Autumn dryness is a disease that occurs when people feel dry evil in autumn. The disease enters through the mouth and nose, and initially presents symptoms of dryness of body fluids, such as dryness of the nose and throat, dry cough with little phlegm, dry skin, etc. There are two different nature of dryness: one is cold, the other is hot. Autumn dryness is one of the causes of exogenous six evils. The human body is very susceptible to invasion of dry evil and it damages the lungs, causing various symptoms of autumn dryness such as dry mouth and throat, cough with little phlegm, etc. In clinical practice, it is divided into two types: "cold dryness" and "warm dryness".
During early autumn, due to rapid weather changes, it is easy to catch a cold. Therefore, we need to pay special attention during this time. In addition to removing dry heat, we can also relieve discomfort through massage. According to traditional Chinese medicine, the treatment of autumn dryness colds should focus on dispelling wind, relieving the surface, and ventilating the lungs. Therefore, massaging the Fengchi, Lieque, and Yingxiang acupoints can effectively alleviate autumn dryness colds.
Fengchi Acupoint: Fengchi is the meeting point of the Shaoyang and Yangwei meridians. Yangwei governs the surface of the body. Diseases caused by wind evil are within the scope of this acupoint. Fengchi is located below the occipital bone on the back of the neck, in the depression on the outer edge of the two major tendons, approximately level with the earlobe.
Method: Rotate and massage with force until a sour and swollen sensation is felt. 1-2 times a day, 100 times each time, it has the effect of dispelling wind and relieving the surface.
Lieque Acupoint: Lieque is an acupoint on the lung meridian. The lungs govern the skin and hair, and when external evils invade, they first attack the lungs. Massaging the Lieque acupoint can treat symptoms such as dry cough with little phlegm, headache, chills, and fever. It has the functions of ventilating the lungs, stopping coughing, relieving asthma, and transforming phlegm. Lieque is located above the styloid process of the radius, 1.5 inches above the transverse crease of the wrist. The acupoint can be found by crossing the tiger's mouth with both hands and pressing the index finger of one hand on the styloid process of the other hand. The depression reached by the fingertip is the Lieque acupoint.
Method: Use one thumb to press the Lieque acupoint on the other hand and gently rub it until it feels warm. 2-3 times a day.
Yingxiang Acupoint: The lungs are connected with the large intestine on the surface and open up to the nose. Yingxiang is an acupoint on the Hand Yangming Large Intestine meridian. It is located beside the nose and has the function of ventilating and benefiting the nasal passages. It can treat symptoms such as dryness of the nose and throat, nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing. Yingxiang is located at the midpoint of the outer edge of the nose wing, in the groove of the nasolabial sulcus.
Method: Bend the thumb and press the acupoint with the interphalangeal joint of the thumb. It should feel sore and swollen, and the nose may become runny and teary. 2-3 times a day.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Prescription for Treating Autumn Dryness
Moistening Dryness and Clearing Fire
Forsythia 12g, Peppermint 3g, Gypsum 24g, Rehmannia 18g, Licorice 3g, Cassia Seed 15g.
Indications: Dryness transforming into fire, tinnitus, red eyes, swollen gums and sore throat.
Moistening Yin and Invigorating Stomach
Schaumannia 10g, Ophiopogon 12g, Rehmannia 18g, Solomon's Seal 10g, Rock Sugar 3g.
Indications: Dryness of the tongue and lips, loss of appetite, red tongue without coating, failure of stomach fluid to recover after a fever.
Moistening Intestines and Promoting Bowel Movement
Southern Almond 15g, Northern Almond 15g, Peach Kernel 12g, Honeysuckle 15g, Scrophularia 10g.
Indications: Heat in the large intestine, dry and hard stools, dryness of the mouth.
Increasing Fluids and Moistening Dryness
Scrophularia 10g, Ophiopogon 15g, Rehmannia 24g, Peach Kernel 12g, Magnolia Bark 12g, Fructus Aurantii 10g, Licorice 3g.
Indications: Depletion of body fluids after a fever, dryness and thirst, constipation.
Nourishing Dryness and Promoting Health
Chinese Angelica 15g, Rehmannia 18g, Prepared Rehmannia 18g, White Peony 12g, Rhizoma Cyperi 12g, Saposhnikoviae 12g, Licorice 3g, Scutellaria 10g.
Indications: Blood deficiency causing dryness, wrinkled skin, muscle tension.
Clearing Dryness and Rescuing the Lungs
Ginseng 6g (decoct separately), Ophiopogon 12g, Mulberry Leaf 15g, Gypsum 30g, Sesame Seeds 12g, Loquat Leaf 15g, Licorice 3g, Almond 15g.
Indications: Warm dryness damaging the lungs, headache and body heat, dry cough without phlegm, reversed qi causing wheezing, dry throat and nose, restlessness and thirst, white coating on the tongue, red tongue with little fluid.
Moistening Dryness and Clearing the Intestines
Coptis 6g, Prepared Rehmannia 10g, Ophiopogon 18g, Moutan Bark 12g, Honeysuckle 12g
Indications: Dryness in the lungs and heat in the intestines, diarrhea with burning sensation in the anus, autumn dryness combined with lingering summer heat.
Honey Pear Water
Ingredients: Duck pear, Goji berries, Honey, Rock sugar.
Instructions:
1. Cut off a small portion of the pear as a lid, remove the pear core, and then dig out some pear flesh. Fill the pear with water, add 5 goji berries, 3 rock sugars, and steam over low heat for 45 minutes.
2. Be careful when taking it out of the pot as it may be hot. There is no need to drink it immediately, as it can stay warm for a long time.
Pear water is smooth and sweet, with crisp and delicious pear flesh. After it cools down, you can add 1-2 teaspoons of honey. Honey is sensitive to high temperatures, so if the temperature is too high, it will destroy the nutritional components of honey. You can choose acacia honey instead.
Note: Choose pears that are even on the bottom, otherwise they may not stand straight.
Pear is one of the most important fruits originated in China and has a very high value in diet therapy. It has always been valued by health experts of all generations and is therefore known as the "ancestor of all fruits". Eating raw pears can relieve heat, while eating ripe pears can nourish the five organs and relieve dryness. Steamed snow pears with honey have a delicious taste and can also nourish yin, generate body fluids, and relieve dryness and thirst. Dryness of the mouth and tongue will naturally disappear.
