Editor's note

The ancient Chinese created an agricultural solar system - still in use today - that is based upon their observation of crops, climate, astrology, and the study of animal and plant life cycles. The system guided farmers as to when to sow seeds and when to harvest them, and this system has now been in place for more than 2,000 years.

Today, with advances in science and technology, agriculture depends less on this ancient wisdom. But this seasonal calendar still operates as a reference guide for gourmands to seek out the best times for seasonal delicacies and for health experts to plan nutritious diets.

In a single year, the system features 24 "solar terms," each lasting one day and occurring every two weeks. Each has its own name and characteristics. The Global Times is presenting a weekly series examining which foods and delicacies are best enjoyed during these periods, as well as tips on preserving general health.

Chushu means "end of heat," and it indicates that summer time is coming to an end and that temperatures will start to decline gradually. It usually falls on August 23 or 24 (23 this year) when the sun reaches 150 degrees longitude.

Generally speaking, the weather is getting cooler during this period, rain water is decreasing and the air is becoming drier. However, it can still be very hot, although the temperature gaps between morning and evening are getting larger.

As well as being apt to catch colds, people with diseases such as asthma and allergic rhinitis are vulnerable at this time and likely to suffer relapses. It's important to take proper precautions against the cold, and also against autumn "dryness" in order to keep your body in good health at this time. The Global Times has compiled some top tips to ensure this.

Go to bed early and have a noontime snooze

No matter what season it is, getting sufficient sleep is vital for good health. And especially when autumn is coming and the weather is turning cooler, people are more likely to tire easily and to lack energy. People may find it difficult to get up in the morning and become unwilling to move once they have sat down.

In order to relieve these feelings of tiredness and fatigue, the best way is to get enough sleep. As a rule it's a good idea to go to bed one hour earlier than you do in the summer. And if possible it's a good idea to have a noontime nap after lunch so that you can conserve more energy for dealing with work in the afternoon.

Don't stay inside to keep cool! 

During chushu, the weather can still be hot, especially at noon, so many people will choose to stay inside and take advantage of cooling air conditioning. However, it is a good idea to spend time outside so that your body can naturally perspire and release toxins through moderate exercise.

Take more outdoor exercise

Exercises like walking and mountain climbing can help the body sweat and strengthen the immune system. It will also improve the capacity of the body to adapt to changeable weather conditions. 

Keep green plants around you, and drink green tea

If you are unwilling to go outside and take exercise, make sure you have some small green pot plants in your living environment such as bracketplants, asparagus fern or rubber plants. These plants can help to increase the humidity of the air indoors. It's also a good idea to replace coffee with green tea, especially in the afternoon. Green plants and green tea will increase the amount of humidity in your body, which is very important with the onset of autumn.

Protect against your navel getting cold

Few people realize that the navel is a vulnerable part on the body and that it is full of nerve endings under its very thin layer of skin. The navel, or belly button, is particularly sensitive to changes in temperature. 

During summer, many people, when sleeping, are accustomed to letting their navel be exposed in bed. And many people also like to expose their midriffs during the hot weather when they are outside. However, after entering chushu, people should pay close attention to protecting their navel and to prevent it from "catching cold." Once the cold air begins to accumulate around the navel, it will cause disturbances in the menstrual cycles of women, and also do harm to men's urinary system.

As well as protecting your navel against the cold, especially at night, it's also a good idea to massage your belly regularly. Rub the palms of your two hands together, place one on top of the other, and then move your palm in a circular motion on the navel, in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions. Carry out 100 circular motions. 

Maintain a peaceful and calm mood

Besides keeping your body in good physical shape, people should also watch out for mood changes during sudden drops in temperature. After entering chushu, people should guard against becoming irritable and impatient, and should try to adopt a calmer and more peaceful manner.