There is old staying in China, “Grieve over the passing of spring and feel sad with the advent of autumn.” It’s autumn now, how are you feeling? Why you feel sad or more stressed this season?
In autumn, many people are in a low mood, thinking that life is meaningless and showing no interests in everything. It even develop into serious degree such as anxiety, loss of appetite, insomnia and depression. This condition is called “Autumn depression” or “Autumn anxiety”.
What causes autumn anxiety?
There are a number of reasons why you may feel more anxious when Autumn begins. Some causes of this anxiety may be due to beginning a new school year, the looming stress of the holiday season, or possible regret from not having achieved desired goals over the summer.
When autumn comes, changes in diet, daily exercise, and increased exposure to daylight are all ways people can minimize the effects of autumn anxiety.
Besides, we should keep the mind tranquil and avoid comparisons, to make the heart calm and peaceful. By doing so, it won’t be hurt by the sadness of autumn, so as to adapt to the atmosphere of autumn. There are an acupoint and Chinese herb that could help you out:
Acupoint massage
There was text in an ancient Chinese medical work, Huangdi Neijing(Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon), it said “Shan Taixi, if it is active, the pain in the heart and flank cannot be turned to the side…”. “Shan Taixi” means sighing frequently, which is a sign of low mood. The liver and gallbladder are the inside and outside of each other, which is mainly responsible for dredging and regulating emotions.
- An acupressure point for anxiety and depression
In Chinese medicine, there are a “amazing acupoint” that can make you feel happy. It has a strong effect on the regulation of the gall bladder. This helps relax muscle tension and relieve stress. This acupoint was described by ancient Chinese physicians as the “happy acupressure point” on the body.
Massaging Yanglingquan acupoint (GB-34) can remove energy stagnation from liver and gallbladder and channels, to relax tendons, relieve muscle tension and ultimately alleviate mental stress and depression.
Operation: When massaging Yanglingquan acupoint, the whole palm needs to be exerted. First use the thumb to fix the acupoint, place the thumb on the position of Yanglingquan acupoint, hold the calf with the other four fingers together, and press and rub the thumb pulp firmly. , first massage clockwise for 3 minutes, then counterclockwise for 3 minutes, do it again for each leg. If you have moxa sticks at home, you can also moxibustion for 10 minutes, so that the skin is slightly hot.
Massaging the point for 6 minutes in the morning can help you remain refreshed for the duration of the day!
Note: when massaging this point, it can be effective only when producing a sense of qi, that is, a feeling of soreness and numbness.
Chinese herb tea
- Ganmai jujube Tea for anxiety and depression
More than 1,800 years ago, a famous recipe written by Zhang Zhongjing, a Chinese medical sage, has been passed down: Ganmai Dazao Decoction. There are only three herbs in the recipe – licorice, wheat, and jujube, they have miraculous curative effects.
Licorice can treat weak stomach, soothe and relieve pain, red dates nourish qi and nourish yin, and wheat can nourish heart fluid and soothe the spirit. It can help relieve insomnia, neurasthenia and irritable temperament, and is also very helpful for constipation caused by tension or stress.
How to do: Wash and smash licorice and wheat, remove the core of red dates, put them in a thermos cup, add boiling water and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, and drink frequently.
