Autumn chill easily harms the body; these three areas must not be exposed to cold
Source: Health Times (ID: jksbwx)
Autumn is not as hot as summer, nor as cold as winter, yet in this season, being indoors inevitably feels a bit chilly.
The so-called "chaotic dressing in autumn" - the harm of autumn chill is actually most invisible.
Unlike the lingering summer heat right after the Start of Autumn, after the Autumn Equinox, the temperature difference between day and night grows increasingly larger.
During this time, people are prone to catching colds, getting sick, or developing gastrointestinal infections. Due to reduced rainfall, many people also experience "dry-cold" symptoms.
Cold-related illnesses arise; three areas must not be exposed to cold
Many people feel this is a rare refreshing season. The temperature is still quite high at noon, so they still wear sandals, short sleeves, shorts, or dresses, enjoying the feeling of autumn breeze on their faces! Although there is a saying "keep warm in spring, endure cold in autumn," Wang Xuemei, Deputy Chief Physician of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Department at Henan Provincial People's Hospital and Doctor of Medicine, reminds us that three areas of the body must not be subjected to "autumn cold exposure."
The first is the head
. The head is where all yang energy converges. If not properly protected, yang energy will be lost. When the head and neck area is exposed to cold, it can easily cause colds with lung symptoms downward, and upward it can cause blood vessels in the neck to constrict, which is not conducive to blood supply to the brain.
The second is the abdomen
. The abdomen contains many important meridians, such as the spleen-stomach meridian and liver-kidney meridian passing through, and the Ren, Chong, and Du meridians originate within the abdominal cavity. Exposure to cold here will cause qi and blood stagnation in the abdominal meridians, affecting organ functions. For example, people with a history of stomach problems are prone to stomach pain when exposed to cold, and women during menstruation are prone to dysmenorrhea when exposed to cold.
The third is the feet
. "Cold arises from the feet." The feet are the part of the body most afraid of cold, and the meridians of the kidneys and spleen-stomach all originate from the feet. Since the feet are farthest from the heart, the "distance" for blood to flow through is the longest. If the feet are exposed to cold, blood flow becomes stagnant, the body's overall blood supply will be insufficient, and organ functions will subsequently be impaired.
When autumn chill comes, what needs warming still needs warming
Regarding autumn chill, at this time you must pay attention to keeping the body warm. The elderly, people with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, and people with migraines should take care to protect their heads. While enjoying the crisp autumn weather, it is best to wear a hat and scarf.
As for keeping the abdomen warm, clothes that expose the navel, no matter how beautiful, are not recommended to wear anymore, and low-rise pants should also be avoided as much as possible. For the elderly and children, or women with stomach problems or uterine cold, it is advisable to wear a vest close to the body, and when going out, wear a sleeveless jacket or vest to protect the waist and abdomen. Before going to bed each night, you can also rub your hands together until warm and massage around the navel in a clockwise direction 36 times. Massaging the organs activates qi, blood, and meridians; when the organs are regulated and the bowels are clear, all illnesses disappear.
Keeping the feet warm is also very important. Wang Xuemei suggests that everyone should frequently soak their feet in hot water, which can warm the whole body and prevent cold-related illnesses such as dysmenorrhea. People with cold hands and feet and those with weak constitutions may want to wear a pair of thin socks to sleep at night.
After the Autumn Equinox, eat as little cold-natured food as possible. For example, plump and delicious hairy crabs, because they are highly cold-natured, should not be eaten in large quantities. In your diet, eat more foods that are clear-moistening and warm-moistening in nature, such as sesame, walnuts, and glutinous rice.
Remember the "four ones" to warm yourself up
1
A bowl of lamb soup
In the "Jin Gui Yao Lue" (Essential Prescriptions of the Golden Cabinet), there is a very famous warming and tonifying formula - Danggui Shengjiang Yangrou Tang (Angelica, Ginger, and Lamb Soup). In this soup, angelica has the effect of invigorating and nourishing blood and is a commonly used blood-tonifying herb in traditional Chinese medicine. Ginger can strengthen the body's resistance to moisture and remove excess damp-cold from the body. Lamb is warm and damp-hot in nature and can warm the middle and tonify deficiency. Take 20 grams of angelica, 30 grams of ginger, and 500 grams of lamb. Stew the lamb until tender, add brown sugar, and simmer briefly before serving.
2
A basin of foot-soaking water
Cold generally invades from the soles of the feet. Soaking feet in hot water can relax the tendons, invigorate blood circulation, and relieve fatigue. Generally, a water temperature of around 40°C is sufficient (not too hot to touch).
You can also add some Chinese herbal medicines. Those with the effect of warming meridians include: Tougucao (Speranskia tuberculata), Chuanjiao (Sichuan pepper), Ganjiang (dried ginger), and Guizhi (cassia twig). Those with the effect of invigorating blood and unblocking meridians include: Honghua (safflower), Danggui (angelica), Jixueteng (Millettia reticulata stem), and Aiye (mugwort leaf). When using them, Chinese herbal medicines with different effects can be combined. Generally, 10 grams of each is sufficient. Patients with diabetes, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, etc., should consult a doctor before use.
3
A cup of warming tea
Poria and honey tea
Poria (Fu Ling) is rich in carbohydrates and can provide sufficient heat. When paired with honey and consumed as a drink, it can ensure the body gets sufficient energy to resist the cold. People who often feel cold hands and feet and have poor appetite are best suited to drinking a cup of warm poria and honey tea after lunch.
4
A set of warm clothing
There is a dressing mnemonic for autumn and winter warmth: inner layer close-fitting, middle layer loose, outer layer sealed at openings - underwear close to the body, middle layer loose, outer coat windproof. Underwear is best soft and close-fitting, which helps increase insulation. The middle layer of clothing should have strong moisture absorption, not be too tight, and stay dry. The outer coat must be windproof, and it is best to have sealed designs at the collar, cuffs, waist, and ankles to prevent cold air from sneaking in.
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