Seasonal Node : White Dew
Monday September 7th, the White Dew Seasonal Node began. We are now well into Autumn according to the Chinese calendar, and the midpoint of Autumn, the equinox, is only about 2 weeks away. Autumn is one of the two Yin seasons (along with Winter), it is associated with Metal, the Lungs, and the direction West. The name White Dew is a direct reference, as white is the Metal Phase’s color.
The movement of Autumn is the movement of harvest. All of nature is in the stage of slowly winding down. The mornings are a bit darker upon wakening, and the sun is setting earlier. The names of the three smaller material manifestations of White Dew reflect harvesting of food for the Winter to come, and the return of birds in their migratory patterns: they are known as - Swan Geese Pass Through, Swallows Go Back, Flocks of Birds Stockpile Morsels.
During White Dew, the days can still be warm and humid. However, evenings are starting to dip in temperatures. Therefore, one of the traditional practices is to make sure you are wearing clothes that are not too light or too exposing of the body. During the early morning hours or in the evening be sure to wear clothing that affords protection against the gradually cooling temperatures.
Another caution this time of year is overconsumption of cold foods. Eating cold foods burdens the Spleen and Stomach, and this is more so during the Yin and colder times of the year when the body is trying to consolidate its warmth. Thus it is said that during White Dew be sure not to overexpose the body as cold can easily lead to diarrhea.
The best idea to start focusing on during White Dew is Nourishing the Yin. Yin in the Autumn and Winter means the movement of contraction and harvest - in other words - going towards storage. This time of year we should all start slowing down, going to bed just a little earlier, and moving our minds inward in self-reflection.
One of the most common problems this time of year are seasonal allergies and the common cold. Here in the mid-atlantic corridor, we’ve had considerable rain and moisture which has made mold and allergens even more significant. One of the challenges i am sure we will see in the next few months is the confusing of common cold symptoms with COVID infection symptoms. So it is vitally important to slow down and take the time to rest, sleep more and prepare and eat nourishing foods to support your health.
During White Dew the foods we eat should gently moisten dryness and protect the Lungs. While the days are still hot we can eat mildly heat clearing foods but again being cautious about eating very cold (or chilled) foods. In order to help build Yin in the body we also can increase mildly sour foods. White Dew is still a season of fresh fruits that fit these guidelines perfectly, such as peaches, apples and pears. Other foods to eat include watery vegetables such as zucchini. For those near Asian groceries, White Dew is the time to eat nagaimo ( a type of japanese yam) and fresh lily bulbs.
Rice congees are also one of my personal favorites and are a perfect fit for White Dew in that they are gently moistening and, taken warm, supportive of the Spleen and Stomach. One of the traditional White Dew congees is Lily Bulb and Pear Congee. To make this take one large Asian pear and slice into bite sized pieces (the peel can be left on). Then take one fresh edible lily bulb and separate out the corms. Cook the pear and lily bulb in a medium sized pot of water and rice (with a rice to water ratio of about 1 to 6). Simmer until the rice starts falling apart and the mixture becomes like watery oatmeal. Finish by adding a small amount of local honey to taste. Personally, this is the beginning of my favorite time of the year - the sinking into cool clear weather and contemplation. Slowing down.