For health-conscious individuals, there are various methods of health preservation throughout the year. And of course, there are specific methods for autumn health preservation. As the weather becomes dry in autumn, it is important to focus on nourishing the lungs. There are many ways to nourish the lungs, so let's explore some specific methods for autumn health preservation.
Dietary Health Preservation in Autumn
According to traditional Chinese medicine's saying of "nourishing yang in spring and summer, and nourishing yin in autumn and winter," the temperature starts to drop in autumn after the summer season. During this time, people are prone to fatigue and weakness. It is said that "one summer without illness leads to three parts of weakness." Therefore, early autumn is an ideal period for health preservation and supplementation. Let's take a look at how to nourish the body through diet in autumn.
Lily Bulbs
Lily bulbs are a nutritious food suitable for people of all ages, as they contain abundant protein, fat, colchicine, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and vitamins. In traditional Chinese medicine, lily bulbs are used as a remedy for stopping bleeding, promoting blood circulation, clearing the lungs, moisturizing dryness, nourishing yin, and clearing heat, as well as strengthening the spleen and stomach. Modern research has shown that lily bulbs have significant effects in relieving cough, alleviating asthma, and stopping bleeding. They can also improve the conversion rate of lymphocytes and enhance the activity of liquid immunity. Lily bulbs can even inhibit tumor growth. To consume lily bulbs, wash them thoroughly, boil them, and then cool them with rock sugar. This not only clears heat and moistens the lungs but also nourishes and strengthens the body.
Jujubes
Jujubes are not only sweet and delicious but also have medicinal properties. They have a sweet and neutral nature and can invigorate the spleen and replenish qi. Traditional Chinese medicine often uses jujubes to treat weak spleen and stomach, insufficient qi and blood, insomnia, and other conditions. Pharmacological studies have shown that jujubes have hepatoprotective and lipid-lowering effects. Although jujubes are sweet and non-toxic, they have a slightly damp and hot nature. Therefore, they should not be consumed excessively, especially by individuals who tend to have damp and hot constitutions. Overconsumption may lead to adverse reactions such as cold-hot sensations, thirst, and stomach bloating.
Goji Berries
Goji berries have various therapeutic effects, such as reducing fever, treating diabetes, and relieving cough and phlegm. When goji berry roots are decocted and consumed, they can lower blood pressure. Goji berry tea is known for its ability to treat conditions such as weak constitution, coldness, poor digestion, liver and kidney diseases, pulmonary tuberculosis, constipation, insomnia, low blood pressure, anemia, various eye diseases, hair loss, oral inflammation, and skincare. However, due to the strong warming effect of goji berries on the body, individuals with hypertension or excessively irritable temperaments are advised against consuming them. Conversely, individuals with weak constitution, frequent colds, and poor resistance are recommended to consume goji berries daily.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes contain abundant essential nutrients, such as starch, vitamins, and fiber, as well as minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium, and linoleic acid. These substances help maintain blood vessel elasticity and are highly effective in preventing and treating habitual constipation in the elderly. Additionally, sweet potatoes are an ideal food for weight loss as they are rich in fiber and pectin, which can prevent the conversion of sugar into fat.
Exercise for Autumn Health Preservation
Exercise is crucial in autumn, not only for health preservation but also for preparing the body for the harsh winter. There are various suitable exercises for autumn, and here are a few examples.
Hiking
Hiking has been a tradition in autumn since ancient times, and urban dwellers in modern times should pay more attention to hiking in autumn. With the pleasant weather, clear blue sky, and fresh air on the mountaintop, hiking in autumn provides the best enjoyment. The yellowed leaves, autumn flowers, and endless dry grass collectively create a breathtaking scenery.
Long-distance Running
Autumn is a season with moderate temperatures, neither too hot nor too cold, making it the ideal time for long-distance running. Whether you have the habit of long-distance running or not, it is highly recommended to go for a long run in the morning or afternoon during this favorable season. While running, you can also appreciate the autumn scenery along the way. If there are nearby mountains, running to the top would be the best option. Why not seize the opportunity and enjoy the experience?
Cycling or Walking
Although cycling and walking are not exclusive to autumn, the special weather and suitable temperature during this season make them even more enjoyable.
Precautions for Autumn Exercise
Pay attention to keeping warm and staying hydrated during autumn exercise. As the temperature drops, people tend to sweat more, and with the autumn wind blowing, there is a higher risk of catching a cold. Therefore, it is important to promptly wipe off sweat and wear thicker autumn clothes to prevent catching a cold. Additionally, autumn is characterized by dryness and excessive sweating, so it is crucial to stay hydrated.
Sleeping Habits for Autumn Health Preservation
Early to Bed, Early to Rise
The best time for sleep is from the hour of the pig (9 PM) to the hour of the tiger (5 AM). However, few people are able to adhere to this schedule nowadays. Therefore, it is recommended to prioritize early bedtimes and early waking, especially for women who pursue beauty sleep.
Adequate Afternoon Nap
In autumn, it is important to ensure sufficient sleep not only at night but also through afternoon naps. The best time for a half-hour nap is during noon. This practice has obvious beautifying effects.
After the arrival of autumn, young people tend to take fewer naps due to increased work and life stress, leading to reduced sleep time. As the saying goes, "Spring brings laziness, autumn brings drowsiness." It is easy to feel drowsy in autumn, so it is important to take appropriate afternoon naps. However, deep sleep is not recommended during this time. A maximum of half an hour is sufficient. This practice can not only improve work efficiency in the afternoon but also help individuals adapt better to the seasonal changes in autumn.
Skin Care for Autumn Health Preservation
Emotional Care
Autumn is a melancholic season, accompanied by the withering of flowers, plants, and trees. People's moods are easily affected, leading to a sense of desolation and depression. Low mood can be a serious obstacle to health preservation.
Suggestion: During this time, it is advisable to listen to soothing music, read quietly, or take a walk and chat with friends to alleviate feelings of depression and maintain a peaceful state of mind.
Skin Care
With the arrival of autumn, cold air gradually permeates, and the air becomes drier. The skin finds it difficult to adapt to this sudden change, and blood vessels contract, leading to reduced blood flow in the skin. This can cause wrinkles and fine lines, especially in women. Therefore, special care is needed to counteract skin aging caused by environmental changes. It is important to drink plenty of water, maintain a pleasant mood, and apply hydrating skincare products.
Precautions for Autumn Health Preservation
Disease Prevention
1. Autumn has significant temperature fluctuations, with changes occurring throughout the day. Therefore, it is necessary to pay special attention to daily routines and habits, especially for the elderly who have poorer physical constitutions. They are more prone to diseases, and many chronic diseases tend to worsen in autumn. It is recommended for the elderly to be mindful of temperature changes and adjust clothing accordingly to prevent illness.
2. Autumn weather is dry, dust tends to rise, and air quality deteriorates. Moreover, cold air starts to prevail, which can easily trigger asthma and other respiratory diseases. Individuals with such medical histories need to be especially cautious.
