The Beginning of Autumn Health Guide

Thursday, August 8, 2024

As one of the twenty-four traditional solar terms in China, Beginning of Autumn typically falls on August 7, 8, or 9 each year. In 2024, the Beginning of Autumn is on August 7, which is today, marking the departure of summer and the gradual arrival of autumn. During the Beginning of Autumn, the temperature starts to decrease gradually, but there is still a period of heat, making the human body susceptible to the lingering effects of summer heat. Therefore, it is equally important to prevent heatstroke during this solar term. Here are some suggestions for adjusting the body and preventing heatstroke.

Interesting Customs

Plumping Up for Autumn 秋天(qiū tiān)

秋天 (qiū tiān), noun, autumn

Examples:

  1. Autumn is my favorite season.
    秋天是我最喜欢的季节。
    qiū tiān shì wǒ zuì xǐ huān de jì jié。
  2. The leaves turn beautiful colors in autumn.
    秋天树叶变成美丽的颜色。
    qiū tiān shù yè biàn chéng měi lì de yán sè。

In the vast land of China, the Beginning of Autumn is not just a solar term but also carries rich and colorful folk customs. There is a saying of "plumping up for autumn," which means that after a long and arduous summer, people have expended much energy. When the Beginning of Autumn arrives, households prepare abundant food to nourish the body, especially meat, for "autumn supplementation." In some regions, there is a custom of weighing children on the day of the Beginning of Autumn, symbolizing whether the child has grown healthily over the summer, echoing the concept of "plumping up for autumn," hoping that the nourishment of autumn and winter will make children stronger.

Crunching on Autumn

In some parts of China, it is popular to "crunch on autumn" on the day of the Beginning of Autumn, meaning to eat seasonal fruits like watermelons and peaches, symbolizing biting off the tail of summer and welcoming the cool凉爽的(liáng shuǎng) autumn, while also expressing people's hopes for health and a bountiful harvest. In some areas of the Jiangnan region, there is a custom of eating peaches on the Beginning of Autumn, believing that this can ward off disasters for the year and bless family members with good health. Peaches are considered symbols of auspiciousness and longevity, hence they are named "Immortal Peaches" or "Peaches of Longevity."

凉爽的 (liáng shuǎng), adjective, cool

Examples:

  1. The breeze from the ocean felt cool and refreshing.
    来自海洋的微风感觉凉爽而清新。
    lái zì hǎi yáng de wēi fēng gǎn jué liáng shuǎng ér qīng xīn。
  2. Sitting under the shade of a tree, I felt the coolness of the summer day.
    坐在树荫下，我感受到了夏日的凉爽。
    zuò zài shù yīn xià, wǒ gǎn shòu dào le xià rì de liáng shuǎng。

How to Choose Food?

As the temperature gradually decreases, people may feel weak and have decreased appetites. During this time, dietary choices should include ingredients that nourish the body, such as lean meat, chicken, and crucian carp, to supply the body with necessary nutrients. Additionally, consuming more foods with moisturizing and nourishing properties, like pears, tremella, and lily, can help clear heat, moisten the lungs, and prevent autumn dryness. Cooking methods should focus on stewing and boiling, avoiding excessive greasy and barbecued foods to protect the gastrointestinal tract and enhance digestive function. Moreover, as the weather becomes drier during the Beginning of Autumn, it's essential to drink more water to maintain body fluid balance and prevent dry skin.

Adjusting Lifestyle

With the decrease in temperature, the body is prone to fatigue. At this time, it is important to increase outdoor activities appropriately to maintain sufficient physical activity, which helps strengthen the body and improve immunity. Quality sleep is also crucial, so maintaining a regular schedule, going to bed early and waking up early, helps regulate the body's circadian rhythm, and improve sleep quality. Additionally, as temperatures fluctuate significantly during the Beginning of Autumn, it is essential to adjust clothing in a timely manner to avoid catching a cold or getting sick. Ensuring indoor air circulation and cleanliness is important to prevent the accumulation of dust and bacteria.

Emotional Well-being

During the Beginning of Autumn, as the yang energy recedes and the yin energy grows, the mental state of the body will also change. At this time, engaging in autumn-appropriate methods like outdoor autumn outings, mountain climbing, and other activities can help relax the mind and regulate emotions. Communication with family and friends, sharing joys and concerns, helps maintain a happy mood. In daily life, trying practices like meditation and relaxation training can help alleviate stress and improve mental resilience.

In conclusion, during the Beginning of Autumn solar term, adjusting diet, lifestyle, and mental state, preventing heatstroke, and maintaining physical and mental health are critically important. I hope the above suggestions can help you have a healthy and pleasant Beginning of Autumn. Wishing you a happy Beginning of Autumn!

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