Autumnal Equinox 2012

Tomorrow is 秋分 or the Autumnal Equinox. The days and nights begin to be of equal length. 據古籍《春秋繁露‧陰陽出入上下篇》中說：“秋分者，陰陽相半也，故晝夜均而寒暑平。” According to the ancient texts - the Autumnal Equinox is when the yin and the yang are in balance with the days and nights of equal length and balance in the hot and cold temperatures. It is still quite cold in Hong Kong but with the characteristic of Autumn being that the weather it quite drying it is important to keep your body well hydrated and to go to bed early and to get up early so that the cold does not penetrate deep into the body. 

One can take the recommendations from the ancients to try and keep an even temperament. It is also a good time to go hiking and climb mountains to take in the natural scenery as this helps to calm the mind and sooth the body.

It is also a good time to take some gineseng tea, and eat foods such as black chicken, lamb, ginger, onions and dates to balance the yin and yang in the body.

One should not over exercise and gentle exercises are good for the body at this time of year. For more information one can see some of my previous posts for this time of the year. 

Autumnal Equinox 2009
Higan