Cool breezes signal summer's end as the Start of Autumn arrives.

Yet, summer's heat lingers. Weather after the Start of Autumn remains warm and dry, with significant "autumn heat" still present.

The Start of Autumn is a special solar term, marking a key transition point from yang to yin. Following the growth of spring and summer, nature begins to gather inward from this day. During this time, practices supporting well-being are particularly beneficial.

Three Focus Areas: Supporting Comfort in Heat, Digestion, and Dryness

Supporting Comfort in Warmth:

Summer warmth persists during the Start of Autumn period. Daytime temperatures can still be high during outdoor activities. Continue practices to stay cool, maintain hydration, enjoy fresh vegetables and fruits, and ensure adequate rest.

Supporting Digestive Wellness:

As summer heat lingers, digestive balance established over summer may need gentle support. Focus on practices that nurture stomach comfort.

Supporting Comfort in Dryness:

After the Start of Autumn, supporting the body during drier conditions becomes important. Dryness can lead to sensations like thirst or dry skin. Enjoying soups, porridges, and foods traditionally associated with moistening can be supportive.

Lung Care: Four Gentle Practices for Autumn

Traditional practices often associate autumn with lung care. As autumn dryness arrives, gentle lung support is emphasized. Consider these points:

Nourishing Choices:

Include foods like sesame seeds, walnuts, glutinous rice, honey, pears, sugarcane, and yogurt in your diet. Warm porridges are also valued for comfort.

Seasonal Shifts in Food:

The saying "autumn melons trouble the belly" suggests limiting very cooling fruits like watermelon after Start of Autumn. Pears, enjoyed during dry autumn afternoons, are a refreshing seasonal choice.

Mindful Breeze & Calm:

As autumn arrives, be mindful of cool drafts and direct wind exposure, especially on the face and neck. Light scarves can offer comfort. Cultivating calm is also beneficial.

Gentle Movement:

Gentle activities like Tai Chi, Qigong (like Ba Duan Jin or Wu Qin Xi), slow jogging, or mindful breathing exercises are suitable. Aim for light movement that induces only mild warmth.

Dryness Arrives: Reishi Mushroom in Tradition

Supporting Lung Vitality & Calm

Ancient texts like the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing mention Reishi (Lingzhi) in the context of lung vitality. Within cultural wellness practices, Reishi is also associated with supporting calmness and restful sleep.

After the Start of Autumn, incorporating Reishi products like spore powder, tea, or extracts can be part of a routine focused on tranquility. Reishi can also be used in daily cooking for comfort.

Start of Autumn Recipe: Reishi, Honey & White Fungus Soup

A Comforting Soup for the Season

[Ingredients]

4g Ganoherb organic Reishi slices

10g dried white fungus (Tremella)

Small handful of goji berries (Lycium berries)

Few red dates (Jujubes)

Small handful of lotus seeds

Honey (to taste)

[Method]

Soak the white fungus until softened, then tear into small pieces.

Place the softened white fungus, Reishi slices, lotus seeds, goji berries, and red dates into a pot.

Add water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.

Simmer gently for about 1 hour, or until the white fungus becomes very soft and the soup thickens slightly.

Remove the Reishi slices before serving.

Allow the soup to cool slightly, then stir in honey to taste.

[Enjoyment]

This traditional soup is a comforting choice, especially suitable for the autumn and winter seasons.