TCM Doctor Warns of 'Autumn Tiger' Effects, Advises Protective Dressing

As the traditional Chinese solar term 'Lichun' (Start of Autumn) arrives, Taiwan is experiencing lingering summer heat, a phenomenon known as the "autumn tiger." Chinese Medicine Doctor Tao Bai-ying of Zhonghe Xinsheng Hall warns that improper dressing during this transitional period can lead to discomfort and illness.

Dr. Tao emphasizes that while days remain hot and humid, mornings and evenings are becoming cooler. The strong air conditioning often used indoors exacerbates the risk of catching a chill. She advises following four key principles for dressing: ensuring inner breathability, protecting from wind, avoiding excessive air conditioning, and safeguarding joints.

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The back of the neck is where wind-cold most easily invades. Traditional Chinese medicine believes the Dazhui acupoint is where 'yang energy gathers.'

Particular attention should be paid to three areas prone to cold: the back of the neck (Dazhui acupoint), the abdomen (around the navel), and the ankles and feet. Protecting the back of the neck helps prevent headaches and colds, as it's a common entry point for wind-cold. Keeping the abdomen warm is crucial for digestive health, preventing diarrhea and gynecological issues, especially as the spleen and stomach are sensitive to cold in early autumn. Warming the ankles and feet prevents joint pain and the invasion of cold, following the principle that "cold enters from the feet."

Dr. Tao clarifies that Lichun is not a signal for aggressive tonics but a reminder to adjust one's lifestyle. Beyond dressing appropriately, maintaining a balanced diet, nourishing the lungs, strengthening the spleen, ensuring regular sleep, and engaging in moderate exercise are recommended to help the body adapt to seasonal changes and mitigate the effects of autumn dryness.

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Cold enters from the feet.