Moon cakes are traditionally eaten in Autumn
It seems strange writing a newsletter at the moment about Autumn when here in Napier, New Zealand, we are experiencing such hot weather and there is no sign of Autumn to be seen anywhere.
Of course many patients are saying, “isn’t that great!” but in actual fact unseasonable weather actually plays havoc with our health. Chinese medicine has noted over the centuries how the different seasons affect nature and people.
Can having a long summer be harmful?
If for example, people get a false sense of security and think that they should keep living their lifestyle as if summer will last for ever, they will risk suddenly being afflicted with an autumn disease.
What type of diseases could manifest in Autumn?
Ancient physicians believed that in autumn one needs to take heed of cool dryness, the predominate factor during autumn. If not, then chronic coughs will present themselves in the following winter season.
What foods can I take to help me during Autumn?
Two simple foods come to mind and they are pears and honey. From a Chinese herbal perspective, these foods are regarded as having the property of moistening dryness. There is a nice tasting pear stew that can be easily made by following the recipe here. Another food to consider is white fungus, which can be readily obtained from most Chinese grocery stores.
What can I do during Autumn to have better health in the Winter?
Avoid having excess too drying type type foods such as curry and if you get a dry cough, try to get on top of it as soon as possible and the recipe above is a good start.
Also don’t over due any exercise that causes too much sweating and then go out into the “cool” draft without proper protective clothing.
