According to the ancient I-Ching (易經) or the Classic of Changes, in autumn yang qi (energy) diminishes as the yin qi rises, the weather cools down and the temperature difference between day and night increases drastically, we are prone to getting unwell especially people with history of bronchitis, asthma, gastrointestinal tract issues.

Autumn is all about prevention.

Autumn’s element is metal which is corresponding to our lung functions in five elements theory therefore I-Ching suggests us to look after our lung during autumn in order to prevent more severe illness during winter.

Things you can try include:

1) Keeping your abdomen warm (15 minutes) with heat pack/ hot water bottle nightly before sleep

2) Keep yourself hydrated by drinking warm water (for a glass of water, mix 1/3 boiling water with 2/3 room temperature water)

3) The 4:6 breathing exercise combined with chest percussion technique we learned in class

4) Qigong movements e.g. Shibashi #1 Movement No. 2 Expanding the Chest, BaDuanJin Movement No. 2 Shooting the Eagle, Dawu Movement No. 1 Head Lifting Posture

5) Ping Shuai Gong* 易經甩手功第一式：平甩功 (Arm Swinging Qigong) – Please do minimal of 10 cycles and repeat 5 to 6 times a day, each time will only take you one to two minutes.

6) 13 Meridian Workout

In my experience the most effective ones are #2, 5 and 6, they are simple yet effective especially #5.

As my sifu (master/ teacher/ mentor) said – do not underestimate the most basic routines, they are basic routines for a reason and foundation, foundation, foundation.

* We have only done move #1 from and we will slowly introduce the rest of the seven in due time as we progress.