处暑 Chù Shǔ: Limit of Heat

处暑 Chǔ Shǔ, translated as Limit of Heat, is the 14th solar term in the Ancient Chinese Solar Calendar and the 2nd term of the fall season. This year it starts on August 23rd and continues through September 6th. 处暑 Chǔ Shǔ begins when the Sun reaches the celestial longitude of 150° and ends when it reaches the longitude of 165°.

Let’s look at the meaning of处暑 Chǔ Shǔ, Limit of Heat:

处 Chǔ: stop, go out
暑 Shǔ: summer, heat, hot weather

“Falling leaves settle on their roots.”

– Chinese proverb

Each of the 24 solar terms is further divided into 3 pentads. The 处暑 Chǔ Shǔ pentads are:

1st pentad – 鷹乃祭鳥 eagles worship birds
2nd pentad – 天地始肅 heaven and earth begin to withdraw, implying the end of summer heat
3rd pentad – 禾乃登 grains become ripe

Autumn According To The Ancients

One of the main significances of 处暑 Chǔ Shǔ is that it announces the end of summer heat. Afternoons in certain parts of China still remain quite hot but mornings and evenings have begun to cool down. Such fluctuations of the Yang and Yin energies require necessary adjustments and re-balancing of the body’s temperature. Therefore, wearing suitable clothes and practicing prevention is recommended.

“People feel sleepy in spring, doze out in summer and feel tired in autumn.” – Ancient Chinese Proverb

With the ushering in of a new season, “autumn weariness” can begin to set in. People tend to stay active and exert a lot of energy during the summer season. By the time 处暑 Chǔ Shǔ comes around, the human mind and body seek a peaceful environment and craves replenishment.

“Go to bed early and get up with the chickens. This will cause all mental faculties to become calm and peaceful, and moderate the downward blow of autumn. Reel in your mental energy to be in harmony with the condensing quality of autumn Qi. Do not disperse your energies, and the lung Qi will be clear. This is the way of nourishing life in accordance with the nourishing and constricting Qi of the autumnal harvest season. Going against these principles will harm the lung network, eventually causing diarrhea in winter, when things should really be in a state of storage rather than leakage. The Qi of Autumn is dry, and so it is advisable to consume some moistening sesame to counteract the dryness. Avoid cold drinks, and do not wear damp and cold clothing close to your skin.”

–黃帝內經 Huangdi Neijing Su Wen

青黛 Qing Dai Blue Indigo: Herbal Medicine & Art

处暑 Chǔ Shǔ also marks the beginning of one of the peak seasons for fishermen in China. People come together to celebrate the fishing festival and hold celebrations of gratitude and prayer across coastal areas before fishermen go on their expeditions.

青黛 Qing Dai, also known as Indigo Naturalis or Chinese Indigo is a powder made from the leaves and stems of the Chinese Indigo plant. It has been used in Chinese Herbal Medicine for centuries and was first mentioned in 藥性論 Yao Xing Lun, Treatise on the Nature of Medicinal Herbs, in the 7th century AD during the Tang Dynasty. This important herb is ready for harvest during 处暑 Chǔ Shǔ. Over 200 herbal formulas contain 青黛 Qing Dai in Chinese Medicine.

For the last 2,000 years it has also been a significant source of indigo dye. 白族The Bai people who live in southwest China have been mastering and perfecting the extraction of indigo dye and the elaborate process of tie-dying for at least 1,000 years. Their tradition is closely guarded and passed from each father to his son. Bai tie-dyed items have been gaining global popularity and the art itself has been attracting tourists to Bai villages and towns from around the world.

处暑 Chù Shǔ: Limit of Heat Indications

Fall is a time for slowing down, focusing on what we have accomplished, and unburdening ourselves by letting go of that which no longer serves us. Just like processes are happening in nature, we are also in a gradual transition from the expansive growth of spring and summer to the introspective expression of fall and winter.

The autumn air is clear
the autumn moon is bright
fallen leaves gather and scatter
the jackdaw perches and starts anew
we think of each other
when do we meet again
my feelings are hard this hour, this night

-by poet 李白 Li Bai (701-762) of the Tang Dynasty

According to Ancient Chinese Medicine, autumn and winter are for the nourishment of the Yin Qi. Focusing on self-nurturing and maintaining our inner peace is vital.

Moonlight shining through the window
Makes me wonder if there is frost on the ground
Looking up to see the moon
Looking down I miss my hometown

-by poet 李白 Li Bai (701-762) of the Tang Dynasty

Make sure you step outside and breathe in the fresh air as well as get your daily sunlight during the SAFE hours of the day. Remember that the moment your body feels thirst, it has already entered into a dehydration stage. Prevent that from happening by drinking water.

Strengthening and enhancing your overall endurance can be accomplished with coordinated breathing and Dao Yin principle based exercises from ancient times. Don’t forget to breathe!

And remember, sleep allows your body time to repair and heal.

May you continue to balance and harmonize yourself as we transition into 处暑 Chǔ Shǔ, or Limit of Heat. Maintain your inner peace and enjoy the journey!

