立春 Beginning of Spring (Li Chun), marks the first solar term.

It signify Resetting the Body for Renewal. Li Chun marks the official beginning of spring in the traditional East Asian solar calendar. Although the weather may still feel cold, the body is already responding to the subtle shift of rising yang energy. This is a transitional period—neither winter nor full spring—where how you eat, move, and rest can strongly influence your health for the entire year ahead.

Spring is associated with growth, movement, and renewal, but the key during Li Chun is gentle activation, not force.

Seasonal Energy: From Storage to Awakening

During winter, the body conserves energy and stores resources. At Li Chun, that stored energy begins to rise. If this transition is rushed or ignored, common symptoms may appear:

• Fatigue or sluggishness

• Digestive discomfort

• Irritability or mood swings

• Headaches or tension

The goal of Li Chun is to support smooth circulation of energy and blood while protecting digestion.

Diet Focus: Light, Warm, and Gently Moving

Food during Li Chun should awaken the body without shocking it.

Recommended foods

• Lightly cooked greens (bok choy, spinach, chard)

• Warm soups and broths

• Congee with scallion or ginger

• Steamed vegetables

• Small amounts of sour flavors (lemon, vinegar) to encourage circulation

Limit during this period

• Excessively cold or raw foods

• Heavy fried meals

• Overeating or irregular meal timing

Think lighter than winter, but still warm.

Lifestyle Focus: Gradual Expansion

Li Chun is not the time to jump into intense exercise or long days.

Supportive practices

• Gentle stretching

• Walking outdoors when weather permits

• Opening windows briefly for fresh air

• Going to bed slightly earlier than summer routines

Avoid overexertion—spring energy grows naturally when it’s not forced.

Mind & Emotional Health: Direction Without Pressure

Spring corresponds with planning, vision, and movement forward. Emotionally, this period can feel restless.

Helpful guidance

• Set intentions, not rigid goals

• Take small, consistent actions

• Avoid impatience—growth unfolds gradually

• Notice frustration early and slow down

This is a time for clarity, not urgency.

Li Chun as a Health Reset Point

What you do during Li Chun sets the tone for the entire spring season. Supporting digestion, easing into movement, and creating emotional flexibility now helps prevent burnout and imbalance later.

Spring does not arrive all at once—health grows the same way.

Educational use only. Not medical advice.