“White Dew” is the 15th solar term and typically holds the single largest daily temperature changes. It begins when the sun reaches the celestial longitude of 165 degrees and ends when it reaches the longitude of 180 degrees. Although it is already the 3rd solar term in the autumn, the heat within earth still remains strong while Yin energy is taking over. The result is a dramatic drop in temperature between day and night.
During this solar term, birds begin to adapt for the season. Wild geese and swallows begin to migrate southward while other birds stock their hoards in preparation for winter.
For the crops that can be grown in both spring and autumn, like rice, it’s their time to yield. If it rains, the crops may be damaged and unable to ripen or be properly harvested. The name of this solar term describes air vapors that have condensed into white dew overnight. It’s the ideal amount of water for crops during this solar term.
According to traditional Chinese medicine, our lungs and skin correspond to each other, as the lungs and our pores both release air and moisture. Because of this, they’re both sensitive to the temperature changes that mark this solar term. And the results are similar, we tend to have irritated skin or respiratory systems due to the frequent and significant changes in temperatures during White Dew.
The lungs are called “tender organs” in traditional Chinese medicine because they are fragile and dislike when the weather is either too hot or too cold. The lungs are closely linked with our immune system, thus taking good care of them and the respiratory system is particularly important in the pandemic season.
- Protect your neck, nose, and mouth by covering them up in the early morning.
- Press firmly into the acupressure point “Qu-Chi” (Pool at the Bend, number LI11). It is at the end of the joint line when we bend our elbows to our upper arms. It also helps those with skin problems, such as dry or sensitive skin, pigmentation, acne, and so on.
- Press firmly into the acupressure point “Tan-Zhong,” which is in the center of the chest, between the nipples. It can help with congested lungs, coughing, or shortness of breath. You can also use a hair blow dryer to warm the point.
- Consider getting moxibustion treatments, as the heat can repel the chill hidden in our bodies and be preserved for an energetic start in the coming spring.
- Deep cleanse by inhaling warm steam, with or without essential oils, which helps to loosen up and dilute congestion inside our respiratory system and can help rinse our cells and tissues.
- Burn essential oils near the front door of the house to purify the air we bring in from outdoors. This can also help to calm and balance our senses each time we go in or out.