Additional Resources

Looking for more information on this time of the year? Try these resources below, and enjoy!

立秋 Lì Qiū: Start of Autumn

立秋 Lì Qiū, translated as Start of Autumn is the 13th solar term in the Ancient Chinese Solar Calendar and the 1st term of the autumn season. This year it starts on August 7th and continues through August 22nd. 立秋 Lì Qiū begins when the Sun reaches the celestial longitude of 135° and ends when it reaches the longitude of 150°.

Let’s look at the meaning of立秋 Lì Qiū, or Start of Autumn:

立 Lì: commence, begin
秋Qiū: autumn

立秋 Lì Qiū signifies the end of summer in many Asian cultures. It does not however mean that the hot weather is finished with us. In fact, the next 30 day period of hot days are referred to as the “Autumn Tiger” and are typically more sweltering than those in大暑 Dà Shu, or Major Heat.

As farmers are preparing for major harvests during 立秋 Lì Qiū, some animals are beginning their gathering and storing of food for the coming cold winter months. 立秋 Lì Qiū usually witnesses the most rapid growth of crops.

If it rains on the day of the Start of Autumn, a good harvest is expected – Chinese folklore

Additionally, farmers will use their observations during this solar term to make preparations for planting certain winter crops.

Each of the 24 solar terms is divided into 3 pentads or a group of five (5 days). The three pentads of立秋 Lì Qiū are as follows:

1st pentad – cool breeze comes
2nd pentad – morning fog occurs
3rd pentad – winter cicadas appear

Lì Qiū According to the Ancients

Since立秋 Lì Qiū announces the end of summer and the beginning of autumn, it also means that the Yang energy of spring and summer is giving way to the Yin energy of autumn and winter. And therefore, it is time to start eating nourishing meals that will prepare us for the winter and transitioning to the new season by hearkening to the ways of the ancients.

“This is the changing or pivoting point when the yang, or active, phase turns into its opposite, the yin, or passive, phase. Just as the weather in autumn turns harsh, so does the emotional climate. It is therefore important to remain calm and peaceful, refraining from depression so that one can make the transition to winter smoothly. This is the time to gather one’s spirit and energy, be more focused, and not allow desires to run wild. One must keep the lung energy free, full, clean, and quiet. This means practicing breathing exercises to enhance lung Qi. Also, one should refrain from smoking and grief, the emotion of lung. This will prevent the kidney or digestive problems in the winter. If this natural order is violated, damage will occur to the lungs, resulting in diarrhea with undigested food in the winter. This compromises the body’s ability to store in winter.”

–黃帝內經 Huangdi Neijing Su Wen, or Inner Canon of the Yellow Emperor

The Energy of 立秋 Lì Qiū

In Ancient Chinese Medicine, autumn starts the phase of Yin energy.  It corresponds with the Metal element which represents the lungs, the large intestine and the skin organs.

During this time, slowing down, focusing on what we have accomplished and unburdening ourselves by letting go of that which no longer serves us is recommended. Just like processes are happening in nature, we should also begin our gradual transition from the expansive growth of spring and summer to the introspective expression of fall and winter.

The Metal element is associated with the nose, the emotions of courage and sadness, the color white, and the sound of weeping. Likewise, the climate is dry, the season is ripening and ready for harvest, and the taste is pungent.

According to Ancient Chinese Medicine, autumn and winter are for the nourishment of the Yin Qi. Focus on self-nurturing and maintain your inner peace.

Common symptoms associated with lung and large intestine imbalances are respiratory issues, sinus infections, as well as constipation and dry skin problems. Now is the prime time to put prevention in high gear and focus on boosting your Zheng Qi as well as safe guarding your emotional wellness!

Make sure you step outside and breathe in the fresh air as well as get your daily sunlight during the SAFE hours of the day. Remember that the moment your body feels thirst, it has already entered into a dehydration stage. Prevent that from happening by drinking water.

“Remember, you are basically a houseplant with complicated emotions.”

Strengthen and enhance your overall endurance with coordinated breathing and Dao Yin principle based exercises from ancient times. Breathe!

And remember, sleep allows your body time to repair and heal.

Yíngyǎng (营养) Nutritional Corner – The Ancient Chinese Autumn

It is recommended in Traditional Chinese Medicine to transition from cold and uncooked foods to more warm and cooked foods during the autumn months.

If you are a Yang Body Type, consider adding more of the following fruits to your diet:

• Pomelo
• Loquat
• Kumquat
• Star Fruit
• Apples
• Plums
• Olives
• Grapefruit

If you are a Yin Body Type, consider adding more of the following fruits to your diet:

• Pumpkin
• Red Kidney Beans
• Grapes
• Bell Pepper
• Butternut Squash
• Acorn Squash
• Pineapple

May you continue to balance and harmonize yourself as we transition into立秋 Lì Qiū, the Start of Autumn. Stay calm and enjoy the journey!

