Liqiu(Beginning of Autumn) is the 13th among the 24 solar terms on the Chinese lunar calendar, which refers to the end of summer and the beginning of autumn. At this time, the weather is still hot like summer, but gradually becoming cooler as the typhoon season fades away. Therefore, this period is also known as “long summer.” During this season, it is recommended to consume moistening foods such as pumpkin, winter melon, corn, potatoes, rice, honey, and loquat, which can benefit the spleen, nourish the qi, strengthen the stomach, generate body fluids, and nourish yin.
On the other hand, it is advisable to avoid consuming pungent foods like onions and ginger, as well as cold drinks during this time.
In the scorching and humid summer days, people often feel sticky and uncomfortable, leading to a preference for seeking coolness. However, using air conditioning or fans with sweat-soaked bodies can lead to strokes and facial paralysis. In case of a stroke or facial paralysis, it is essential to seek medical treatment promptly. Acupuncture can be an effective treatment option for these conditions, providing remarkable results without causing any side effects.
Additionally, during the period of Liqiu, dampness and heat may easily accumulate in the body. To address this, therapies such as scraping and cupping can be used to eliminate excessive heat and toxins in the body.
Scraping: It is performed on the shoulder and back area of the body, increasing the activity of capillaries and promoting the elimination of dampness and heat, thus helping the body cope with the “long summer” period.
Cupping: It involves using glass cups or suction cups to apply a vacuum to certain acupoints or areas with abundant muscle tissue, stimulating the skin to become congested and promote the discharge of damp-heat toxins. This can help alleviate discomfort caused by dampness and heat during the period of Liuqiu.
Dietary Tips for Liqiu:
- Pay attention to nourishing the spleen and stomach.
In the early autumn when the weather is still damp and hot, it is easy to overindulge in food, leading to damage to the spleen and stomach. Therefore, it is recommended to consume more porridge in the morning, as it can nourish the spleen and stomach. Some recommended porridge options for autumn include hawthorn rice porridge, snow pear and Chinese yam porridge, almond and mung bean porridge, orange peel and coix seed porridge, and persimmon and millet porridge.
- Consume foods that nourish yin and moisturize.
Autumn weather can be dry, leading to symptoms such as dry mouth, throat, nose, and skin. To counteract this, focus on eating foods that nourish yin, such as bird’s nest, snow pear, spinach, turtle meat, pork lungs, honey, loquat, olive, etc.
- Pay attention to lung and liver health.
After Liqiu, lung function is at its peak, so it is important to strengthen the lungs to avoid affecting overall health. Additionally, as the liver is vulnerable during this season, emotional changes can occur easily, leading to imbalances in qi and blood. To address this, consider consuming acidic foods to nourish the liver yin, such as apples, pomegranates, grapes, mangoes, cherries, grapefruits, lemons, hawthorn, tomatoes, water chestnuts, kiwifruit, etc. These foods can help nourish the liver and also restrain the lung qi.
Please note that the information provided is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM) principles and practices. Always consult a qualified TCM practioners before making any significant changes to your diet or health routine.
