Beginning of Spring Wellness

What is this about? Beginning of Spring (Feb 3-5) complete wellness guide: Wood element, Liver organ. Three phenological phases: The east wind thaws the frozen earth, Hibernating insects begin to stir, Fish rise to the surface, carrying ice on their backs. Spring qi rises and all things come alive; soothing the liver comes first. Go out often to stroll through the fresh green fields, avoid anger and frustration, eat spring sprouts and chives, go to bed early and rise early, and let your yang qi ascend. Eat Spring sprouts (Chinese toon shoots / bean sprouts), Chives. Avoid Great anger harms the liver.

Key takeaways: This article covers the core concepts, practical applications, and common questions about beginning of spring wellness.

Spring · Wood Element · Liver · Feb 3-5
Key Takeaway
Spring qi rises and all things come alive; soothing the liver comes first. Go out often to stroll through the fresh green fields, avoid anger and frustration, eat spring sprouts and chives, go to bed early and rise early, and let your yang qi ascend.

Three Phenological Phases

First PhaseThe east wind thaws the frozen earth
Second PhaseHibernating insects begin to stir
Third PhaseFish rise to the surface, carrying ice on their backs

Huangdi Neijing Quote

"The three months of spring are called 'displaying the stored-up old.' Heaven and earth both give birth, and all things come into full bloom. Retire at night and rise early, and take long, leisurely walks in the courtyard."
— Plain Questions (Su Wen) · Great Discourse on Regulating the Spirit with the Four Seasons
Interpretation: Spring is the beginning of the year, when all things push out the old and bring forth the new. One should go to bed late and rise early, stroll through the courtyard, and let the spirit flow in harmony with the rising and growing energy.
Plain Language: When the ancients said 'take long, leisurely walks in the courtyard,' they meant: don't stay cooped up at home in spring. Go out and walk around the yard, and let your body stretch and open up along with the grass and trees.

Action Items

Recommended

Foods to Eat

Spring sprouts (Chinese toon shoots / bean sprouts)ChivesSpinachSpring bamboo shootsJujube datesChinese yamShepherd's purseScallions

Recommended Recipes

Scrambled Eggs with Chinese Toon Shoots

Ingredients: Chinese toon shoots · eggs · salt

Steps: Blanch the toon shoots, drain and chop them; stir-fry with beaten eggs until cooked through.

Effect: Soothes the liver and regulates qi, helps yang qi rise

Stir-fried Chives with Shrimp

Ingredients: chives · shelled shrimp · ginger

Steps: Quickly fry the shrimp in oil, then add chives and stir-fry on high heat.

Effect: Warms and tonifies the liver and kidneys, lifts yang qi

Stir-fried Spring Bamboo Shoots with Sliced Pork

Ingredients: spring bamboo shoots · pork belly · scallion

Steps: Blanch and slice the bamboo shoots, then stir-fry with the sliced pork.

Effect: Strengthens the spleen, opens the appetite, and aids digestion

Activities

Go on spring outings and take walksStretch your limbs and sinewsRise early and stroll freely

Emotional Wellness

Keep your mood light and at easeGive life; do not killReward; do not punish

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 Beginning of Spring?

Beginning of Spring is one of the 24 solar terms, usually around Feb 3-5. At this time: The east wind thaws the frozen earth, Hibernating insects begin to stir, Fish rise to the surface, carrying ice on their backs. It marks the beginning of spring.

What is the wellness focus for Beginning of Spring?

The wellness focus for Beginning of Spring is Soothe the liver, Regulate qi, Nurture growth. Spring qi rises and all things come alive; soothing the liver comes first. Go out often to stroll through the fresh green fields, avoid anger and frustration, eat spring sprouts and scallion, go to bed early and rise early, and let your yang qi ascend.

What should I eat during Beginning of Spring?

During Beginning of Spring, eat Spring sprouts (Chinese toon shoots / bean sprouts), Chives, Spinach, Spring bamboo shoots, Jujube dates. Recommended recipes: Scrambled Eggs with Chinese Toon Shoots, Stir-fried Chives with Shrimp, Stir-fried Spring Bamboo Shoots with Sliced Pork.

What should I avoid during Beginning of Spring?

During Beginning of Spring, avoid: Great anger harms the liver, Staying up late drains the blood, Overindulgence in sour flavors causes constriction and stagnation.