On September 22 of this year, we marked the autumnal equinox, one of the 24 solar terms in the Chinese calendar. To highlight health tips and disease prevention relevant to this time, the National Health Commission brought in experts to share their insights.
Dr. Gong Yanbing, a chief physician at Dongzhimen Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, explained that the term “equinoctial” signifies equality, as day and night are of equal length on this day. Following the equinox, daylight starts to diminish, and nights lengthen, signaling the retreat of summer heat and the onset of cooler weather. With appetites often improving as the season shifts, there’s a popular saying about “adding autumn fat.” Dr. Gong emphasized the importance of being mindful about this, tailoring dietary choices to individual constitutions and the changes in the season, advising against excessive or unconsidered supplementation.
He noted that as fall advances, issues like dry skin and chapped lips often arise. It’s essential to consume nourishing and hydrating foods. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the five colors relate to the five organs, with white linked to lung health. Dr. Gong suggests incorporating white foods such as lotus root, yam, lily bulb, white fungus, white radish, and pears into our diets. He particularly recommends a medicinal soup made with lily bulb, white fungus, and pear. With pears being in season, they are known to nourish Yin, relieve phlegm, and alleviate coughs; lily bulb calms the heart and nourishes, while white fungus enhances hydration. This soup is both suitable for most people and resonates well with the essence of the autumn equinox.
As we transition into fall, the spleen’s function may wane, which can lead to digestive issues like diarrhea and bloating if not addressed. This season calls for warm, easily digestible foods, while cold, greasy, or spicy dishes should be avoided. Should one be exposed to cold winds, symptoms such as nasal congestion and coughing may occur. In those cases, Dr. Gong recommends dressing in layers: adding layers during the cooler mornings and evenings, and shedding them as daytime temperatures rise, to better adapt to the changing climate.
Additionally, Dr. Gong pointed out that autumn can bring feelings of sadness, depression, or pessimism. The body’s internal clock can struggle to adjust to the shifting daylight hours, disrupting our physiological rhythms and affecting mood. Symptoms such as decreased interest and focus, insomnia, and fatigue can be particularly pronounced in women and the elderly. He advocates for practicing abdominal breathing techniques to help ease tension and reduce stress.
Academician Dr. Ji Xunming, a chief physician at Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, noted that with the autumnal equinox, temperatures gradually decline, and the gap between day and night becomes more prominent. This drop can cause blood vessels to constrict, which may lead to elevated blood pressure. The combination of drier weather and lower water intake heightens the risk of cardiovascular diseases. People often indulge in richer foods that can increase cholesterol and blood fat levels, coupled with reduced physical activity, resulting in a higher risk of heart and brain-related illnesses.
During this equinox season, it’s crucial to keep warm, especially when outdoors, and to dress appropriately for sudden weather changes. A balanced diet with lower salt, oil, and sugar intake, along with a variety of foods, is recommended. Regular moderate exercise, maintaining a positive outlook, managing emotional fluctuations, and ensuring adequate sleep are also vital. For those with hypertension, diabetes, abnormal blood fat, or pre-existing cardiovascular conditions, it’s important to closely monitor blood pressure, blood sugar, and lipid levels to keep them stable.
