Bidding Farewell to Summer's Heat, Welcoming Autumn's Arrival: Traditional Customs and Modern Wellness Practices

Bidding Farewell to Summer's Heat, Welcoming Autumn's Arrival: Traditional Customs and Modern Wellness PracticesTomorrow, August 14th, marks the eleventh day of the seventh lunar month, signifying the end of the hottest period of the year, "Sn F Tin" (the Three Folds of Summer), and the beginning of its final phase M F (the Final Fold). This special day is steeped in traditional customs and wisdom for maintaining health and well-being, inviting us to explore its secrets

Bidding Farewell to Summer's Heat, Welcoming Autumn's Arrival: Traditional Customs and Modern Wellness Practices

Tomorrow, August 14th, marks the eleventh day of the seventh lunar month, signifying the end of the hottest period of the year, "Sn F Tin" (the Three Folds of Summer), and the beginning of its final phase M F (the Final Fold). This special day is steeped in traditional customs and wisdom for maintaining health and well-being, inviting us to explore its secrets.

I. The Origin and Significance of M F

The character "F" in ancient Chinese means "the summer heat lurking beneath the earth". The Three Folds of Summer refers to the hottest period of the year, when the earth's surface temperature reaches its peak, the summer heat is at its most intense, and everything seems to be "submerged" in scorching heat. As the final phase of the Three Folds of Summer, M F marks the imminent retreat of the heat and the arrival of autumn.

1. Calculating the Dates of M F

Ancient Chinese people used the saying "L Qi y Gng sh M F" (The first Gng day after L Qi is M F) to calculate the dates of M F. L Qi is a solar term in the lunar calendar, and Gng day refers to a day in the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches cycle where the Heavenly Stem is "Gng". Therefore, the first Gng day following L Qi marks the start of M F. This year, L Qi fell on August 7th, and the first Gng day was August 14th, making tomorrow the beginning of M F.

2. "Autumn Encompasses Summer" and "Summer Encompasses Autumn"

Typically, M F occurs after L Qi, which is called "Autumn Encompasses Summer". However, there are rare instances where L Qi and M F coincide, known as "Summer Encompasses Autumn". This phenomenon has occurred only four times in the past 30 years. This year's M F falls under "Autumn Encompasses Summer". There's a saying in China, "Autumn Encompasses Summer, hot enough to kill a cow," meaning the weather during M F can be exceptionally hot, akin to the "Autumn Tiger" (a period of unexpectedly hot weather in early autumn).

3. Mother Fold and the Characteristics of this Year's M F

Beyond the concept of "Autumn Encompasses Summer," this year's M F has another special characteristic: Mother Fold. Mother Fold occurs when the date of M F corresponds with the "Heavenly Stem and Earthly Branch" combination. For example, this year's M F falls on the Gng X () day, which happens to be the "Heavenly Stem and Earthly Branch" combination, hence the term "Mother Fold." The Chinese folk belief states that "Mother Fold is inauspicious," suggesting the weather during this M F will be much hotter than usual.

II. Tomorrow's M F is a "Full Day": Traditional Customs and Modern Interpretations

Tomorrow, the eleventh day of the seventh lunar month, is known as "Mn R" (Full Day) in the Twelve Construction and Destruction system. This system, used by ancient Chinese people for choosing auspicious dates, divides a month into twelve stages, each associated with different good or bad meanings. Based on the saying "Jin Mn Png Shu Hi" (Construction, Full, Level, Collection, Black), Mn R falls under the Black Dao (Black Path) and is considered an inauspicious day, meaning things are at their peak, making them vulnerable to harm.

1. The Meaning of Mn R and Traditional Customs

Ancient Chinese people believed that Mn R signifies things reaching a state of fullness, rendering them susceptible to damage. Therefore, they advocated caution and avoiding excessive expenditure to ensure peace and prosperity. For this reason, people observed specific taboos, such as:

• Avoiding Boastful Statements: Ancient books state, "Words of virtuous people are few, while words of the impetuous are many," meaning those of high character speak less, while those with restless minds tend to boast. As Mn R is an inauspicious day, people chose to be careful with their words, avoiding boasting to prevent trouble.

