For the year of 壬寅 Yang Water Tiger, Wind-Wood Qi is excess in general. Shaoyang Ministerial Fire governs the first half of the year, while Jueyin Wind-Wood governs the second half of the year. We are entering the 2nd quarter of the 5th Qi phase of this year. Currently the Host Qi is Yangming Dry Metal, and the Guest Qi is Taiyang Cold Water. Jueyin Wind-Wood tends to make things drier, while draining Taiyang energies. Allergies of all sorts tend to happen in this season. As the Heavenly Qi continuously detaches itself from the Earthly Qi, Autumn is approaching its peak in this season. Deciduous trees have been changing colors and shedding leaves, it is high time for maple viewing.
According to 「月令」(The Monthly Orders), 物候 the seasonal material manifestations of 寒露 Cold Dew are:
初候，鴻雁來賓 Swan Geese Come and Stay;
二候，爵入大水爲蛤 Siskins Dive Into the Watery Abyss to Become Clams;
三候，菊有黃華 Chrysanthemums Display Yellow Flowers.
During this season, Qi tends to be moderate in general, and people tend to develop Dryness-related diseases, such as sensation of heat and hunger may be more prevalent. The suitable treatment is to support the Taiyang Cold Water Qi to balance the Yangming Dry Metal Qi, tonify it with bitter flavor, drain it with salty flavor, and solidify it with bitter flavor, moisten it with pungent flavor. It is beneficial to ingest green colored grains, blend it with a smaller portion of millets, so that we are not damaged by the overpowering Cold Qi.
It is important to protect our lungs and the digestive system during this season. For people who enjoy meat, it is beneficial to add pork lung and/or intestines to the porridge recipe (find the recipe on my substack platform).
This is a season to sleep early and wake up a little late, better with the sunrise. It is recommended to avoid cold, raw food and drinks.
Appropriate food, drinks of this season include:
薯蕷丸 Shu Yu Wan
法制黑豆 Processed Black Beans (see my previous post)
肉骨茶 Rou Gu Cha (see my previous post)
天門冬酒/飲 Tian Men Dong Wine (see my previous post)
桂圓茴香蟲草花板栗母鷄湯 Old Hen Soup with Longan, fennel, cordyceps flower, and chestnut