你以為秋天來了，身體卻還在熱浪裡打轉
「處」的意思是停、退場，處暑就像季節的關燈聲。但現實是：台灣的八月底，仍是濕悶燠熱、午後雷陣雨不斷，身體仍處在一種「該安靜卻還躁動」的過渡區。 《黃帝內經》說：「秋氣者，容平之氣也，主收斂。」意思是要收，卻不是一刀斷。 這段時間的身體，就像還沒下戲的演員，台詞已講完，心卻還沒退場。
暑氣未消，代謝開始打結
早晚轉涼，濕與乾、躁與靜卡在一起，最容易出現代謝混亂。你可能會發現： 大便不順但也不便、 睡醒還是累、食慾突然變強卻容易脹氣，這是因為氣未收、陽未潛，體內仍有鬱熱。 此時不宜大補，但可以開始以溫潤為主的小收斂：山藥、蓮藕、白木耳是很好的食材，配薏仁、紅豆、茯苓排濕健脾，是身體的「轉場引導員」。
運動要「慢」一點
處暑後的運動原則是「不要拼極限」。此時適合選擇帶有呼吸感的活動，讓身體從大汗淋漓的發散狀態，轉為規律而穩定的流動。像是早晨快走、伸展、傍晚瑜伽，甚至每週一次溫水泡澡，都能幫助陽氣慢慢往內收。
處暑，是情緒與身體同步轉場的時候
在這個時節，很多人會發現自己心情變得低沉，做事提不起勁，甚至容易陷入回想。中醫講「秋主悲」，處暑正是能量往內收的開始。這不是脆弱，而是天地轉換時自然的反應。同時，你可能會突然開始想吃湯麵、想早點回家、想洗完澡就躺平。與其把處暑看成「夏天的告別」，不如順著季節，給自己一點緩衝的空間。
You Think Autumn Has Arrived, but Your Body Is Still Trapped in the Heat
The word “Chu” in Chushu (處暑) means to stop or to withdraw, like a curtain call signaling the end of summer. But in Taiwan, late August is still heavy with humidity, heat, and sudden afternoon showers. The body lingers in a strange transition, caught between wanting to settle down and still feeling restless. As the Huangdi Neijing says: “Autumn is the season of containment and gathering.” It’s a time of collecting, but not of sudden cutting off. The body at this stage is like an actor who has delivered the final line but hasn’t yet stepped off stage.
The Heat Hasn’t Faded, and Metabolism Gets Tangled
During Chushu, mornings and evenings start to cool, yet dampness and dryness, agitation and calmness all clash within the body. This often leads to disrupted metabolism. You may notice: bowel movements that are irregular but not quite constipated, waking up still tired, or suddenly having a strong appetite but feeling bloated easily. These signs come from energy not yet gathered, heat not yet subdued, leaving residual stagnation inside. It’s not the time for heavy tonics—better to nourish gently. Foods like yam, lotus root, and white fungus help with mild consolidation, while adzuki beans, coix seed, and poria help drain dampness and support digestion. Think of them as your body’s “transition guides.”
Move a Little Slower
After Chushu, the principle of exercise is: don’t push your limits. Choose activities that focus on breath and rhythm, shifting from heavy sweating to steady, mindful flow. Morning walks, stretching, evening yoga, or even a weekly warm bath or sauna can help the body gradually draw its energy inward.
Chushu Is When Emotions and the Body Transition Together
Around this time, many people feel a dip in mood, lose motivation, or find themselves brooding over past memories. Traditional Chinese medicine says: “Autumn governs sorrow.” Chushu marks the start of energy turning inward. This isn’t weakness—it’s a natural response to the seasonal shift. At the same time, you might suddenly crave a bowl of noodles, want to head home earlier, or go straight to bed after a shower. Rather than seeing Chushu as the end of summer, it’s better understood as a gentle reminder: the body and mind are ready to slow down and create space for the changes ahead.
