In addition to the obvious temperature difference from summer, there are also differences in humidity between autumn and summer. The autumn climate is dry, with clear skies and a large difference in temperature between day and night, which has a significant impact on the human body. Next, let's introduce the effects of autumn climate on the human body.
Effects on the skin
The skin is located on the surface of the body and directly exposed to the external climate. The most direct impact of the dry autumn climate on the human body is on the skin, especially the skin that is directly exposed to the air. The dry climate causes these areas to lose moisture when they breathe through pores, leading to dryness, itching, and even cracking.
Recommendation: Take good care of the skin by moisturizing and hydrating. Apply body lotion after bathing and perform facial care after washing the face.
Effects on the oral and nasal mucosa
In addition to the effects on the skin, the dry climate also affects the lips and nasal mucosa. The lips are exposed and more tender, making them prone to cracking in dry autumn weather. Moreover, the dry air causes the loss of moisture from the nasal mucosa when the lungs continuously exhale and inhale. Mild dryness of the nasal mucosa may not be noticeable, but severe dehydration can cause dryness, itching, and even small blood vessel rupture leading to nosebleeds.
Recommendation: Drink plenty of water, apply lip balm to the lips, and aim to consume 2000 milliliters of water per day in autumn.
Effects on the blood vessels
Human blood vessels are elastic and adjustable. The constriction and dilation of blood vessels are related to various factors. In high temperatures during summer, blood vessels dilate, while in low temperatures, blood vessels constrict. Autumn is a transition from summer to winter, and blood vessels gradually constrict to resist the cold of winter. As blood vessels gradually constrict, blood flow to the skin decreases, resulting in reduced nourishment for the skin.
Recommendation: In early autumn, it is appropriate to expose oneself to cold temperatures. As the weather gradually becomes colder and enters late autumn, pay attention to adding clothing and keep warm.
Effects on the lungs
The dry autumn climate also affects the internal organs of the human body. Among them, the lungs are most directly affected. In the Huangdi Neijing, it is recorded that "autumn qi communicates with the lungs" and "the west corresponds to the color white, which enters and communicates with the lungs." The color white corresponds to the weather in autumn. Autumn is characterized by contraction, and the lungs are responsible for descending and purging. Purging refers to both descending and inward contraction. Therefore, the relationship between autumn weather and the lungs is closely related. Ancient medical experts found that during autumn, when the climate is dry, some people experience symptoms of Yin fluid depletion, such as dry throat, cracked lips, nosebleeds, and coughing. These symptoms are generally related to changes in the lungs, hence the saying "autumn qi communicates with the lungs."
Recommendation: In autumn, consume foods that nourish Yin and moisten dryness, such as honey, apples, pears, grapes, lilies, sea cucumbers, and persimmons.
Effects on the intestines
According to traditional Chinese medicine, the lungs and large intestine are closely connected through meridians. Therefore, when dryness invades the lungs in autumn, the large intestine is also affected. This can lead to dry and difficult-to-pass stools or even constipation. This is mainly because dryness harms the lungs, burns the lung yin, and reduces the body's fluid, affecting the descending function of the lungs, which further affects the large intestine and causes the aforementioned symptoms.
Recommendation: Since the lungs are closely connected to the large intestine, improving autumn constipation symptoms starts with nourishing the lungs and consuming more sweet and moistening foods while also drinking plenty of water.
Effects on emotions
In autumn, when grass withers, leaves fall, and autumn winds and rains make people feel desolate and melancholic, it is easy to experience depressive moods. Elderly people are more prone to feelings of sadness and melancholy. According to traditional Chinese medicine, people must maintain mental tranquility in autumn to alleviate the impact of the "constricting and killing" qi on the body. It is important to continuously gather and settle one's spirit to achieve a state of tranquility.
Recommendation: Enrich life with diverse content. Listen to music, read books, and when one's mood becomes joyful with the colorful aspects of life, forget about worries and sorrows.
