The arrival of the Rain Water solar term signals a warming of the weather and an increase in rainfall.

However, since cold air activity remains relatively frequent at this time, mornings and evenings are still quite chilly, making it easy for pathogenic cold-dampness to stagnate in the spleen.

As the saying goes: “When Lichun arrives and the rains begin, rise early and stay up late.”

Spring has arrived: the days are growing longer and the nights shorter, as yang energy in nature gradually increases. Yang is active, while yin is still and passive.

At this time, one should adapt to the changing weather, align daily routines with the rhythms of nature, maintain a regular sleep schedule, and engage in appropriate physical activity.

Therefore, for health preservation through rainwater practices, it is beneficial to go to bed late and rise early, as this promotes the upward movement of liver qi.

To ensure good sleep quality, avoid overeating at dinner, refrain from drinking strong tea or coffee before bed, and consider soaking your feet in warm water.

“Spring covering” is a traditional health-preserving practice.

During the Rain Water solar term, the cold begins to recede and yang energy starts to rise. At this time, the body’s regulatory functions have not yet fully adjusted to the changing weather, making it easy for wind-cold or influenza to take advantage of any weakness and invade.

The “spring layering” principle is “thin on top, thick below”—as temperatures gradually rise, we can start by reducing the layers on our upper body, but it’s still important to keep wearing warm pants on the lower body for a while longer to prevent cold from creeping up from the feet.

In addition, when layering up, don’t overlook keeping the back and abdomen warm.

Since the Du Meridian on the back and the Ren Meridian in the abdomen respectively govern the body’s yang and yin energies, safeguarding these areas during the Rain Water solar term can help prevent colds and cold-induced diarrhea.

During the Rain Water solar term, rainfall increases, making it easier for cold-damp pathogenic factors to obstruct and impair the spleen and stomach. Moreover, dampness is a yin pathogen—sticky, heavy, and turbid—making it difficult to dispel; therefore, after the Rain Water solar term, people should place particular emphasis on nourishing and protecting the spleen and stomach.

One should minimize consumption of spicy and sour foods to avoid overstimulating Liver Qi and impairing Spleen and Stomach function.

Spleen-strengthening and damp-draining effects can be achieved by consuming foods that are sweet in taste, neutral in nature, and slightly warming, or by using food-as-medicine ingredients.

There are many sweet-tasting foods, such as pea shoots, lotus root, garland chrysanthemum, Chinese chives, toon, shepherd’s purse, bamboo shoots, Chinese yam, taro, fish, water chestnuts, sugarcane, red dates, oats, various nuts, and legumes—all of which make excellent choices.

After the Rain Water solar term, the weather becomes highly variable, which can easily lead to mood swings and even symptoms such as depression and persistent brooding—conditions that are detrimental to health.

During this period, everyone should align with the natural changes in qi and appropriately increase outdoor activities to relax the mind and alleviate negative emotions.

However, since the weather remains rather chilly in the early and late hours during the Rain Water solar term, it is best to avoid strenuous exercise. Instead, opt for gentler activities such as walking, Ba Duan Jin, Five Animal Frolics, or Tai Chi, which help gently elevate the liver qi.

These exercises are highly effective in boosting the body’s vital energy and are particularly well-suited to our busy, restless modern lives.

During the Rain Water solar term, “wind, cold, and dampness” prevail. As the saying goes, “cold originates from the feet.” Boiling mugwort leaves in water for a foot soak can dispel cold, eliminate dampness, warm the meridians, and unblock the collaterals—making it an ideal practice for disease prevention and health maintenance at this time of year.

Take 50 grams of mugwort leaves, add 3,000 milliliters of water, bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and simmer for another 5 minutes. Allow the solution to cool to 40–50°C before soaking your feet; this remedy is particularly suitable for individuals who are prone to external pathogenic factors and experience joint pain.

During the Rain Water solar term, staying indoors and reducing physical activity can easily lead to poor appetite and gastrointestinal discomfort.

Simple abdominal massage can strengthen the spleen and stomach and aid digestion, helping to alleviate symptoms; it is suitable for people of all ages and both genders.

Specific method: Rub your hands together to warm them, then place one palm on top of the other over your abdomen, with the navel as the center. Using the palms, massage in a clockwise direction for 36 circles, followed by another 36 circles in a counterclockwise direction.

It is recommended to perform this half an hour after meals, upon waking in the morning, or before going to bed.

The Huangdi Neijing records that the five zang organs correspond to the five musical tones. The jiao tone is primarily associated with the liver, and its light, bright music has a remarkable effect in harmonizing liver function.

Music such as “How Beautiful Jiangnan Is,” “Jiangnan Sizhu,” and “Basking in the Spring Breeze” can all be used to regulate the liver.

The “Treatise on Health Preservation” states: “During the three months of spring, comb your hair one to two hundred times each morning.” In spring, yang energy tends to rise and disperse outward, manifesting as gradually opening pores, vigorous metabolism, and rapid growth.

Combing your hair in the spring has the important effect of dispelling stagnation, promoting the smooth flow of qi and blood, and unblocking yang energy. After getting up in the morning, stretch your muscles and bones, then gently comb your hair a hundred times, and you will instantly feel refreshed.