Beginning of Autumn | The cool breeze brings good news, wishing you a peaceful autumn

Liqiu, the 13th solar term of the "Twenty-Four Solar Terms," is the first solar term of autumn. When the Dipper points southwest and the sun reaches the celestial longitude of 135°, it occurs annually on August 7th or 8th of the Gregorian calendar. The changes in the natural world are a gradual process; Liqiu marks the transition where yang energy gradually recedes and yin energy grows, shifting from yang dominance to yin dominance. In nature, all things begin to move from lush growth toward withering maturity.

Liqiu does not mean the end of hot weather; it still falls within the hot period and the heat has not yet passed. There is a saying "heat is in the dog days," and also "a dog day after Liqiu." After Liqiu, there is still at least one period of intense heat. According to the calculation of the "dog days," Liqiu often falls during the middle dog days, meaning the intense summer heat is not over yet. True coolness usually comes after the White Dew solar term.

The most obvious change in autumn is that the leaves of plants turn from lush green to yellow and begin to fall, while crops start to mature. People should maintain inner peace, calmness of mind, and a cheerful mood, avoiding sadness and melancholy. Even when encountering sorrowful events, one should actively dispel such feelings to avoid the harsh energy of autumn. At the same time, one should conserve their spirit to adapt to the balanced energy of autumn.

During Liqiu, the weather is already clear and refreshing. One should begin to "go to bed early and get up early, rising with the chickens." Early sleep aligns with the contraction of yang energy, and early rising helps the lung qi to expand and prevents excessive contraction. Liqiu is the early autumn season; the heat is not yet gone. Although cool breezes may arrive occasionally, the weather is changeable. Even within the same region, there can be "four seasons in one day" and "different weather within ten miles."

Liqiu Health Preservation Method One

This solar term is suitable for clearing heat and expelling dampness. You can cook a porridge with five-flavored ingredients: 20 grams of lily bulbs, 40 grams of white fungus, 15 grams of lotus seeds, and 50 grams of glutinous rice (or a bit more). When almost cooked, add some rock sugar. Lily bulbs can moisten the lungs, stop coughing, clear the heart, and calm the mind; white fungus can moisten the lungs and generate fluids.

Liqiu Health Preservation Method Two

Another option is to stew a soup with fish mint, white pear, and rock sugar. Fish mint can boost our body's immunity, clear heat, promote urination, and detoxify. After enduring the sultry summer, the body accumulates heat and dampness, which can cause toothache, irritability, and insomnia around Liqiu. Drinking fish mint and white pear soup is very beneficial.

Liqiu Health Preservation Method Three

During Liqiu, it is best to stimulate the bladder meridian. Lie on your back with your legs bent, hold your head with your hands, and lift it up to form a bow shape like a cradle. Rock back and forth a few times. Tilting the head backward stimulates three important meridians: the middle is the Governing Vessel, and on both sides are the two bladder meridians. The Governing Vessel oversees the body's yang energy. Doing this cradle exercise is best at 3 p.m., when qi and blood flow through the bladder meridian.

Liqiu signifies that summer is about to end, and the days of unbearable heat and sleepless nights are coming to a close. The weather gradually cools, allowing for good sleep. With the arrival of the cool breeze, United Wisdom Certification Company wishes you a peaceful autumn!