寒露 Hán Lù: Cold Dew

October 8, 2023

October 8th through October 22nd marks the time of 寒露 Hán Lù, translated as Cold Dew, the seventeenth term in the Ancient Chinese Solar Calendar. It is also the fifth solar term of the autumn season.

寒露 Hán Lù: Cold Dew

October 8th through October 23rd marks the time of 寒露 Hán Lù, translated as Cold Dew, the seventeenth term in the Ancient Chinese Solar Calendar. It is also the fifth solar term of the autumn season.

寒露 Hán Lù begins when the Sun reaches the celestial longitude of 195° and ends at 210°longitude.

Each of the 24 solar terms is further divided into 3 pentads. The 寒露 Hán Lù pentads are:

1st pentad – 鴻雁來賓, ‘The guest geese arrive’ – Geese which completed their migration in summer were considered ‘hosts’, and the later-flying ones as ‘guests’. This pentad can also be interpreted as ‘The geese arrive at the water’s edge’.
2nd pentad – 雀入大水為蛤, ‘The sparrows enter the ocean and become clams’
3rd pentad – 菊有黃華, ‘Chrysanthemums bloom yellow’ – the chrysanthemum is known as one of the few flowers to bloom in autumn.

Let’s look at the meaning of 寒露 Hán Lù, the Cold Dew solar term:

寒 Hán: cold
露Lù: dew

Autumn According to The Ancients

The temperatures during 寒露 Hán Lù become much lower than during White Dew in China and the Northern Hemisphere. The weather turns from cool to cold, and the dew in the mornings can even sometimes begin to frost.

《秋月》
【宋】朱熹（程顥）
清溪流過碧山頭，空水澄鮮一色秋。
隔斷紅塵三十裡，白雲紅葉兩悠悠。
A clear stream passes by the green-clad mountain;
The clear sky and water melt in the autumn hue.
Far, far away from the unclean, tumultuous world,
White clouds and red leaves move leisurely.
-Autumn Moon by Zhu Xi (1130–1200)

In this transformative season, don’t overlook the power of your breath, the rejuvenation of fresh air, and the calming practice of meditation. Remain receptive to novel concepts while safeguarding your personal boundaries and honoring your limits. It’s time to embrace and release, shedding what no longer serves you. Autumn brings forth clarity, productivity, and discipline.

As the temperature drops, prioritize protecting your Zheng Qi by ensuring your neck and skin are properly covered.

Hydration is key during this dry season. In Chinese Medicine, we often witness the onset of dry and itchy skin, persistent coughs, sore throats, and even constipation during 寒露 Hán Lù. However, you can safeguard against these ailments by staying adequately hydrated and engaging in Dao Yin exercises to harmonize with each passing day. Let the nourishing power of water and mindful movement guide you towards balance and well-being.

寒露 Hán Lù Indications

In this season of harvest, the Qi of the earth is clear and vibrant. To nurture your well-being, keep your vital energy balanced and maintain a state of calmness. By doing so, you fortify yourself against the adverse effects of the chilly autumn air. The 黃帝內經 Huangdi Neijing emphasizes that adhering to these principles is crucial to protecting our lungs, which are particularly vulnerable during this time.

Moreover, it is recommended to counterbalance the dryness of autumn Qi by consuming moistening foods such as sesame. Avoiding cold drinks and refraining from wearing damp and cold clothing close to the skin also helps in maintaining balance.

By following these ancient teachings, we honor the essence of autumn, embrace its clarity, and cultivate a state of well-being during this transformative season. Let us harmonize with the energy of harvest and nourish our lives accordingly, fostering a harmonious connection between ourselves and the world around us.

寒露 Hán Lù In Practice

Some acupoints to consider using during this time are 支溝 San Jiao 6 (Zhī Gōu) accompanied with 肺俞 Bladder 13 (Fèi Shū) to activate the body’s ability to harmonize the lungs and the skin and fortify the 胃氣 Wei Qi to protect the body from the Wind Cold and Damp (i.e. Cold Dew).

Also consider using formulas that will build 正氣 Zheng Qi like:

玉屏風湯 Yu Ping Feng Tang
補正氣湯 Bu Zheng Qi Tang
桂枝湯 Gui Zhi Tang and other associated formulas that will build 正氣 Zheng Qi.

In the realm of Chinese food therapy consider almonds and pumpkins (yes that includes pumpkin spice products, LOL) to facilitate harmonizing the lungs and dispelling dampness to prepare the body for entering the 寒露 Hán Lù period.

May you be prepared for the coming Cold Dew and your Wei Qi fields be activated with excellent efficiency and sufficiency.

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