August 24th marks the end of the "dog days" of summer, officially concluding the exceptionally long period of intense heat. Bai Xiao, a doctor at the Dongfang Hospital of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, reminds everyone that the weather gradually becomes drier after the end of the dog days. Autumn dryness easily depletes body fluids, leading to discomfort such as dry mouth and throat, sore throat, dry skin, cough, and phlegm. At this time, it's advisable to eat more sour foods such as oranges, lemons, pomegranates, and plums to astringe lung qi and moisturize the lungs, preventing dryness. It's better to eat less pungent foods such as onions, ginger, garlic, and leeks to avoid excessive lung qi leading to internal heat and constipation.

After the end of the hottest period of summer, the weather changes from hot to cool, and the yang energy in nature shifts from dispersing to converging, which also leads to a shift in the yin and yang energies in the human body. After the sweltering summer, many people suffer from sleep deprivation and are prone to fatigue after the end of the hottest period, a condition known as "autumn fatigue." Bai Xiao suggests that the public should change their summer habit of going to bed late and ideally go to bed an hour earlier than usual, which can help alleviate autumn fatigue. Regular exercise such as running, boxing, gymnastics, or hiking in the morning and evening can also help improve physical fitness.

The public can eat foods that nourish yin and moisten the lungs, such as lily bulbs, white fungus, lotus seeds, and pumpkin. They can also gently massage the Tian Tu acupoint in the center of the suprasternal notch on the chest with the tip of their middle finger about 30 times a day to help relieve throat discomfort. Alternatively, they can use the thenar eminence at the base of their thumb to push along the lung meridian on the inner side of the forearm from top to bottom about 30 times to help promote the flow of lung qi.

Bai Xiao reminded the public that although temperatures gradually drop after the end of the hottest period of summer, the moisture accumulated during the summer has not completely dissipated, making it easy for mold to grow in poorly ventilated areas such as wardrobes and corners. The public should pay attention to frequent indoor ventilation, and autumn clothes to be worn soon should be aired in a well-ventilated and dry place. If possible, iron them. When hanging clothes, maintain a certain distance to ensure ventilation. Home air conditioning should not be set too low; follow the principle of "retaining yin and drawing in yang," and avoid letting cold air blow directly on the neck, back, and feet. (Source: Beijing Daily)