Major Cold Wellness

What is this about? Major Cold (Jan 20-21) complete wellness guide: Earth element, Spleen organ. Three phenological phases: Chickens begin to brood, Birds of prey are swift and fierce, Water and marshes are frozen solid. As Major Cold draws to a close, strengthen the spleen with warming nourishment. Avoid cold and raw foods; eat more Chinese yam and longan. Massage the abdomen after meals to store energy for early spring. Eat Chinese yam, Red dates. Avoid Cold and raw foods.

Key takeaways: This article covers the core concepts, practical applications, and common questions about major cold wellness.

Winter · Earth Element · Spleen · Jan 20-21
Key Takeaway
As Major Cold draws to a close, strengthen the spleen with warming nourishment. Avoid cold and raw foods; eat more Chinese yam and longan. Massage the abdomen after meals to store energy for early spring.

Three Phenological Phases

First PhaseChickens begin to brood
Second PhaseBirds of prey are swift and fierce
Third PhaseWater and marshes are frozen solid

Huangdi Neijing Quote

"The spleen is related to Earth and rules the center. It constantly nourishes the four viscera in accordance with the four seasons, each season entrusting it with eighteen days."
— Plain Questions (Su Wen) · Treatise on Taiyin and Yangming
Interpretation: Major Cold is the time at winter's end when Earth qi flourishes, and the Spleen-Earth takes command. As cold reaches its peak and spring is about to arrive, one should strengthen the spleen with warming nourishment to store energy for spring's growth and renewal.
Plain Language: The ancients said that when Spleen-Earth is in command, Major Cold is the last stretch of winter tonification. Strengthen the spleen with warming nourishing foods, stock up energy, and welcome the sprouting of spring.

Action Items

Recommended

Foods to Eat

Chinese yamRed datesMilletGlutinous riceLonganBlack beansWalnutsLamb

Recommended Recipes

Longan and Red Date Porridge

Ingredients: Longan · Red dates · Millet

Steps: Cook longan and red dates together with millet into porridge

Effect: Strengthens the spleen, warms and nourishes, and boosts blood

Chinese Yam and Pork Rib Soup

Ingredients: Chinese yam · Pork ribs · Ginger

Steps: Cut Chinese yam into chunks and simmer with pork ribs for 1 hour

Effect: Strengthens the spleen, boosts qi, and consolidates the root

Glutinous Rice and Longan Sticky Rice

Ingredients: Glutinous rice · Longan · Red dates

Steps: Steam glutinous rice with longan and red dates until cooked

Effect: Warms and nourishes the spleen and stomach, and nourishes qi and blood

Activities

Leisurely walking for fitnessAbdominal massage to nourish the spleenFoot soaking to warm the body

Emotional Wellness

Moderate your thinkingKeep the mind calmBuild energy for what's to come

Avoid

References

Want to know your hexagram constitution?

Download the Tianji Tuiyan app, enter your birth date to discover your birth hexagram and personalized wellness advice.

Download Free App

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Major Cold?

Major Cold is one of the 24 solar terms, usually around Jan 20-21. At this time: Chickens begin to brood, Birds of prey are swift and fierce, Water and marshes are frozen solid. It marks the depth of winter.

What is the wellness focus for Major Cold?

The wellness focus for Major Cold is Strengthen the spleen, Warm-nourish, Consolidate the root. As Major Cold draws to a close, strengthen the spleen with warming nourishment. Avoid cold and raw foods; eat more lamb and lamb. Massage the abdomen after meals to store energy for early spring.

What should I eat during Major Cold?

During Major Cold, eat lamb, Red dates, Millet, Glutinous rice, Longan. Recommended recipes: Longan and Red Date Porridge, Chinese Yam and Pork Rib Soup, Glutinous Rice and Longan Sticky Rice.

What should I avoid during Major Cold?

During Major Cold, avoid: Cold and raw foods, Greasy, hard-to-digest foods, Excessive worry and overthinking.