Seasonal Node : Cold Dew
Sorry for the slight delay, but October 8th was the beginning of the Cold Dew Seasonal Node, the first 15-day segment after Autumn Equinox. Here in the Northeastern United States fall is definitely underway. The leaves are slowly starting to change color and the evening temperatures are steadily dropping. However, one of the weather characteristics of Cold Dew is a significant difference between day and night temperatures. Sometimes it can be as much as 30 degrees! Best thing to do is dress in layers to accomodate the fluctuating temperatures.
Because temperatures continue to drop, one of the recommendations for Cold Dew is to avoid overconsumption of cold foods, including for example raw vegetables, iced beverages, or foods eaten right out of the refrigerator. Overconsumption of cold foods, especially in people with weak Spleen/Stomachs, easily leads to abdominal discomfort or diarrhea. These people should drink warm beverages such as ginger tea (adding honey to protect against Autumn dryness).
One of my favorite things this time of year is apples. All sorts of varieties are now available. According to Chinese medicine apples are sweet and sour and have a slightly cold nature. Therefore, regular consumption helps generate fluids, stop thirst, and moisten the Lungs. Since dryness is the seasonal characteristic of Autumn, these functions make apples great for this time of year. However, since apples are cold, as mentioned above, overconsumption of raw apples can lead to digestive upset for some people.
Like apples, other foods that are slightly moistening or sour can be eaten during Cold Dew, Moistening and yin nourishing foods include Chinese red dates, walnuts, chestnuts, yams, peanuts, Chinese white wood ear mushrooms, and lily bulbs. Slightly sour foods include hawthorn, lemons, grapes, and grapefruits.
During this seasonal node the bladder and kidneys can become susceptible to problems. In particular, exposure to cold in the evening can cause stagnation of the Qi leading to stiffness, tightness and pain.
So with that in mind here are some practices that are very helpful and healthful!
Rubbing the Bottom of the Feet: The bottom of the foot is home to the first point on the Kidney Channel, known as Yong Quan. Yong Quan is located just behind the ball of the foot and sometimes it is known as the “Great Medicine” at the bottom of the feet. Once or twice a day rub the bottom of the foot over the area of Yong Quan 100 times. This warms and stimulates the Kidney channel, and can be used to treat forgetfulness, insomnia, low back pain, and internal cold.
Soaking the Feet: Soaking the feet in the evening is another excellent way to warm the channels of the feet and legs, and it is a second method of working with Yong Quan. One of my common recommendations for Cold Dew is soaking specifically with Epsom salts for 10-15 minutes. Soaking warms and stimulates the Kidney channel, and can be used to treat forgetfulness, insomnia, and low back pain.
Slow down, rest and prepare consciously for a good sleep!
So enjoy the Node of the Cold Dew - stay warm, enjoy apples, nourishing teas and take time for quiet stillness