Frostfall or Descent of Frost is the eighteenth of the twenty-four traditional Chinese solar terms and marks the last major temperature drop of autumn as well as the beginning of winter. In traditional Chinese medicine, the cold is one of the “yin evils” that can attack the body and drain vital yang energy thus resulting in a variety of seasonal health problems like colds, joint pain, and digestive issues. To remain fit throughout this change, taking care of warming the body and following the old wellness rituals are very important.
Core Areas to Keep Warm After Frostfall
1. Head and Neck: “The Meeting of All Yangs”
The head is full of yang energy and is therefore the most exposed to the cold. The exposure can lead to vasoconstriction, headaches, neck stiffness, and even lung inflammation.
- When the weather is colder than 10°C, cover your head with a warm hat and neck with a wool scarf.
- Don’t wear a scarf that has heavy metal parts.
- Before going to bed, warm the neck with a hot towel to bring fresh blood to the area.
2. Feet: “Where Three Yin Meridians Meet”
Feet are the most distant parts of the body from the heart and thus they are the easiest ones to get cold and suffer from bad circulation. Heating them is very beneficial for the body’s yang circulation and can have a protective effect on the whole body.
Practical Tips:
- Put on thick cotton or wool socks instead of leaving your feet naked or with thin material.
- Have a foot bath at a temperature of 38–42°C for 15 minutes every night and add slices of ginger or mugwort to enhance heat and blood circulation.
- Do a gentle foot massage during the soaking to have more benefits.
3. Joints: Keep Qi and Blood Moving
Colder temperatures usually make circulation in joints even worse thus pain is the most typical symptom—especially in knees and ankles.
Practical Tips:
- Put on layers of clothing with velvet trousers or wear knee pads when you have to be outside.
- Do gentle stretching or Tai Chi exercises to keep your joints flexible.
- Apply warm compresses or use herbal ointments for a comforting effect.
4. Waist and Abdomen: “The House of the Kidneys”
Kidney yang is the energy that strengthens our immunity against the cold. So if you happen to expose your waist and abdomen to cold, not only that you might suffer from backache and indigestion but also women during menstruation are more prone to these symptoms.
Practical Tips:
- Put on a thermal vest or high-waisted pants to ensure that the lower part of the torso is kept warm.
- Use a hot water bottle or massage your lower back to keep the area warm.
- Start consuming mutton, yam, and red dates to not only warm your body but also to increase yang energy and keep away from eating cold and raw food.
Comprehensive Cold-Weather Wellness Strategies
- Add Clothing Promptly: After frostfall, the temperature can fluctuate significantly within a short period. It is time to put on long johns, socks, and jackets as soon as you notice the temperature going down.
- Eat to Moisten Dryness: The air in autumn and more so during frostfall season is very dry; therefore, it is very important to add pears, lily bulbs, white fungus, and yam to the diet to moisten the lungs. It is also important to eat some small portions of warming food for yang support.
- Exercise Moderately: Moderate activities such as brisk walking or Tai Chi are very beneficial as they improve body temperature without causing excessive sweating.
- Adjust Emotions and Rest: Keep a positive attitude, go to sleep at 9:30–10:00 p.m., and continue building yang energy while at the same time being protected against seasonal depression.
Conclusion
Frostfall is a turning point between autumn and winter. Using the useful tips presented above, warm up your head and neck, feet, joints, and abdomen first of all. Prevent cold from coming in, support your body’s internal balance, and adjust your daily routine and you will still be able to keep healthy and full of energy even during the coldest days of the year.
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