小暑 Xiǎo Shǔ: Minor Heat

小暑 Xiǎo Shǔ, translated as Minor (Lesser) Heat, is the 11th solar term of the Ancient Chinese Solar Calendar and the 5th term of the summer season. This year it starts on July 7th and continues through July 22nd. Minor Heat begins when the Sun reaches the celestial longitude of 105° and ends when it reaches the longitude of 120°.

“A sudden breeze of warm air as the Minor Heat arrives.” – Chinese Proverb

Let’s look at the meaning of 小暑 Xiǎo Shǔ:

小 Xiao: minor, lesser, slight
暑Shu: heat

“A gentle breeze brings forth lotus fragrance
 Dew drops fall from bamboo leaves.”

小暑 Xiǎo Shǔ gradually escorts in the hottest days of the year. Outside the temperatures and humidity continue to rise in parts of China, however, the hottest days of summer are yet to arrive.

“Xiǎo Shǔ (Minor Heat) is followed by Dà Shǔ (Major Heat), steaming you first and boiling you afterward” – Chinese proverb

小暑 Xiǎo Shǔ, represents the warmest and dampest period of the year which many call 三伏San Fu. Fu in Chinese means lying down, suggesting that it is best to lie down during the heat of the day.

“All at once
Wafts of heated wind blow
The foot prints of Xiǎo Shǔ
They follow
Rustling bamboos
Forecast the rain
Gloomy mountains
Anticipate the thunderbolt.”
-folklore from the Tang Dynasty (618 – 907)

Each of the 24 solar terms is further divided into 3 pentads. The 小暑 Xiǎo Shǔ pentads are:

1st pentad – 温风至 melting temperatures are approaching
2nd pentad – 蟋蟀居宇 crickets abandon the fields for greener, cooler yards
3rd pentad – 鹰始鸷 eagles train their young to hunt (soaring high in the sky keeps you cool)

 Fireflies During 小暑 Xiǎo Shǔ

小暑 Xiǎo Shǔ, or Minor Heat solar term announces the arrival of fireflies. The Chinese people are fond of this little creature and have expressed so in their poetry.

Driven rains cannot douse your light
Winds will only fan it brighter
Suppose you’d set off to fly away, very far
Surely beside the moon you’d be a star
-by poet 李白 Li Bai (701-762) of the Tang Dynasty

It is a popular activity to take children outside in the evening and allow them to play with the fireflies.

Fireflies are like lanterns flying to west and the east. They can escort children home by lightening the darkness.

Lovers often turn to a popular folk song Chóng ér fēi, or Fireflies to express how they feel.

The dark sky hangs low 
Studded by bright countless stars
The fireflies fly here and there
Who are you longing for
Stars in the sky begin to cry
Roses on the ground begin to wither
The cold wind blows here and there
Nothing matters as long as you are by my side
Fireflies fly while flowers sleep
So beautiful to be a pair
I fear not the darkness, but only a broken heart
Doesn’t matter if I’m tired
Ignoring everything around

Interesting Fact: Jasmine Flowers!

In ancient times Chinese women would pick fresh jasmine flowers and rub the petals on their bodies to manage unpleasant scents produced during the heat of the summer season.

茉莉花 Mo Li Hua, or Jasmine Flower from the Qing Dynasty (1636–1912), is a Chinese song popular both in the East and the West. In 2013 Celine Dion performed this song in Mandarin as part of the Chinese New Year Gala show welcoming in the Lunar New Year. This song even became associated with the Jasmine Revolution in China.

Flower of jasmine, so fair
Flower of jasmine, so fair
Budding and blooming here and there
Pure and fragrant all do declare
Let me pick you with tender care
Sweetness for all to share
Jasmine fair, oh Jasmine fair

Summer According to The Ancients

The Ancient Chinese Summer corresponds with the Fire element in Traditional Chinese Medicine. This is a time when the Yang energy peaks in the body and on the planet. Temperatures will continue to rise while humidity levels climb causing discomfort. There are several traditional practices available for adjusting to both the external and internal environments.

心静自然凉
xīnjìng zìrán liáng
“peace of mind will keep your body cool.” – Chinese Proverb

“If you practice patience, you gain peace of mind.” – Chinese Proverb

“In summer a calm heart keeps you cool.” –Chinese Proverb

Daoyin exercises as well as Harmonizing Your Training are great breathing methods that require a minimal amount of movement to achieve maximum results. They can help to adjust the body’s temperature to the outside environment.

Traditional foods recommended for consumption during the 小暑 Xiǎo Shǔ, or Minor Heat solar term are mangos, pears, lotus root, cucumbers and melons. It is customary to eat “small melons” (i.e. cantaloupe) during Minor Heat and “large melons” (i.e. watermelon) during Major Heat.

And last but not least, for our Yin Body Types there is a traditional dish in most Chinese households, starting with the imperial courts of the ancient times: mung bean soup. The recipe is simple, it is quick to prepare, the flavor is sweet, and its main characteristic is cooling to the body. Check out this episode of Jammin’ with Jiao Shi where he talks about his first ever experience of trying the mung bean soup during his visit to China.