🌿 Folk Prescriptions

Spring rain awakens spring, clear and grainy days; summer fullness follows summer, linked together. Autumn begins with dew, followed by cold frost; winter snows come with winter, small and great cold. This is the summary of the 24 solar terms by ancient Chinese laborers through continuous practice. Initially, they noticed that at different climates, the sun’s position varied at the same time, so they erected a bamboo pole on the ground to observe changes in the shadow length. The day with the shortest noon shadow was set as Summer Solstice, and the day with the longest shadow as Winter Solstice. Gradually, they discovered two days each year—spring and autumn—when day and night were equal, thus establishing Spring and Autumn Equinoxes. Since the intervals between these equinoxes and solstices were too long to meet agricultural needs, additional solar terms were gradually established. By the Qin Dynasty, the terms were already: Start of Spring, Rain Water, Start of Summer, Minor Heat, Start of Autumn, Limit of Heat, White Dew, Frost Descent. By the Han Dynasty, the complete set of 24 solar terms was finalized, identical to today’s.
According to traditional Chinese medical theory, each of the 24 solar terms has distinct health preservation focuses. Today is Cold Dew, marking the beginning of the transition from heat to cold. What should we pay attention to during this period, and what foods should we selectively consume to nourish ourselves?
Autumn Health Preservation (Cold Dew)
Cold Dew ranks seventeenth among the 24 solar terms, occurring around October 8–9 each year. Historical records state: “When the constellation points to Hán Jiǎ, it is Cold Dew. At this time, the dew becomes cold and chilly, about to solidify, hence the name Cold Dew.” “The dew is cold, about to freeze.” With the arrival of Cold Dew, the climate shifts from heat to cold, and all things grow colder, gradually withering—this is the transitional season between heat and cold. In nature, the balance of yin and yang begins to shift: yang energy gradually declines while yin energy increases. Our bodies must adapt to these natural changes to maintain internal physiological (yin-yang) balance.
Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes “nourishing yang in spring and summer, nourishing yin in autumn and winter.” Therefore, during autumn, we must focus on preserving internal yang energy. As the climate cools, the body’s yang energy naturally gathers inward, and yin essence is stored internally. Thus, autumn health preservation should center on “nourishing storage” (yang collection).
Since ancient times, autumn has been known as the “golden autumn,” and the lung corresponds to metal in the Five Elements. Thus, lung energy aligns with the seasonal energy of autumn. “In the golden autumn, dryness dominates.” At this time, dryness pathogenic energy easily invades the body, depleting lung yin. If improperly regulated, the body may exhibit symptoms such as dry throat, dry nose, dry skin, and others typical of autumn dryness. Therefore, dietary regulation during late autumn should emphasize nourishing yin and moistening dryness (for the lungs). Ancient wisdom says: “In autumn dryness, one should eat sesame to moisturize dryness.” At this time, one should consume more soft, moist foods like sesame, glutinous rice, japonica rice, honey, dairy products, etc., while increasing intake of chicken, duck, beef, pork liver, fish, shrimp, dates, yam, etc., to strengthen constitution. Avoid spicy foods such as chili peppers, ginger, scallions, garlic, as excessive consumption damages yin essence.
Spiritual adjustment is equally crucial. As the climate grows colder and daylight shortens, with wind blowing and leaves falling, some people may feel melancholy, experiencing unstable moods and sadness. Therefore, maintaining good mental health, guiding and releasing accumulated emotions, and cultivating an optimistic, broad-minded attitude are essential components of health preservation.
Moreover, during cool autumn days, daily routines should be adjusted accordingly. In my years of clinical practice, I’ve observed that cases of cerebral thrombosis increase as the weather turns cold. Analysis suggests this is linked to longer sleep durations in colder weather, as slower blood flow during sleep increases the risk of clot formation. The "Su Wen Si Qi Tiao Shen Da Lun" clearly states: “In autumn, go to bed early and rise early, rising with roosters.” Going to bed early aligns with the gathering of yin essence; rising early supports the expansion of yang energy. To prevent clot formation, I recommend adapting to seasonal changes and adjusting routines timely to ensure health.