Recently, many people in Southern California have been enjoying picking and eating dragon fruit from supermarkets or their own backyards, but one Chinese individual experienced severe diarrhea after consuming the fruit. Traditional Chinese medicine practitioner Cheng Guanying reminded the public that although dragon fruit is highly nutritious, it has cooling properties. Therefore, women with a constitution that is deficient and cold, or during menstruation, should not consume it excessively. As the season transitions into autumn, people should focus on nourishing yin and moistening the lungs to prevent autumn dryness.
Cheng Guanying explained that according to traditional Chinese medicine, people should live in harmony with nature, following the seasonal rhythms of “spring birth, summer growth, autumn harvest, winter storage.” As plants begin to shed leaves in autumn to reduce water loss, people’s daily routines and diet should also shift towards “harvest.”
During late summer and early autumn when yang energy is at its peak and yin energy is hidden, Cheng Guanying advised the public to avoid consuming too many cold fruits and vegetables despite the lingering heat. Instead, they should opt for fruits with a “harvesting” effect like citrus fruits, hawthorn, apples, grapes, which help retain moisture in the body.
Furthermore, autumn is a season for consuming lung-nourishing foods such as water pears, white fungus, lotus seeds, almonds, Chinese yam, white radish, ginkgo biloba, and lily bulbs. Cheng Guanying suggested choosing “white” foods, as they are mostly suitable for autumn consumption.
In autumn, it is recommended to reduce consumption of fried and greasy foods to prevent autumn dryness. When considering dietary supplements, focus on nourishing with cooling foods and avoid hot and dry supplements like lamb stew or ginger duck.
Many people experience symptoms such as coughing, dry eyes, itchy skin, and nasal allergies during autumn. According to traditional Chinese medicine, one contributing factor to these issues is the dryness of autumn, which depletes the body’s fluids. Ginger, known to induce sweating and diuresis, can exacerbate fluid loss, hence the popular belief not to consume ginger in autumn.
With significant temperature differences between day and night in Los Angeles, reaching up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and dropping to 60 degrees Fahrenheit at night, Cheng Guanying recommended that people regularly stimulate various acupressure points to adapt to the weather.
Cheng Guanying advised pressing on the “Hegu” acupoint near the tiger’s mouth on the palm. This acupoint belongs to the Large Intestine Meridian of Hand Yangming, located between the first and second metacarpal bones on the back of the hand, at the midpoint of the second metacarpal bone. This acupoint helps regulate the body’s internal Qi and blood, reduces sensitivity to pain, and enhances pain tolerance. Pregnant women are cautioned against self-pressing this acupoint due to the risk of miscarriage.
In autumn, massaging the “Sanyinjiao” acupoint is beneficial. This acupoint is found four fingers above the inner ankle of the leg. As the intersection point of the Kidney Meridian, Liver Meridian, and Spleen Meridian, stimulating this acupoint helps regulate the liver, spleen, and kidneys.
During autumn, it is important to nourish yin. Stimulating the “Sanyinjiao” acupoint can replenish Qi and blood when deficient or disperse excessive Qi and blood when in excess. Cheng Guanying noted that regular massage of the “Sanyinjiao” acupoint can help regulate menstruation, prevent facial blemishes, acne, and other issues, recommending women to incorporate this into their health routine.