Autumn Equinox: A Seasonal Shift for Inner Balance and Skin Wellness
The Autumn Equinox is the 16th solar term in the traditional Chinese lunar calendar. A time when day and night are equal, it marks the transition from the heat of summer to the coolness of late autumn. This period offers a golden opportunity to realign with nature and care for both body and mind.
Seasonal Insights: Internalizing Yang Energy, Moistening First
The word “Equinox” (秋分) not only refers to the balance of day and night, but also symbolizes that autumn has entered its later half. According to ancient phenology, the Autumn Equinox comprises three distinct natural signs:
🍂 The "Three Phases" of the Autumn Equinox:
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Thunder retreats (雷始收声)
Thunderstorms fade — Yang energy begins to recede inward. -
Insects seal their burrows (蛰虫坯户)
Creatures begin hibernation, preparing for the winter ahead. -
Water dries up (水始涸)
Rainfall decreases, and the air becomes noticeably dry.
As metabolism slows and lung Qi grows stronger, the body becomes more vulnerable to “autumn dryness” (秋燥) — a condition that may lead to dry skin, sore throat, constipation, and low moods.
Nourishing with Food: Moistening the Lungs, Preventing Dryness
As the air becomes drier after the equinox, traditional Chinese dietary wisdom recommends foods that are gentle, moistening, and easy to digest, while avoiding spicy, greasy, or overly dry ingredients.
✅ Recommended Foods
To moisten lungs and relieve cough:
- White fungus
- Lily bulbs
- Asian pear
- Honey
To nourish Yin and combat dryness:
- Black sesame
- Walnuts
- Lotus seeds
- Chinese yam
To promote digestion and ease constipation:
- Apples
- Bananas
- Grapes
- Sugarcane
💡 Wellness Tip:
Start your day with a warm white fungus & lily bulb soup, and enjoy a few walnuts after dinner to support lung health, promote restful sleep, and relieve dryness.
Lifestyle Tips: Sleep Early, Rise Early, Embrace the Chill
The Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Medicine) advises:
“In autumn, preserve peace within, as nature turns inward.”
Adapt your habits to support this seasonal inward shift:
- Sleep early to nourish Yin: Aim to fall asleep before 11 PM to avoid depleting Qi and blood.
- Wake early to stimulate lung Qi: Gentle morning walks and deep breathing help circulate energy.
- Practice moderate “autumn freezing”: Expose yourself briefly to cooler air to build resistance, but keep warm in the mornings and evenings to avoid colds.
Emotional Well-being: Calm the Mind, Avoid Autumn Blues
Autumn corresponds to the Metal element in TCM, which promotes contraction and reflection. This can lead to melancholy if left unchecked. Support your mental health with:
- A regular routine and sufficient sleep
- Outdoor activities like hiking, walking, and sunbathing
- Quiet practices such as meditation, tai chi, or slow breathing to ease tension and calm the mind
Autumn Skincare Alert: Fight Dryness, Choose the Right Products
The Autumn Equinox is also a critical time for skin health. As humidity drops, your skin’s barrier may weaken, leading to dryness, flaking, itching, redness, or even allergic reactions.
⭐ Featured Product:
Baofuling Compound Camphor Cream
A classic Chinese herbal remedy for seasonal skin discomfort
From Beijing Baoshutang, this time-tested herbal formula is designed to relieve a variety of skin irritations, making it especially suitable for autumn and winter skincare.
🌿 Product Highlights:
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Traditional herbal formula:
Contains camphor, menthol, methyl salicylate, glycyrrhetinic acid, and more — helps relieve itching, inflammation, and irritation. -
Multi-purpose relief:
Suitable for eczema, neurodermatitis, allergic itching, mosquito bites, and hives. -
Light and refreshing texture:
White cream with a pleasant scent; absorbs easily and feels soothing on the skin — ideal for daily use.
📌 How to Use:
- Apply 2–3 times per day, using a small amount on the affected area.
- Gently massage until fully absorbed.
- ⚠️ Not suitable for children under 2 years old. Avoid use on broken or open skin.