Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of health management for the elderly during the autumn and winter seasons, highlighting various traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practices and dietary recommendations to enhance their well-being and prevent common health issues [2][3][4]. Group 1: Health Issues in the Elderly - Common health problems among the elderly include multiple chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and coronary heart disease, as well as functional decline and frailty syndromes [3][4]. - TCM advocates for a holistic approach to elderly health management, focusing on the interconnectedness of bodily systems rather than treating ailments in isolation [3][4]. Group 2: Preventive Measures for Seasonal Illness - To enhance resistance against seasonal illnesses like influenza, TCM suggests strengthening the body's "zhengqi" (vital energy) through dietary adjustments, such as consuming chicken soup with astragalus and yam porridge [4]. - Regular moderate exercise is recommended to stimulate energy flow and improve overall health, alongside proper clothing and emotional stability [4]. Group 3: Pain Management Techniques - For common issues like lower back and leg pain, TCM recommends techniques such as acupressure and moxibustion, as well as gentle exercises to strengthen muscles and improve circulation [5][14]. - Specific acupressure points are highlighted for pain relief, and the importance of maintaining muscle strength through regular, gentle exercise is emphasized [5][14]. Group 4: Emotional Well-being - The article discusses the tendency for elderly individuals to experience low moods during autumn, suggesting that emotional support and engagement in community activities can help alleviate these feelings [6]. - TCM emphasizes the role of emotional health in physical well-being, advocating for nurturing relationships and hobbies to support mental health [6]. Group 5: Addressing Dryness and Nutritional Needs - Many elderly individuals suffer from symptoms of dryness, attributed to "yin deficiency" in TCM, which can be addressed through dietary choices that promote moisture and nourishment [7][8][9]. - Recommended foods include herbal teas and soups that help generate bodily fluids, alongside lifestyle adjustments to maintain a balanced environment [9][10]. Group 6: Sleep Improvement Strategies - Sleep disturbances are common among the elderly, with TCM suggesting dietary remedies and acupressure techniques to promote better sleep quality [11][12]. - Family support and maintaining a regular sleep schedule are also highlighted as crucial factors in improving sleep among the elderly [11][12]. Group 7: Exercise Guidelines - The article outlines that exercise for the elderly should be tailored to individual health conditions, with a focus on gentle activities that do not overexert the body [14]. - Recommendations include practicing Tai Chi and other low-impact exercises to enhance physical health while ensuring safety [14].

Core Viewpoint - The notion that simply drinking more water can prevent autumn dryness is not entirely accurate, as the core issue is "deficiency of body fluids" [1] Group 1: Understanding Body Fluids - "Jin Ye" (津液) in traditional Chinese medicine refers to all normal body fluids generated from food and drink, including water, saliva, gastric juice, and joint fluid [1] - Drinking water is essential for preventing autumn dryness and supplementing body fluids, but it does not address the root cause of fluid deficiency [1] - Proper transformation of water into effective body fluids relies on the functions of the spleen, lungs, and kidneys, which can be impaired by various conditions [1] Group 2: Dietary and Therapeutic Recommendations - To prevent autumn dryness, traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes principles such as "nourishing yin, moistening the lungs, and generating fluids" through diet and therapy [2] - Recommended dietary choices include foods that nourish yin, moisten the lungs, and generate fluids [2] - Specific acupressure points, such as Zhongfu and Zhaohai, can be massaged to alleviate symptoms like dry throat and cough [2] Group 3: Proper Hydration Practices - The correct way to hydrate is to drink "small amounts frequently," with specific guidelines: each drinking session should not exceed 200 milliliters, and intervals should be adjusted based on individual circumstances [5] - It is advised to drink warm water at a temperature of 35-40°C, which aligns better with physiological needs and minimizes gastrointestinal irritation [5]

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of health maintenance in accordance with traditional Chinese medicine principles during the autumn season, particularly focusing on lung health and dietary adjustments to combat dryness [1][3]. Dietary Recommendations - After the beginning of autumn, it is advised to consume foods that help "moisten dryness and nourish yin," such as warm and juicy foods, while avoiding spicy foods like chili, ginger, and pepper to prevent exacerbating autumn dryness [3][4]. - Specific foods recommended include hawthorn, which can aid digestion and alleviate dryness, as well as ingredients like lily bulb, lotus seed, and tremella, which are beneficial for lung health and can be prepared in soups [3][5]. - Sour foods such as hawthorn, black plum, grapefruit, and pomegranate are suggested to help moisten the lungs and generate saliva [4]. Health Considerations for Vulnerable Groups - Special attention is given to the dietary needs of the elderly and children, who should focus on nourishing the spleen and stomach, with recommendations to include ingredients like lily bulb in their diet [3].