October 23rd, 2010, "Hoar Frost", the last small Autumn season arrives

    "Hoar Frost", the last autumn season, and the 18th season of the year. Meaning, after this season we will be in winter. Just like its name, as it's getting much colder at night, the "cold dew" from last season becomes white frost in the morning. In some area the temperature can reach as low as 0 Celsius.
  
    Being the transition season between autumn and winter, we have noticed the change from "cool" to "cold", and the color of the leaves. As the temperature goes down our blood and energy flow also speeds down with it. Tendons and bones will be affected a lot, thus many of us will experience joint pain, especially on the lower back and knees. Make sure you protect your knees and lower back by adding necessary clothes.


   Besides lungs and large intestine, which we have been talking about for a while, stomach and spleen also need attention as they are active and sensitive during the end of every season. If you had chronic gastritis, gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer this is the season you need to be careful of as the risk of relapse is high. Being stimulated by the cold air, our autonomic nerve function is affected, so is the normal gastric movement. Our metabolism will increase, more gastric and digesting related "juice" will be released. We may have better appetite and that will give more job to our stomach and spleen. Also if cold air runs into the stomach, it will cause contraction of the blood vessel of the stomach that may lead to lacking of  blood and energy supply in the gastrointestinal mucosa (barrier). These can all  affect the self-repair process of any existing ulcer, or even cause new ulcer. Therefore, make sure take easy on your stomach, don't eat or drink like out of control.


    Food wise, follow the same rule of "Warm, mild, moisturizing" from the past seasons.  Recommended food are pear, apple,olive, onion, white radish, whole grain, lotus, grape, and honey. Avoid hot and spicy food. Drink more water than usual. And of course chrysanthemum tea if you not yet done it.


   And here is a direct and simple way to moisturize the lung. Pour hot water into a cup, like when you drink the tea, and inhale the steam. But after all, the best way of exercise is still the natural way, such as jogging, walking, hiking and  practicing Qi Gong. Plus, believe or not, laughing will also help the lungs.


   Finally, again, keep a good mind, don't be sad seeing everything fading, the universe is simply changing its own look. Enjoy it, and enjoy yourself too!