Autumn Equinox: The Yin Yang phase is half restrained and the spirit is moistened and dry (solar terms and health). September 23rd is the Autumn Equinox solar term. Xie Fang, deputy chief physician of the Department of Dermatology at Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine affiliated with Capital Medical University, introduced that on the day of the autumnal equinox, the day and night are evenly distributed, and the cold and heat are balanced. Since then, the yin energy gradually increases and the yang energy gradually decreases, and the weather changes from hot to cool. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that the autumnal equinox marks a state of balance between yin and yang in nature, and the human body should also conform to the "converging" qi. Health preservation focuses on balancing yin and yang, preventing dryness and moistening the lungs, and storing energy to welcome the cold winter. Autumn equinox health preservation emphasizes' balance 'and' prevention of dryness'. ”Xie Fang said that in terms of diet, the principle of nourishing yin and moistening the lungs should be followed. Eat more soft and moisturizing products such as pears, Tremella fuciformis, yams, lilies, sesame seeds, etc. You can use medicinal herbs such as Ophiopogon japonicus and ginseng to make soup appropriately, and also drink autumn pear paste, five juice drinks, etc. regularly to relieve autumn dryness. At the same time, one should eat less spicy, fried, and cold foods such as chili peppers, hot pot, and cold drinks to avoid aiding dryness, damaging yin, and damaging the spleen and stomach. In terms of daily life, it is advisable to go to bed early and wake up early, pay attention to adding and reducing clothing in a timely manner, and especially protect the abdomen and feet from the cold. It is recommended to choose activities with moderate intensity, such as walking, Tai Chi, or Ba Duan Jin, to achieve slight sweating. Avoid sweating profusely to protect the Yang energy. During the autumnal equinox, "autumn dryness" is the most likely to harm people, often manifested as dry mouth and sore throat, dry cough with less phlegm, nosebleeds, dry and itchy skin, and other respiratory and skin problems. Xie Fang stated that to cope with autumn dryness, in addition to using indoor humidifiers, one can also use dietary therapy to moisten dryness, such as drinking Tremella fuciformis Lily Soup, Mulberry Water, or consuming foods rich in gum, such as peach gum, soapberry rice, pig trotters, etc; Massaging the missing acupoints can alleviate discomfort in the throat. For people with dry skin, the temperature of the bath water should not be too high, and the time should not be too long. After bathing, apply moisturizing lotion in a timely manner. You can also choose boiled water medicinal baths such as Ophiopogon japonicus, Scutellaria baicalensis, etc. to moisturize the skin from the inside out. In addition, dried mulberries can also be soaked in water to drink. Mulberry nourishes yin and blood, and has a good effect on dry skin caused by liver and kidney yin deficiency. During the autumn equinox season, it is also important to pay attention to emotional regulation. ”Xie Fang reminds that after the autumnal equinox, the sunshine decreases and people are prone to feeling sad about autumn. They should spend more time in the sun, talk to friends and family, and cultivate an optimistic mindset. Drinking rose tea, osmanthus tea, and other soothing and calming drinks can prevent staying up late and excessive thinking. Soaking feet in warm water, listening to soothing music, and reading relaxing books before bedtime can also help with mental peace. Xie Fang stated that the autumnal equinox is a crucial period for the transition between autumn and winter. Health preservation focuses on harmonizing yin and yang, preventing dryness and keeping warm, using moisturizing as the method and balancing as the duration. Through adjustments in diet, daily life, exercise, emotions, and other aspects, the body and mind are in a state of nourishing, peaceful, and not dry or cold, laying a solid foundation for a peaceful winter. (New Society)