Solar Terms Wellness: The Autumn Equinox

The Autumn Equinox (Qiufen), occurring on September 23 or 24, marks the midpoint of autumn. Like the Spring Equinox, the sun shines directly over the equator, resulting in equal lengths of day and night. From this point onward, the days gradually grow shorter while the nights become longer.

As the weather turns noticeably cooler after Qiufen, stomach ailments are more likely to flare up or recur. Pay special attention to keeping your abdomen warm. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), pumpkin is considered warm in nature and sweet in flavor. It is believed to benefit the spleen and stomach, making it an excellent seasonal food for warming and nourishing the digestive system. This is also when tangerines and oranges come into season. Office workers may find it helpful to keep some dried orange peel on their desks or in their bedrooms. Its pleasant aroma is believed to help dispel dampness, refresh the mind, and relieve fatigue, while its warm color also creates a comforting atmosphere.

Recipe Spotlight: Sugarcane Porridge

Ingredients: 800ml sugarcane juice, 200g sorghum.

Method: Wash the sugarcane and extract the juice. Rinse the sorghum thoroughly. Combine the sugarcane juice, sorghum, and an appropriate amount of water in a pot. Cook until the mixture reaches a thin porridge consistency.

Health Benefits: Helps strengthen the spleen, aid digestion, clear internal heat, and promote the production of body fluids.