Autumn Health Preservation: Beware of “Wandering Winds”
Autumn is a transitional period between summer and winter winds, marked by volatile weather and large temperature swings—daytime heat, nighttime chill—often catching people off guard. External pathogens exploit this vulnerability, making illness more likely. These “external pathogens” are commonly known as “wandering winds.”
During the day, autumn remains hot, but nights bring cool breezes. Some people sleep with open windows—easy targets for “wandering winds.” During sleep, bodily functions slow down and immunity drops. Ground dust and bacteria/viruses carried by gusts invade the body, potentially causing pharyngitis, tracheitis, and similar conditions. “Wandering wind” blowing on the face during sleep may cause headaches the next morning—sometimes leading to facial paralysis, drooling, or mouth and eye deviation—mainly due to viral invasion of facial nerves. Wind blowing directly onto the abdomen without covering can cause diarrhea. “Wandering wind” also attracts mosquitoes, which bite and transmit malaria, filariasis, and Japanese encephalitis. Nighttime “wandering wind” keeps muscles in a tense state, preventing full relaxation—leading to accumulation of metabolic acid waste, causing next-day body aches, fatigue, and weakness.
People often say “a troublesome autumn” to describe unpredictable weather—likely due to the “wandering wind.” To prevent “wandering wind” invasion, wear appropriate clothing and cover up—don’t shed clothes because daytime is hot. Also, don’t rush to wear cotton coats too early—slight cold exposure (“autumn cold exposure”) actually strengthens resistance to “wandering wind” in autumn.