October 8, 2022
Cold Dew or Hán Lù (Chinese: 寒露) is the seventeenth of the 24 traditional Chinese solar terms and marks a turn toward colder weather. During this time, temperatures are much lower, with rain begins to fall in many parts of the country. Autumn crops begin to ripen and chrysanthemums bloom. Each solar term is divided into three pentads consisting of 5 (occasionally 6) days, with each pentad named for corresponding cycles of nature. The pentads for this period are as follows: (1) Wild swans and geese arrive as guests (鴻雁來賓), (2) Sparrows go into the deep water for clams (雀入大水為蛤), and (3) Chrysanthemums display yellow flowers (菊有黃華).
Here are some useful health cultivation tips for Cold Dew (Hán Lù):
1. Health cultivation for this season continues to be focused on nurturing Yin energy, and on nourishing both the lungs and stomach organs. Avoid the overconsumption of cold foods, as it can result in abdominal discomfort or diarrhea and weaken the spleen and stomach. These people should drink warm beverages
2. With dryness a prominent environmental feature during this period, it is important to protect the lungs from dryness, especially for the elderly and people with lung and other chronic ailments.
3. Food that will help nurture Yin and nourish the Lungs & Stomach include:
• Fruits and vegetables such as pears, persimmons, bananas, carrots, lotus-root, mushrooms, raw honey, etc.
• Chrysanthemum tea
• Dietary herbs such as Shan Yao (Rhizoma Dioscoreae, or Mountain Yam), Bai He (Bulbus Lilii, or Lily Bulbs), Yin Er / Bai Mu Er (Tremella or Wood Ear), Lian Zi (Semen Nelumbinis or Lotus Seed), etc.
4. Eat apples. It’s apple season and according to Chinese medicine, apples are sweet and sour and have a slightly cold nature. Regular consumption helps generate fluids, stop thirst, and moisten the lungs.
For more information on seasonal health cultivation, schedule an appointment with one of our student interns or licensed practitioners at the Yo San University Blount Community Clinic. Tele-health consultations are also offered by our experienced senior practitioners. Call today. 310.577.3006.