• Avoiding Excessive Labor: Mn R signifies fullness but also hints at the inevitability of decline. Therefore, people preferred to rest and avoid overexertion to maintain good health.

• Avoiding Major Events: Mn R symbolizes reaching a pinnacle, which makes things prone to changes. Hence, people avoided conducting important activities such as weddings, business openings, etc., to ensure smooth running.

2. Modern Interpretations of "Full Day"

While the Twelve Construction and Destruction system is less commonly used today, the cultural and conceptual significance it holds deserves contemplation. Mn R reminds us that everything has its peak and inevitable decline. Therefore, we should maintain humility, caution, avoid excessive expenditure and pursuit, striving for sustainable development.

III. M F Wellness Practices: The Convergence of Traditional Wisdom and Modern Science

M F marks the beginning of autumn and is a crucial period for the human body to adapt to environmental changes. Ancient Chinese people had many insightful wellness practices for M F. Let's delve into the scientific basis behind these traditional methods.

1. Opening Windows for Ventilation: Regulating Indoor Environments and Enhancing Immunity

Ancient Chinese believed that during M F, one should open windows to allow air circulation. This aligns with modern medical principles. "Huangdi Neijing" (The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine) mentions, "Sleep early and rise late; always await the sunlight," emphasizing adherence to natural rhythms, ensuring adequate sleep and suitable temperatures. During M F, the temperature difference between morning and evening is significant. Opening windows for ventilation not only reduces indoor air pollution but also adjusts indoor temperature, preventing prolonged confinement and the growth of bacteria, thereby enhancing the body's resistance.

2. Moderate "Autumn Cold": Strengthening the Body and Preventing Illness

There's a saying in China, "Cover up in spring, expose yourself to cold in autumn, and you won't get miscellaneous illnesses," advising people to experience moderate "Autumn Cold" in autumn. During M F, the body's Yang energy is still abundant externally. Over-dressing can lead to excessive Yang, affecting sleep quality and even causing illness. Moderate "Autumn Cold" strengthens the body's resistance to cold and enhances immunity, preventing illnesses like colds.

3. Light (Dietary Nourishment): Nourishing Yin and Moistening Dryness, Replenishing Energy

Ancient Chinese believed that autumn should focus on light (dietary nourishment), nourishing Yin, moisturizing dryness, and replenishing energy. "Bencao Gangmu" (Compendium of Materia Medica) mentions, "Autumn's climate is dry; consuming sesame can (moisturize its dryness)," indicating that sesame can nourish the body and alleviate autumn dryness. Modern medicine also acknowledges that autumn's dry climate can cause dry mouth, sore throat, and cracked skin. Therefore, consuming foods rich in water and vitamins, like winter melon, pears, honey, etc., is essential for replenishing the body's water and nutrients.

4. Moderate Exercise: Strengthening the Body and Promoting Sleep

Although the weather begins to cool down during M F, it remains hot, necessitating moderate forms of exercise to avoid overexertion and burdening the body. Gentle activities like walking and yoga can enhance physical fitness and improve sleep quality.

5. Maintaining a Positive Mindset: Optimistic and Energetic, Conquering Autumn Fatigue

Autumn's fluctuating temperatures can lead to fatigue and the "Autumn Fatigue" phenomenon. Therefore, maintaining a positive mindset, remaining optimistic, and avoiding excessive anxiety and worry can boost the body's immunity and overcome autumn fatigue.

IV. Conclusion: Embracing M F Wellness Practices, Welcoming a Healthy and Joyful Autumn

M F marks a crucial turning point towards autumn and a key period for the human body to adapt to seasonal changes. By understanding traditional customs and modern medical knowledge, we can optimize M F wellness practices, laying the foundation for a healthy and vibrant autumn.

Remember, tomorrow is M F's "Full Day". Keep in mind:

• Open windows for ventilation: Regulate indoor environments and enhance immunity.

• Experience moderate "Autumn Cold": Strengthen your body and prevent illnesses.

• Consume light (dietary nourishment): Nourish Yin, moisturize dryness, and replenish energy.

• Engage in moderate exercise: Strengthen your body and promote sleep.

• Maintain a positive mindset: Be optimistic and energetic, conquering autumn fatigue.

Through these scientific wellness practices, we can navigate M F successfully and welcome a healthy and joyous autumn!

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