🌿 Folk Prescriptions

“Autumn cold exposure” may seem simple, but knowing how to do it wisely, timely, and safely involves real expertise.
Old saying: “Freeze nine, cover four”—meaning in early spring, don’t rush to shed clothes; better to keep warm. Conversely, in September, don’t hurry to add layers; allow some cold exposure. “Autumn cold exposure” helps the body smoothly transition from summer heat to autumn chill, enhancing adaptability to climate changes and boosting cold resistance. This form of cold training strengthens the body’s defensive mechanisms, gradually adapting to colder environments, thereby positively preventing diseases—especially respiratory illnesses.
Early autumn, when summer heat hasn’t fully dissipated, occasional “autumn tigers” (hot spells) still occur. Although temperatures drop, it’s not yet cold. This is the ideal time to begin “autumn cold exposure,” perfect for building cold tolerance and strengthening the body’s ability to adapt to cooler climates. Starting cold exposure at the end of summer and beginning of autumn allows a natural transition toward regulating the body’s response to autumn chill and winter cold, enhancing disease resistance.
In early autumn, when temperature fluctuations are small, no need to rush to add clothes—brief cold exposure is harmless and can even extend the duration of cold exposure. However, always cover up when sleeping at night. Autumn nights carry a different kind of chill compared to summer nights; during sleep, the body is more vulnerable to wind-cold invasion.
In late autumn, when temperature swings are large, avoid blind cold exposure. Strong cold fronts often cause sudden drops in temperature. Persisting with “autumn cold exposure” blindly harms health and may trigger respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Instead, dress and undress according to changing weather to prevent catching a cold.
For the human body, young adults and physically fit elderly people or children should avoid adding thick clothing too early. This helps the body adapt to climate changes. Elderly and children with weaker constitutions have poor self-regulation, and cold exposure quickly weakens their resistance, reducing their ability to ward off colds. They may rapidly develop adverse reactions, triggering acute bronchitis, pneumonia, and similar conditions—so they should adjust clothing with weather changes. Patients with chronic diseases should avoid “autumn cold exposure,” especially those with chronic bronchitis, asthma, coronary heart disease, or hypertension. Cold stimulation can cause bronchial and vascular spasm, leading to recurrence of old conditions, such as asthma attacks, angina, myocardial infarction, or stroke.
“Autumn cold exposure” isn’t limited to clothing—it’s equally important to engage in moderate exercise to strengthen the body. Different age groups can choose suitable activities. Regardless of the activity, emphasize the “cold” aspect—avoid excessive sweating to prevent cold pathogens entering through open pores. Stop when the body feels slightly warm but hasn’t started sweating. If choosing cold-water bathing, continue consistently throughout autumn without interruption.