It is generally recommended to bathe at a water temperature of around 25°C in autumn. Thirty minutes before bathing, it is advisable to drink a cup of lightly salted warm water. During bathing, excessive rubbing should be avoided, and soaking is preferred.
Laughter for lung health
Laughter is a form of exercise that expands the chest cavity, increases lung capacity, and stretches the chest muscles. It also helps to promote lung Qi circulation, regulate the ascending and descending of the body's Qi, alleviate fatigue, dispel depression, relieve chest tightness, and restore vitality. Laughter promotes the descent of lung Qi, which connects with kidney Qi and increases appetite.
Hydration for lung health
During the dry autumn season, the amount of water evaporating from the skin exceeds 600 milliliters per day. Therefore, hydration is an important measure for lung health in autumn. The minimum daily water intake for an adult is 1500 milliliters, but in autumn, drinking 2000 milliliters of water is necessary to ensure the lubrication of the lungs and respiratory tract. It is best to drink 200 milliliters of water in the morning and before bed each day, and 800 milliliters of water between meals during the day. This helps the lungs navigate through the golden autumn smoothly.
Diet therapy for lung health
During autumn, excessive dryness can harm the Yin of the lungs. To moisten the lungs and nourish Yin, individuals with dry skin can consume foods such as radishes, sesame, tofu, soy milk, white fungus, and walnuts, which have the effect of nourishing the lungs and moisturizing dryness.
Topical ointments for lung health
For individuals with significant symptoms of autumn dryness, using traditional Chinese medicine ointments such as pear paste and Ba Xian paste can help moisturize the lungs and relieve heat and phlegm.
