Beginning of Autumn Wellness

What is this about? Beginning of Autumn (Aug 7-9) complete wellness guide: Metal element, Lungs organ. Three phenological phases: Cool winds arrive, White dew falls, Cold cicadas sing. Autumn dryness is gradually rising, so moistening the lungs comes first. Stay up less, avoid spicy foods, eat more pears and white fungus, sleep early and rise early, and draw your heart-mind back inward. Eat Pears, White fungus (tremella). Avoid Grief harms the lungs.

Key takeaways: This article covers the core concepts, practical applications, and common questions about beginning of autumn wellness.

Autumn · Metal Element · Lungs · Aug 7-9
Key Takeaway
Autumn dryness is gradually rising, so moistening the lungs comes first. Stay up less, avoid spicy foods, eat more pears and white fungus, sleep early and rise early, and draw your heart-mind back inward.

Three Phenological Phases

First PhaseCool winds arrive
Second PhaseWhite dew falls
Third PhaseCold cicadas sing

Huangdi Neijing Quote

"The three months of autumn are called 'accommodation and equilibrium'; the heavenly qi is rushing, the earthly qi is clear. Sleep early and rise early, keeping the same schedule as the rooster."
— Plain Questions (Su Wen) · Regulating the Spirit with the Four Seasons
Interpretation: As autumn begins, all things withdraw and constrict. One should sleep early and rise early, getting up with the rooster, and keep the will calm and peaceful.
Plain Language: The ancients said 'rise with the chickens' — meaning to follow the rooster's schedule: sleep early and rise early, don't stay up late, and let the body gradually pull back from its summer state of excitement.

Action Items

Recommended

Foods to Eat

PearsWhite fungus (tremella)Lily bulbsLotus rootHoneySesame seedsChinese yamPomelo

Recommended Recipes

Tremella, Lily, and Snow Pear Stew

Ingredients: Tremella · Lily bulb · Snow pear · Rock sugar

Steps: Soak the tremella until rehydrated, tear into small florets; combine with lily bulbs and pear chunks, simmer for 40 minutes, then add rock sugar.

Effect: Moistens the lungs and generates fluids, relieving dry autumn cough.

Lotus Root and Pork Rib Soup

Ingredients: Lotus root · Pork ribs · Ginger

Steps: Cut the lotus root into chunks, stew with ribs for 1 hour, add salt just before serving.

Effect: Strengthens the spleen and nourishes yin, countering autumn fatigue.

Honey Pomelo Tea

Ingredients: Pomelo peel · Honey · Warm water

Steps: Slice the pomelo peel into thin slivers and steep; stir honey into warm water.

Effect: Moistens dryness, calms the spirit, and aids sleep.

Activities

Sleep early and rise earlyClimb high and gaze farDeep breathing to nourish the lungs

Emotional Wellness

Keep the will calmGather spirit and qiDo not let the will wander outward

Avoid

References

Want to know your hexagram constitution?

Download the Tianji Tuiyan app, enter your birth date to discover your birth hexagram and personalized wellness advice.

Download Free App

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Beginning of Autumn?

Beginning of Autumn is one of the 24 solar terms, usually around Aug 7-9. At this time: Cool winds arrive, White dew falls, Cold cicadas sing. It marks the beginning of autumn.

What is the wellness focus for Beginning of Autumn?

The wellness focus for Beginning of Autumn is Nourish the lungs, Moisten dryness, Constrain (qi). Autumn dryness is gradually rising, so moistening the lungs comes first. Stay up less, avoid spicy foods, eat more pomelos and white fungus, sleep early and rise early, and draw your heart-mind back inward.

What should I eat during Beginning of Autumn?

During Beginning of Autumn, eat Pears, White fungus (pomelo), Lily bulbs, Lotus root, Honey. Recommended recipes: Tremella, Lily, and Snow Pear Stew, Lotus Root and Pork Rib Soup, Honey Pomelo Tea.

What should I avoid during Beginning of Autumn?

During Beginning of Autumn, avoid: Grief harms the lungs, Spicy foods disperse (qi), Staying up late damages yin.