Many earth-based wisdom systems recognize the need to participate with, rather than work against, the changing tides of the seasons. When we live in harmony with seasonal change, we foster greater well-being.
By observing the natural world, the ancient Chinese developed a calendar system with 24 seasonal points, based on the sun’s annual circular motion. Each period is approximately two weeks. You can think of these solar terms as mini-seasons.
Each solar term represents the unique weather pattern present at that time of year and is associated with specific traditions. Learn more about all of the solar terms here.
Solar terms or seasonal points reflect the climatic and environmental changes that occur as the seasons shift. Chinese Medicine (TCM) emphasizes the need to adapt our behaviour based on the external environment to maintain health and vitality and avoid disease. Therefore, we can use the solar terms as guideposts when harmonizing our diet and lifestyle choices to align with the natural world.
Solar Terms or Seasonal Points for Spring
In today’s post, we’ll explore the seasonal points associated with spring. Be sure to check out this post for general info on the seasonal points, and these for information on the solar terms of summer, fall, and winter.
Beginning of Spring- lì chūn – 立春 – Feb.4th – Feb.17th
The first seasonal point of the calendar marks the beginning of spring. This is an excellent 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.
Rain Water – yǔ shuǐ – 雨水 – Feb.18th – Mar.4th
This solar term marks the time when water begins to flow. This may be in the form of rain, but it can also mean the thawing of waterways. All this melting animates the natural world, turning everything verdant again. Think of green shoots and buds emerging after winter. Make some space and clear the clutter. This is the season for renewal.
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 gradually add more aerobic activity, such as running and vigorous yoga, to your day. Spring energy builds gradually and can fluctuate. It requires both forward momentum and grounding, so most people will benefit this time of year by gradually increasing movement and vigorous exercise.
Spring Equinox – chūn fēn – 春分 – Mar.20th – April 4th
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 shedding 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 5th – April 19th
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 the 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 you express your emotions to facilitate the smooth flow of Liver Qi.
Grain Rain – gǔ yǔ – 谷雨 – April 20th – May 4th
The name for this seasonal point highlights how spring rains usually continue at this time, helping spur growth. Because of increased moisture (and accumulated heaviness from winter), dampness can be more prevalent this time of year. As spring emerges, we must break down and burn up the denser qualities accumulated 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 stay active, circulate blood and Qi, and keep your body warm.
Seasonal Energetics for Spring Solar Terms
ELEMENT: Wood
ORGANS: Liver / Gallbladder
In Chinese Medicine, the Liver and Gallbladder are the organs that represent the lively energy of this season. The liver is a large organ located in the upper right abdomen, under the diaphragm and partially protected by the rib cage. It is a vital organ in the body, and with hundreds of functions, it supports almost every organ. The liver synthesizes amino acids and cholesterol and stores minerals, blood, and vitamins. It is also responsible for detoxification and the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. The small organ of the gallbladder sits just beneath the liver. It stores and secretes bile, which aids in digestion, particularly the breakdown of fats.
COOKING: During spring, use lighter, mildly warming fresh foods that are sweet and pungent. The sweet flavour helps support digestion, while the pungent flavour encourages upward and outward movement and disperses any heavy winter accumulation. Spring can still be cool and variable, so mildly warming foods help clear accumulated cold and dampness from winter while supporting digestive function.
Here are a few cooking tips for spring:
- Keep eating warming foods and increase spring foods slowly.
- Eat a little lighter and eat more foods that are gently cleansing. Near the end of spring, slowly increase salads and raw foods.
- Eat simple, cooked whole foods. Add in root veggies, rice, and millet.
- Add small amounts of bitter greens like dandelion, artichoke, celery, dark green leafy vegetables, chrysanthemum, kale, parsley, broccoli, bitter melon, or romaine lettuce.
- Limit oily and congesting foods and alcohol.
- Add in more foods that move Qi upwards and a little outwards to mimic the movement of Qi in the spring, like sprouts, chives, onions, daikon, and fennel. Sweet and aromatic foods also help Qi move upwards and towards the exterior.
- Try these spices to support metabolic health.
SELF-CARE: Energy has been latent throughout the winter, buried deep in the earth, and now, as spring bursts forth, energy wants to move. During the spring, there is a gradual movement up and out. It’s a time when we move from a more internal focus to a more expansive one. Sometimes, this means there’s more physical energy available to start a new project or plan a new goal. In the spring, we can find clarity around our direction and vision, invite more creativity into our lives, and release stuck emotional patterns.
Here are a few ways to support yourself during the spring solar terms:
- Get exercise. Movement helps Qi and Blood circulate freely, which helps ward off depression and sluggishness that can build up during this time of year.
- Do some visioning and planning. Try this ritual for renewal to get started.
- Regulate your sleep – make sure you are sleeping 11 pm-3 am (Liver time, which is the spring season organ)
- Do movement focusing on the Liver and Gallbladder meridians. Try this yin yoga sequence for the Liver and Gallbladder meridians, or focus on the lateral sheath in your movement practice (where the Gallbladder meridian runs).
- Get creative! Dance, paint, sculpt or draw. Use your imagination to access the vibrant energy of spring.
- Pay attention to your dreams. This will help you access the spirit associated with springtime and the Liver – the Hun.
- Use this Gallbladder 20 acupressure point for spring headaches and neck tension.
I hope this provides you with some valuable ideas for using the solar terms in conjunction with Chinese Medicine. Be sure to check out this page for information on all the solar terms. If you’re not already on my mailing list, you can sign up here for more posts like this one!
