The beginning of autumn means that nature has entered the “autumn mode”. The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine records: “In the third month of autumn, this is the stage of peace, the weather is urgent, and the ground is bright.”

From the perspective of the changes in the rise and fall of yin and yang in the four seasons, at this time, the natural gasification movement changes from “transformation” to “collection”, the yang gradually decreases, and the yin gradually becomes heavier.

But at this time, the residual heat of midsummer has not dissipated, and under the influence of the “last dog days” of the three dog days, the temperature may not drop but rise, and even “autumn tiger” may appear.

What should we pay attention to in health preservation during this special period?

“Four Acupuncture Points” in Early Autumn

At the beginning of autumn, the human body’s qi begins to converge, preparing for “winter storage”. Massage or guidance can not only relax the body and mind, but also help the convergence of qi, prevent and treat diseases.

In ancient times, there was a saying that “moxibustion of Qihai in the beginning of spring and moxibustion of Guanyuan in the beginning of autumn”. The following introduces several acupuncture points suitable for massage in the beginning of autumn.

Dazhui Point

Location: On the neck, in the depression below the spinous process of the 7th cervical vertebra.
Massage method: You can press and rub the Dazhui point for 60 seconds. If you have a cold body or are prone to colds in autumn and winter, you can use moxa sticks to warm this point.
Function: Invigorate qi and strengthen yang, prevent colds, and improve stiff neck and neck and shoulder discomfort.

Feishu Point

Location: On the back, 1.5 inches away from the spinous process of the 3rd thoracic vertebra.
Massage method: You can refer to the massage technique of Dazhui Point, or you can use the tapping method.
Function: It can relieve neck tightness, shoulder and back pain around the acupoint, and improve lung diseases such as cough, asthma, and colds.

Yingxiang Point

Location: Next to the midpoint of the outer edge of the nose, in the nasolabial groove.
Massage method: Use the thenar of both hands along the bridge of the nose and both sides of the nose, massage up and down about 60 times, and then press the Yingxiang points on both sides of the nose wing 20 times. Do 1~2 sets each morning and evening.
Function: Disperse wind-heat and clear the nasal passages.
Yingxiang acupoint is a key acupoint for treating various nasal diseases. Massaging this acupoint can remove facial and tooth wind evil and treat various facial diseases.

Guanyuan acupoint

Location: On the lower abdomen, on the anterior midline, 3 inches below the navel.
Massage method: Use the middle fingers of both hands to press and rub this acupoint with appropriate force, massage for 5 minutes each time, once in the morning and evening.
You can also use the abdominal massage method: overlap your hands, press on the area where the Guanyuan acupoint is located, and massage gently and clockwise.
Function: Strengthen the foundation, restore yang and consolidate the body, and astringe yang. It is suitable for people with weak constitution, back pain, and sweating easily after activities.

Note: It should be reminded that those with serious underlying diseases or who are pregnant must consult a professional doctor and massage themselves under his guidance.