Spring Wellbeing in Chinese Medicine

Many ancient cultures recognize the need to live in harmony with the changing tides of the seasons and the natural world, that they lived in. When we (even as modern day cultures) live in harmony with seasonal changes we nurture our greater well-being. Over thousands of years the wisdom remains true.

Through observation of the natural world around them in daily life, the ancient Chinese created a simple calendar system that has 24 seasonal points based on the way the sun moves in a year. Each time period or solar term is around 15 days. They can be though of as mini-seasons.

Each solar term comes with guidance for eating, exercising and actions for contributing to our seasonal wellbeing, to prevent illness and maintain our balance with the seasons.  This post will share the Spring solar terms. These terms and weather conditions are mapped out by farmers in China so the weather does not always match seasonally around the world. But the advice remains the same.

Beginning of Spring- lì chūn – 立春  – Feb 4th – Feb 18th
The first seasonal point of the calendar marks the beginning of spring. This is a wonderful time to make a fresh start. Even though we may still have some cold days ahead, spring is coming! This is when we feel an inner vitality returning after the cold, dark winter months.

Insects Awakening – jīng zhé – 惊蛰 – Mar 5th – Mar 19th
This seasonal point represents the stirring of spring. The natural world is awakening from its winter slumber! As spring energy increases, spend more time outdoors and slowly add more aerobic activity like running or more vigorous yoga to your day. Spring energy builds gradually and can fluctuate. It requires both forward momentum and rooting down, so most people will benefit this time of year by increasing movement and vigorous exercise little by little

Spring Equinox – chūn fēn – 春分 – Mar 20th – April 3rd
During this seasonal point, yin and yang are balanced. From now on, as the days grow longer, yang will grow, and yin will decline. The season’s energy supports us in sloughing off the old and outworn and embracing new growth, clarity, vision, and direction. Consider what visions and dreams you’re nurturing and what you’re ready to create. Ask yourself: where are you headed with purpose? The energetics of spring teach us to remain rooted and open while reaching for the light.

Clear and Bright – qīng míng 清明 – April 4th – April 18th
During spring, we’re moving from the slowness of the Kidneys and the water element to the growth and stirring of the wood element and Liver/Gallbladder system. In Chinese medicine, the Liver organ is responsible for the smooth flow of Qi and Blood. People who tend to experience Liver Qi and Blood stagnation (chronic frustration, irritability, digestion issues, PMS, menstrual irregularity, pain headaches) will want to be especially careful not to aggravate Liver Qi in the weeks ahead. Avoid congesting foods and make sure to express your emotions to aid the smooth flow of Liver Qi.

Grain Rain – gǔ yǔ – 谷雨 – April 19th – May 4th
The name for this seasonal point highlights how spring rains usually continue at this time, helping spur growth. Because of the increase in moisture (and accumulated heaviness from winter), dampness can increase this time of year. As spring emerges, we must break down and burn up the denser qualities built over winter. When doing this, we can access spring’s clarity and vitality. If you feel heavy, damp, and cold this time of year, remember to get active, circulate blood and Qi and continue to warm the body.

Tips for Spring wellbeing

• Eat warming foods and increase  cooler spring foods slowly.
• Eat simple cooked whole foods.
•  Add in root vegetables and  rice
• Limit oily and congesting foods and alcohol.
• Get exercise. Movement helps Qi and Blood circulate freely, which helps ward off depression and sluggishness, which can build up this time of year.
  start vision boards and planning
  Regulate your sleep – make sure you are sleeping well between 11 pm-3 am (Liver meridian time)
  Do movement focusing on the Liver and Gallbladder meridians. Qigong, Yin Yoga.
  Enjoy a relaxing acupuncture treatment to boost Qi

Author Info

Victoria

A therapist and tutor for over 23 years, Victoria specialises in Relaxation and Wellbeing, Clinical Acupuncture, Holistic and Shamanic therapies.