In Chinese Medicine, there are six factors from the environment that can cause imbalances in the body. Dryness is one of these pathogenic factors and predominates in the fall and winter months.

Common ways that dryness manifests in the body: dry mouth/nose/throat, chapped lips, dry and brittle hair, dry stools or constipation, scanty urine, dry and cracked skin, dry cough, and dry eyes. 

Here are some of the best ways to keep dryness at bay this season:

1. Eat moisturizing foods like walnuts, dates, black beans, olive oil, pears, blueberries, grapefruit, seaweed, sweet potato, sesame seeds, cucumber, broths/soups, zucchini, beef, chicken, fish, eggs, and honey.

2. Massage oil on your body daily. Sesame oil is warming and is best for the fall and winter months.

3. Stick to warm beverages. Avoid cold water and drink either warm or room temperature water instead. Warmer liquids are easier for the body to absorb and are therefore more hydrating.

4. Sleep with a humidifier in your bedroom.

5. Use lukewarm water rather than hot water when you shower, wash your hands, and wash your face. Hot water strips oils from the skin and causes it to lose moisture.