During the Jingzhe period, most plants begin to sprout green shoots, and the temperature rises noticeably. At this time, the body’s yang energy shifts from its winter state of being dormant and concealed within the kidney water to a state of vigorous upward movement characteristic of the liver wood yang.

Therefore, during the Jingzhe solar term, the focus of health preservation lies in nourishing the liver.

Around the time of Jingzhe, the yin-cold energy gradually subsides while yang energy begins to rise, causing the body’s blood vessels to dilate. As a result, cerebral blood flow decreases compared with winter, and the excitability of the central nervous system diminishes, leading to the springtime malaise that afflicts many people.

Many people believe that sleeping more will relieve fatigue, but the result is often the opposite: the more they sleep, the more tired they become.

In fact, during spring it’s beneficial to go to bed a bit later and rise a bit earlier, while also stretching more often. This helps speed up blood circulation, which not only reduces drowsiness but also boosts liver function.

In spring and summer, we should nourish yang; during the Jingzhe solar term, it is advisable to eat more foods that help to uplift and generate yang energy, such as chives, spinach, and shepherd’s purse.

At this time of mid-spring, liver qi is at its peak and prone to harming the spleen; therefore, during the Jingzhe solar term, one should consume less sour food and instead eat more sweet foods such as jujubes and Chinese yam to nourish the spleen.

In addition, after the Awakening of Insects, temperatures rise, microbial activity—including that of bacteria and pathogens—intensifies, making it easier for these microorganisms to invade the human body and cause disease.

Everyone is encouraged to consume more “antibacterial” foods that clear heat and detoxify, such as garlic, scallions, dandelion, honey, green tea, and shiitake mushrooms.

During the Jingzhe period, as the weather warms up, many people shed their winter coats. However, given the significant temperature fluctuations at this time and the prevalence of windy conditions in spring across China, it remains essential to protect key body parts from wind and cold. The main points are as follows: ↓↓

In the Five Elements system, spring corresponds to Wood and is associated with the Liver in the human body. Therefore, it is important to maintain a cheerful mood and avoid anger or irritability, as these can impair the Liver’s function of dispersing and regulating qi, leading to stagnation of Liver Qi.

The liver opens to the eyes; during the Jingzhe solar term, one should avoid prolonged eye strain. It is important to limit screen time on computers, smartphones, tablets, and other electronic devices, and especially to refrain from using a smartphone in dim lighting.

The “Treatise on Health Preservation” states: “During the three months of spring, comb your hair one to two hundred times each morning.”

In fact, combing one’s hair is not only about detangling it; it also helps to unblock the meridians and promote the circulation of qi and blood in the head. Especially in spring, as yang energy naturally begins to stir and rise, the body’s own yang follows suit, ascending and dispersing outward, gathering in the head—after all, the head is the convergence point of all yang energies. Regularly combing the hair thus helps to keep the qi and blood flowing smoothly throughout the head.

Drinking floral tea in spring is beneficial for health. When choosing floral tea, women may enjoy rose and goji berry tea; those prone to “internal heat” can opt for wild chrysanthemum and goji berry tea; and individuals with high blood pressure may try wild chrysanthemum and apocynum leaf tea.

As the Awakening of Insects brings a brief warming followed by a return of cold, many parts of northern China experience relatively dry weather, often leaving people with a parched mouth and throat. Pears are cooling in nature and sweet in flavor, with the effects of moistening the lungs to relieve coughs and nourishing yin while clearing heat.

There are many ways to enjoy pears—eating them fresh, steaming them, juicing them, baking them, or boiling them in water are all excellent choices. However, avoid consuming too many at once to prevent harming the spleen and stomach.

Tonify the Kidneys and Warm the Lower Back: The lower back is the “residence” of the kidneys. First, rub your palms together vigorously until they become warm, then place each palm on one side of the lower back, with the palms pressed firmly against the skin. Massage up and down along the lower back until you feel a pleasant warmth, repeating about 200 strokes each time.

Strengthening the Spleen by Massaging Zusanli: The Zusanli acupoint is located four transverse finger widths below the lateral aspect of the knee joint. When massaging, slightly extend the lower leg forward to maintain an angle of about 120 degrees between the leg and the stool. Place the index finger on the Zusanli point, then add pressure with the middle finger, using both fingers together to apply firm, rhythmic pressure. Massage the Zusanli point for one minute to tonify the spleen and harmonize the stomach.

Massage the Liver and Rub the Flanks: When liver qi is stagnant, place both hands under the armpits and gently stroke along the intercostal spaces toward the front of the chest, then reverse back to the starting point. Repeat this motion 30 times, aiming for a warm, soothing sensation in the flank area.