As autumn arrives, the humidity in the air decreases and the weather becomes drier, making it time to rehydrate. But rehydration isn't just about drinking more water! Let's read the article below to learn how to keep yourself radiant from the inside out this autumn.
Water Chestnut and Shrimp Stir-fry
A One-on-One Guide to Preventing Dryness
1. Massage Your Scalp to Prevent Dry Hair
When washing your hair, use your fingertips to massage your scalp for a slightly longer period to stimulate blood circulation and help hair roots absorb more moisturizing ingredients. At night, before bed, gently massage your head with your fingers, moving from the hairline at your forehead to the back of your head. Repeat this 20-30 times until your scalp feels warm.
2. For Dry Eyes, Place a Glass of Water by Your Desk
Li Guangrui, Chief Physician of the Dermatology Department at Wangjing Hospital of the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, reminds us that at work, it's best to place a glass of water by your desk to increase the humidity in your surroundings. Additionally, you should blink frequently, ensuring at least 4-5 blinks per minute. Normally, blinking spreads tears evenly over the surface of the cornea and conjunctiva, providing nutrition and moisture to the eyes. You should also eat more fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and fish, which are rich in vitamins.
3. For Autumn Lip Care, Use Olive Oil
Song Ping, Associate Chief Physician of the Dermatology Department at Guang'anmen Hospital of the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, suggests that using olive oil to moisturize your lips can have an unexpected hydrating effect. Olive oil is free of fragrances and chemicals, and its fatty acids and various natural fat-soluble vitamins are very beneficial for nourishing the skin and are easily absorbed by the body. The moisturizing effect of olive oil lasts for a relatively long time, typically 4 to 8 hours.
Prevent Dryness by Pressing Three Acupoints
Dai Qibin, Associate Chief Physician of Traditional Chinese Medicine at Nanjing Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital, reminds us that to effectively combat autumn dryness, you can frequently press the "Three Springs" on your body: Yongquan, Jiquan, and Yinlingquan.
1. Press "Yongquan" to Nourish Yin and Reduce Fire
The Yongquan acupoint is located in the front third of the sole of your foot. Pressing this point can nourish yin and reduce fire, relieving symptoms of excessive internal heat such as dry mouth, dizziness, and irritability. Use your thumb to press and knead this point 20-30 times; the effects are particularly good when done in the morning and before bed.
2. Press "Jiquan" to Relieve Chest and Calm the Mind
The Jiquan acupoint is located at the top of the armpit. Massaging this point can help stabilize mood caused by dryness and heat. Cross your arms over your chest and gently massage and knead the Jiquan acupoint on the opposite armpit for about 3 minutes. Then, use your right hand to pat your left armpit 30-50 times, followed by your left hand patting your right armpit 30-50 times. Repeat this cycle 5 times.
3. Press "Yinlingquan" to Promote Water Metabolism and Remove Dampness
The Yinlingquan acupoint is located on the inner side of your calf, in the depression behind the medial condyle of the tibia. Pressing this point can aid the spleen and stomach in their function of transporting and transforming nutrients, and promote urination to remove dampness. Use your thumb to press and knead the point clockwise for 2 minutes, then counter-clockwise for 2 minutes.
To Prevent Dryness, Eat These Three Aquatic Treasures
1. Water Chestnut and Lotus Root Stir-fry to Nourish Yin and Clear Heat
Huang Lianzhen, a professor in the Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene at Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology: Water chestnuts grow in lakes and are rich in starch, protein, and various vitamins and minerals. After peeling, cut the water chestnuts into pieces and stir-fry them with lotus root and lotus seeds for a fresh and crisp dish. Be careful, as the points on the water chestnut are very sharp and can cut your mouth. Also, water chestnuts are considered a "raw and cold" food, so those with a weak spleen or kidneys should eat them in moderation.
2. Water Chestnut and Shrimp Dish, Refreshing and Not Greasy
Xu Yuqi, a National Senior Nutritionist: Water chestnuts, which grow in shallow water, have a refreshing texture and are excellent for clearing internal heat and dryness. Peel and slice them, then stir-fry with shrimp or meat to cut through the greasiness and create a nutritionally balanced meal. Because water chestnuts are aquatic vegetables that can grow in mud and may be contaminated, it is not recommended to eat them raw. They should be washed and cooked thoroughly before consumption.
3. Gordon Euryale Seed and Walnut Porridge to Tonify the Spleen and Nourish the Stomach
Wang Jing, a nutritionist at the Nutrition Department of the 309th Hospital of the PLA: Gordon Euryale seed, known as the "ginseng of the water," is a great ingredient for clearing heat and dryness, strengthening the spleen, and promoting urination. I often make porridge with it during the summer-autumn transition. You can buy dried Gordon Euryale seeds in supermarkets or Chinese medicine shops and cook them with walnuts, dates, and japonica rice. Fresh Gordon Euryale seeds cook easily, but the dried ones are quite hard. After bringing to a boil, simmer them over low heat until they are soft and tender, making them easier to digest. Some supermarkets also sell pre-ground Gordon Euryale powder, which is very convenient for making porridge.
stir-fried water chestnuts with shrimp