September 23 marks the Autumn Equinox in the lunar calendar, signifying the true onset of autumn.
Nourish yang in spring and summer, and nourish yin in autumn and winter. As a solar term with equal day and night, health practices should follow the principle of yin-yang balance: focus on mental cultivation, foster optimism, and maintain inner peace; regulate spleen-stomach and kidney qi to harmonize with autumn's tranquil energy.
Autumn health preservation for yin-yang balance should focus on the following aspects:
Regular exercise. Strengthening the heart, brain, lungs, and joints is key to longevity. Autumn's crisp weather makes outdoor activities ideal for boosting metabolism and invigorating organs. As the ancients said: "Movement strengthens the body."
Cultivate emotional well-being. Joy harms the heart, anger harms the liver, worry harms the spleen, grief harms the lungs, and fear harms the kidneys. In autumn, excessive emotions like joy, anger, worry, grief, fear, and fright become triggers for illness. Thus, mental cultivation is paramount. Ascending heights for distant views can refresh the spirit, instantly dispelling melancholy and sorrow—a potent remedy for nurturing mental health.
Regulate daily routines. Autumn calls for "early to bed and early to rise, following the rooster's lead." Retiring early aligns with the body's natural contraction of yang energy, while rising early allows the lungs to expand fully. Mindful routines form the cornerstone of health preservation.
Moderate diet. Maintain disciplined eating habits: regular meals at set times and measured portions. Avoid overindulgence, hunger, excessively cold foods, overly cooked dishes, and binge eating.
Balance nutrition. Nutritional balance is vital for life. Eat smaller, more frequent meals until 80% full. Increase fish consumption to ensure daily protein intake. Use less salt when cooking. Opt for refined, light dishes, and incorporate plenty of vegetables and fruits.