Autumn is a season of harvest, when everything ripens and bears fruit. The weather gradually becomes colder, with large temperature differences between morning and evening. The yang energy starts to decline while the yin energy grows stronger. People's physiological activities should also adapt to the changes in the natural environment. Today, let me introduce some tips for autumn health.
Early to Bed, Early to Rise
In autumn, the yin energy in the natural world shifts from dispersing to converging and storing. As the weather becomes cooler, it is important to go to bed earlier to align with the storage of yin essence. It is also advisable to wake up earlier to correspond with the expansion of yang energy. Getting up early and engaging in some morning exercises not only allows you to breathe fresh air and promote the elimination of stagnant qi and metabolism, but also benefits the exercise of physical functions, contributing to overall health.
Moderate "Autumn Chill"
As summer gives way to autumn, the autumn wind blows gently. Although it is cool, it is not overly cold and people can tolerate it. It is beneficial to engage in some exercises to adapt to the changing weather. "Autumn Chill" refers to consciously refraining from adding too many clothes and allowing the body to experience some chilliness. This helps avoid excessive sweating caused by wearing too many clothes, which leads to the loss of yin fluid and the leakage of yang energy. However, the decision to "Autumn Chill" should still be based on the weather. It should be determined by personal perception of not feeling too cold. As autumn deepens, it is necessary to pay attention to staying warm when the temperature drops.
Cultivate a Peaceful Mind
In autumn, the grass withers, leaves fall, and the autumn wind and rain can easily make people feel desolate and melancholic. Older people are prone to low mood and sensitivity. At this time, it is important to listen to music, read quietly, chat with good friends, or take a walk in nature to alleviate the feeling of depression. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is essential to maintain mental tranquility in autumn in order to alleviate the impact of the somber atmosphere on the body. Attention should be given to continuously converging the spirit to achieve a state of inner calmness.
Moderate Exercise
Autumn is a great season for exercise as the weather is cool and pleasant. Both yin essence and yang energy in the human body are in a state of convergence and nurturing. Exercise should also follow this principle and avoid excessive sweating and depletion of yang energy. Suitable exercises include hiking, jogging, walking, and morning exercises. As the weather gradually becomes colder, the intensity of exercise can be appropriately increased.
Skin Care
As the temperature drops, the skin needs time to adapt to the changes. Blood circulation slows down and the skin becomes dry, leading to fine wrinkles, especially around the eyes. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to skincare in autumn. Besides drinking plenty of water and consuming foods rich in vitamin E, such as walnuts, sesame seeds, honey, and dairy products, maintaining a pleasant mood is also crucial. Hormone secretion and the balance of the autonomic nervous system can directly affect the skin due to changes in emotions.
Disease Prevention
Autumn has significant climate variations, and if daily routines are not properly managed, it is easy for some chronic diseases to flare up, especially among the elderly. The central temperature-regulating function weakens with age, and the body's response to external temperature stimuli becomes slower. Failure to adjust clothing promptly can lead to illness. The dry weather in autumn, with fewer rainy days and the pervasiveness of cold air, can trigger chronic diseases such as asthma and chronic pharyngitis.
Moderate Sexual Activity
In terms of sexual activity, Traditional Chinese Medicine recommends adhering to the rule of aligning with nature's storing phase during autumn and winter, and controlling sexual activities to preserve and nourish yin essence. This is particularly important for middle-aged and elderly individuals. As age increases, the abundance of yang energy gradually weakens, and moderating sexual desire can help nourish the kidney essence, delaying the aging process.
