The arrival of true autumn – 7–9 September.
White Dew marks a decisive shift into autumn. Although afternoons may still feel warm, cooler nights and morning dews tell us that summer’s Yang Qi (Chi) is retreating inward and Yin Qi is growing stronger.
In TCM, this is the transition from the lingering Warm Dryness of summer to the Cool Dryness of Autumn, – which produces a combination of cold type symptoms (chills, no sweating, headache) and dryness symptoms (dry nose, dry throat, dry cough).
The focus now is on protecting the Lungs from dryness and supporting the Spleen and Stomach from the increasing cold.
Over the next fifteen days in nature, birds sensing the increasing cold before we do: the wild geese migrate south to protect their warmth; swallows retreat from the cooling skies; and other birds begin storing food for winter. In the same way, TCM encourages us to gradually withdraw our energy inward, protect our warmth, and nourish our bodies by building up our reserves in preparation for the colder months ahead.
Mind and Meditation
Autumn invites us to slow down and gather our energy. Spend a few quiet minutes each day breathing gently and noticing the seasonal change. Ask yourself: What do I need to gather, protect and bring back inside? And what do I need to let go of?
Food and Drink
Choose warm, nourishing, easy-to-digest meals: soups, porridges, pumpkin, yam and millet. Pear and mushroom can help provide gentle moisture. Longan is traditionally enjoyed at White Dew for its warming, nourishing qualities.
Reduce iced drinks, raw summer foods, very spicy foods and heavy meals. Consider moving from cooling Green tea to warming Oolong as the season changes.
Exercise
Keep moving, but adapt to cooler mornings and evenings. Walking, running, mobility work, Tai Chi and Qigong are ideal. Warm up properly and avoid becoming chilled after exercise.
Rest
Protect your sleep – in fact try and sleep 1 hour longer than you did during the Summer. Keep your neck, abdomen, lower back and feet comfortably warm. Don’t rush into winter clothing, but don’t treat September as midsummer either.
Lifestyle
The traditional message is simple: protect what summer left exposed. Use layers, avoid cold drafts by closing windows at night and allow your body to gradually adapt.
Seasonal Treatment Advice
This is a good time to support Lung Qi and Yin, strengthen the Spleen and Stomach, and help the body transition from outward summer activity towards autumn’s inward, conserving energy.
White Dew reminds us: warm the digestion, moisten the Lungs,
protect the body and begin gently gathering your energy for winter.
Blog Disclaimer
This content is offered to support awareness, not to “fix” you. It reflects a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective and is for informational purposes only—and is not a substitute for individual medical care or a one to one consultation and treatment.
For more information about how Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine can assist you in this season, to make an appointment.
Call Dan Lloyd on 07815814886
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