白露 (Báilù),  September 7, 2025. Morning dew gathers, glistening like jewels across the fields. Autumn deepens, and the air grows cool and dry. This year, White Dew coincides with a full moon and a lunar eclipse — a dramatic “blood moon” that amplifies the sense of transition and reflection.

Dryness is the prevailing seasonal influence, and the Lungs — associated with the Metal element — are especially vulnerable. To protect and nourish them, moistening foods are essential. Pears, sesame, honey, and lily bulb soothe dryness and support the Lung’s ability to disperse and moisten. Warm porridges/congee with nuts(pine, walnut, peanut) or seeds (pumpkin, sunflower) ......

处暑(Chùshǔ ), August 23, 2025 signals  summer heat declines, nights cool and the air grows clearer. This is the beginning of “autumn dryness,” which can irritate the throat and lungs. Foods that moisten and replenish Yin—pear, lotus root, honey, lily bulb—are ideal. Soups and gentle broths restore body fluids depleted during the long summer. Breathing practices and quiet evening walks help the body adjust to seasonal change. This is a time for regulating rhythm, guarding health before the deeper autumn sets in. As daylight starts to shorten, perfect time to add some sleep time into the daily routine. 

立秋(Lìqiū), August 7, 2025  signals the transition toward autumn, when Yang gradually gives way to Yin. This marks the time to protect the Lungs, which are sensitive to seasonal dryness. Slightly warming foods such as pumpkin, yam, and rice congee strengthen digestion, while reducing raw and chilled foods prevents weakening the Spleen. Morning walks in cool air strengthen Lung Qi, while early evenings allow for restoration. Though the harvest season begins, we are reminded to balance activity with nourishment—harvesting energy as much as crops. It starts the season where one prepare to sow and store for the upcoming year. 

大暑(Dàshǔ), July 22, 2025 is the height of summer, the hottest and often most humid time of year. The Heart is vulnerable now, and the Spleen can easily become sluggish. This is the time that emphasizes eating light, easy-to-digest foods: lotus seed, watermelon, cucumber, and bitter greens. Chrysanthemum tea soothes irritability, while herbal broths replenish fluids. Minimize  greasy and heavy foods and consume alcohol wisely. Just as farmers adjust their work to survive the blazing fields, we too should slow our pace, rest in cool shade, and allow the body to conserve energy. Gentle indoor qigong or meditation helps maintain balance as Yang energy burns at its brightest. For those who runs, choose ......

小暑(Xiǎoshǔ) , July 7, 2025 is  the start of truly hot days, though the fiercest heat has not yet arrived. The air grows heavy, and many notice irritability, restless sleep, and sluggish digestion. TCM encourages “clearing heat and relieving summer dampness” during this period. Cooling foods such as mung bean soup, lotus leaf tea, lychee, and cantaloupe refresh body and spirit, while avoiding excessive spice and fried foods spares the digestive system. Outdoor activity is best taken in the morning or evening, with rest or even a short midday nap to restore balance. By flowing with the season, we prevent the Heart and Spleen from becoming overheated and overworked.

夏至(Xia Zhi), June 21, 2025.  The Summer Solstice brings the longest day and shortest night of the year, when Yang energy peaks. Nature flourishes in full brilliance, yet the body must guard against excess heat that strains the Heart. This is the season of fire, warmth, and joy, but also of restlessness if unchecked. Foods that cool and hydrate—watermelon, cucumber, bitter melon—help protect fluids, while chrysanthemum or mint tea clears summer heat. Balance becomes the guiding principle: balance of activity with stillness, of work with restoration. Just as the sun begins its slow retreat after this peak, we too should temper outward energy with quiet reflection, preserving vitality for the months ......

芒种(Mángzhǒng), June 5, 2025. This signals that wheat and barley are ready for harvest while rice seedlings need planting. It’s a busy agricultural season, associated with growth and activity. In TCM, this is the time to prevent heat and dampness from overwhelming the body. Recommended foods include millet, soybeans, cherries, and apricot to support digestion and energy. Light meals with less oily food protect the Spleen, while gentle sweating exercises (like brisk walking or qigong) help regulate Qi and prevent summer fatigue.