October 8th, 2011, "Cold Dew", the 5th small Autumn season arrives

      In 2011, the season of "cold dew" is arriving on the same day as last year. For most of the seasonal information please read this article.

      Here are some additional information:

      From this season, the cold energy often enters our body system from our feet. Therefore to keep the feet warm and healthy become important. One activity we can start to do from this season on is the foot bath. There are many benefits from the method include:

1. Remove the cold, warm up the entire body 
2. Increase body blood circulation, allay the tiredness. Especially after long time standing or walking, use this method can help the body to recover rapidly 
3. If you do morning exercise, use this method after your exercise
4. Do it before you go to bed will improve the quality of your sleep 
5. Helps with healing of tinea pedis (athlete’s foot) 

      Although foot bath is great, here is also something else you need to know:

1. Find a good length for yourself. Usually 5-10 minute each time with one time hot water refill is suitable for almost everyone. You can do more refill and stay longer if you like, but do not exceed 30 minutes. As the blood circulation increase, the heart rate increases too and this may add too much work to the heart. Also as much more blood runs towards the lower body, it may decrease the blood amount in the brain, and this may cause dizziness or nauseous. If any of these symptoms occur, stop the foot bath immediately and rest in bed.
2. After dinner wait at least one hour before the food bath. Our blood needs to run to the digestion system after meals. If you do the foot bath too soon, the blood will run to the lower body instead. In a long run this will affect our digestion and absorption
3. The temperature of the water should not exceed 42 Celsius (107.6 Fahrenheit). 

       Another simple way to exercise the feet is walking. Wear a pair of comfortable shoes and walk in the nice weather till you feel warm. If possible this is also the best time of the year to hike. Hiking will not only provide exercise for your feet, it also helps you to eliminate the “autumn sadness” because it will cleanse the lungs energy in general. But make sure protect your knees as they are the vulnerable parts in these kinds of activities.

      Also, Eat more “soft and moisturizing” food such as sesame, sticky rice, honey, chicken, duck, beef, pork liver, fish, dates, yam and some dairy product. Meanwhile eat less dry and hot foods such as hot pepper, raw ginger root, garlic and scallion.