What Is Most Important in Autumn and Winter Health Preservation?
In general, supplementation can occur year-round, but autumn and winter are optimal. This is because autumn and winter mark the period of increasing yin and decreasing yang. Aligning with this trend to nourish yin yields better results than at other times. It is like watering a thirsty flower: nurturing yin in spring and summer is akin to watering at midday, where much of the water evaporates; whereas nurturing yin in autumn and winter is like watering in the evening—same amount of water is retained, plus gains the nourishment of morning dew. Traditional Chinese medicine holds that chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and menopausal syndrome often involve varying degrees of yin deficiency. Nourishing yin and replenishing deficiency is thus a key principle in managing these chronic conditions.
Water is the source of yin energy; therefore, one should increase water intake during autumn and winter. Besides drinking water, one may consume foods known for nourishing yin, such as lotus root, fish, radish, carrot, black fungus, white fungus, sesame seeds, potatoes, lettuce, cabbage, cauliflower, sweet potatoes, honey, pears, peanuts, goji berries, Ophiopogon japonicus, and fritillary bulb.
Today’s urban dwellers live increasingly distant from the ground—especially soil—and thus absorb less earth qi (yin energy). This imbalance affects the body’s yin-yang equilibrium, leading to relatively insufficient yin and excessive yang heat. As a result, people are more prone to internal heat and rising incidence of heat-related diseases. Thus, walking among nature—fields, villages, parks—helps nourish yin and restore bodily balance.
Another key point is protecting yin. Excessive sweating damages the body’s yin, so preventing excessive perspiration is critical. During autumn and winter, avoid overexertion during exercise to prevent profuse sweating.