Today, the beginning of autumn can nourish yin and nourish lungs

Nourishing Yin and Lung Health on the Start of Autumn

Today marks the Start of Autumn, the 13th solar term in the Chinese lunar calendar, signaling the transition from sweltering summer to cool autumn. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, this shift calls for nurturing *yin*—the body’s cooling, moistening energy—and protecting the *fei* (lungs), which are vulnerable to dryness as autumn air turns crisp.

Autumn’s dryness can dehydrate the body, leading to symptoms like dry throat, cough, or irritated skin. To counter this, focus on hydrating and lung-nourishing foods. Pears, known as the “fruit of the lungs,” are ideal—steamed with honey or simmered into a syrup soothes respiratory tissues. White foods, such as lilies, white fungus, and almonds, align with the lung’s element and help replenish fluids. Herbal teas like chrysanthemum with goji berries clear heat and moisten the throat.

Avoid spicy or pungent foods, which can exacerbate dryness. Instead, opt for warm, cooked meals: congee with black sesame, pumpkin soup, or steamed fish support digestion and internal balance. Gentle activities like walking in the morning mist or practicing deep breathing exercises also strengthen lung function.

By embracing these habits, we honor autumn’s rhythm—nurturing our bodies to thrive as the seasons change, ensuring resilience and vitality in the months ahead.

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