Introduction to the Solar Term

Start of Spring

Start of Spring is the first of the 24 solar terms. Li means "commencement"; Chun stands for warmth and growth. The 24 solar terms were initially formulated based on the movement of the Big Dipper. When the handle of the Big Dipper points to the Yin position, Start of Spring arrives.

It marks the end of winter, when all creatures remain dormant, and the advent of spring, with mild weather and thriving life. In nature, the most striking feature of Start of Spring is the first signs of revival across all living things.

The Three Pentads of Start of Spring

In ancient China, each solar term was divided into three pentads, five days apiece, to record subtle natural changes.The three pentads of Start of Spring are:

1、First Pentad: The East Wind Thaws the Ice

The east wind, namely spring breeze, sweeps across the land, melting frozen rivers.

2、Second Pentad: Hibernating Insects Stir

Though still sheltered underground, dormant insects sense rising yang energy and begin to stir slightly.

3、Third Pentad: Fish Rise toward Melting Ice

Zhi means "to rise". Sensing warmer water, fish swim upward to the water surface, as if bearing fragments of melting ice.

These three pentads vividly depict the subtle shift from stillness to motion in nature at Start of Spring. Invisible to the naked eye, life is brewing quietly beneath the surface. This sensitive observation of natural rhythms embodies the ancient wisdom: observe heaven and earth, and act in harmony with the seasons.

Philosophy of Health Preservation

As the turning point between winter and spring, Start of Spring is a vital time for human wellness. The yin-yang qi inside the human body undergoes transformation: yang energy begins to rise and liver qi gradually flourishes, bringing changes to metabolism and immune function. Scientific wellness aligned with natural rhythms lays a solid foundation for health throughout the year.

Integrating traditional Chinese medicine theories and modern health knowledge, the core principles for health preservation during Start of Spring are: nurture ascending yang energy, regulate liver qi, and guard against cold pathogenic factors.

Daily Routine

Follow the principle recorded in Huang Di Nei Jing (The Yellow Emperor’s Inner Classic): Retire late and rise early, take broad walks in the courtyard. Gradually delay bedtime and get up earlier. Compared with winter, you may sleep 30–60 minutes later and rise 30–60 minutes earlier, for prolonged bed rest consumes qi.

Early morning is prime time for yang energy to ascend. After waking, take slow walks, stretch or practice Tai Chi outdoors. Exposure to natural daylight helps the body adapt to seasonal shifts and promotes the rise of yang qi.

Meanwhile, abide by the old maxim: Keep warm in spring, resist premature cooling in autumn. Wide temperature swings persist after Start of Spring, and cold pathogens linger. Removing thick outerwear and thermal trousers too soon invites invasion of cold qi, impairing newly sprouted yang energy and triggering colds, joint pain and other ailments.Prioritize warmth for the head, neck, waist, abdomen and ankles. Special care should be taken for the elderly, children and people with constitutions prone to coldness.

Diet

Follow the rule: Reduce sour food, increase sweet food; maintain a mild, light diet.

Liver qi surges in spring. Sour food has an astringent property; excessive intake restrains ascending yang energy and aggravates liver qi stagnation. Sweet flavors tonify the spleen, harmonize liver qi and help the body adapt to seasonal changes.

Moderately consume sweet and spleen-strengthening ingredients such as Chinese yam, millet, pumpkin and red dates, paired with seasonal vegetables including spinach, celery and spring bamboo shoots for balanced nutrition. Choose high-quality protein from eggs, milk and fish, prepared by steaming, boiling or quick stir-frying; limit deep-frying, grilling and heavy braising.

Stay away from icy desserts and cold beverages, which damage spleen yang. Cut down overly hot and spicy food such as mutton and chili to avoid liver fire flare-up, which causes dry mouth, sore throat and other "heatiness" symptoms.

In addition, spring weather is dry. Drink 1,500–2,000 ml of warm water daily. Infusions of wolfberry and chrysanthemum soothe the liver, brighten the eyes and regulate qi and blood circulation.

Exercise & Disease Prevention

Exercise management and epidemic prevention should not be overlooked.Yang energy is newly awakened after Start of Spring, and physical functions have not fully recovered. Exercise should be mild and progressive. Avoid strenuous, prolonged workouts that cause heavy sweating and dissipation of yang qi.Suitable activities include walking, jogging, yoga and Baduanjin. Exercise 3–5 times weekly for 30–40 minutes each session, until the body feels gently warm with slight perspiration.

The transition from winter to spring brings a high incidence of illnesses. Influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus and other pathogens become more active. Maintain personal hygiene, wash hands frequently, avoid crowded spaces and wear masks outdoors.People prone to allergies should steer clear of pollen, dust mites and other allergens; limit outdoor activities and wash faces and clothes promptly upon returning home.Patients with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases should take medicine regularly, monitor blood pressure, and avoid going outside in cold early morning hours to prevent condition fluctuations.

Start of Spring arrives quietly, without thunderstorms or sudden downpours, nourishing all things like gentle streams. It proclaims no victory, yet accumulates strength silently.As recorded in Explanations of the Seventy-Two Pentads of the Monthly Ordinances:

"Li means commencement; spring qi begins to establish itself."

From astronomical observation and phenological changes to folk customs and scientific wellness, Start of Spring represents a perfect integration of ancient wisdom and modern science. It reminds us that seasonal transitions follow inherent laws, and humanity should live in harmony with nature. It also tells us that every solar term is a gift to life and a longing for a better life.

May we look up to the stars amid hustle and bustle, and perceive the pulse of the earth amid busyness. For spring never arrives by miracle overnight; it is the inevitable outcome of countless quiet perseverance.