Health preservation during the Beginning of Autumn focuses on both harvesting and nurturing.
Aug 11, 2025
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Health Preserving
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The ancients believed that "in spring and summer, nourish yang; in autumn and winter, nourish yin," and that "spring brings growth; summer brings growth; autumn brings harvest; winter brings storage." Health preservation must conform to the four seasons to achieve longevity.
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1. The Beginning of Autumn coincides with the "dog days" of summer, so be mindful of the "autumn heat."
This year, the Beginning of Autumn still falls within the "dog days," and the intense heat will be hard to dissipate. Health experts warn, "The heat after autumn can be deadly." During this time, citizens should pay close attention to weather forecasts. If the "autumn heat" appears, take precautions against heatstroke and reduce temperature. The temperature difference between day and night gradually increases during this period, so be sure to prevent colds and chills.
2. Health preservation during the Beginning of Autumn focuses on concentrating yang energy.
After the Beginning of Autumn, the natural yang energy begins to constrict and subside, so people should begin preparing to maintain it.
Going to bed early helps support the concentrating yang energy, while waking up early allows the lungs to expand. Furthermore, going to bed and waking early reduces the risk of blood clots and can prevent ischemic diseases such as cerebral thrombosis.
3. Beginning of Autumn: Health Preservation: Nourish the Lungs and Protect the Liver
Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that the liver is the general's organ, responsible for defending against foreign aggressors and pacifying the interior of the country. This is equivalent to detoxification and immunity in Western medicine. The lungs, on the other hand, are the minister's organ, governing and regulating the body. All the body's qi flows in and out of the lungs. After defending against foreign aggressors and pacifying the interior of the country, it's time for governance. Managing oneself and maintaining health are essential with the lungs.
The lungs are associated with the element metal, and autumn, with the earth ablaze with golden color, makes the lungs the ruler of autumn. Autumn is also about harvest, and dryness is its dominant qi. The lungs, being a delicate organ, are vulnerable to cold and heat, making them vulnerable to autumn dryness. Therefore, moistening dryness, nourishing yin, and nourishing the lungs are essential.
Autumn is associated with the element metal, and metal overcomes wood. Therefore, this autumn qi can suppress the production of liver qi and blood. The liver opens to the eyes, so vision can decline during this time. Protect your liver by going to bed and waking up early.
Massage and moxibustion during the Beginning of Autumn to replenish vital energy.
The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine states, "In spring and summer, nourish yang; in autumn and winter, nourish yin." Autumn is a prime time for moxibustion, as the body's yang energy is depleted during autumn and winter. It's especially important to replenish yang energy to prepare for the entire winter!
Moxibustion therapy
Acupoint Location: Located in the lower abdomen, on the anterior midline, 1.5 inches below the navel,this point is the yang within yin and the sea of vital energy.
Dazhui Point: A Key Health Point, Dominating the Whole Body
The Jia Yi Jing states, "Dazhui, the meeting point of the three yang meridians, the Governor Vessel." Also known as the "Sea of Governor Vessel Yang," Dazhui Point dominates the entire body and is a key health point. Therefore, massage and moxibustion can boost immunity and improve lung function.
Acupoint Location: The lower end of the neck, in the depression below the spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra. If the protrusion is not obvious, have the patient move their neck. The unmoved joint is the first thoracic vertebra, approximately level with the shoulder.
Taibai Point: Replenishes Qi and blood, and enhances beauty. Taibai is the original point of the spleen meridian, and its spleen-tonifying and tonifying effects are stronger than any other acupoint. The spleen meridian is characterized by low Qi and high blood. When Qi is insufficient and blood is excessive, the spleen often exhibits symptoms of spleen deficiency. The common symptom of a woman with a yellow face is a sign of spleen deficiency. Daily massage of this acupoint can effectively replenish the deficiency of spleen meridian Qi and serve as the source of nourishment for the spleen meridian Qi.
Moxibustion therapy
Acupoint location: On the medial edge of the foot, at the junction of the red and white flesh just below the first metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe.
Guanyuan acupoint regulates Qi and blood, replenishes deficiency and benefits. Guanyuan is a gathering point for the small intestine, meaning it is the point where Qi from the small intestine accumulates in the abdomen. As the book "The Heart of Bian Que" states, "At the turn of summer and autumn, burn Guanyuan a thousand times, and you will not be afraid of cold or heat for a long time." Moxibustion at Guanyuan not only unclogs the meridians and strengthens the waist and spine, but also effectively regulates Qi and blood, replenishes deficiency and benefits. For those who are not convenient to apply moxibustion, massage around Guanyuan acupoint in a clockwise direction daily. Acupoint Location: Located in the lower abdomen, on the anterior midline, 3 inches below the navel, this point serves as the gateway for the flow of vital energy.
Qi Hai Point strengthens the body's vital energy and replenishes vital energy.
