by Yvonne Lau
Article originally published January, 2026
Lichun (立春, Lìchūn), or the Beginning of Spring, is the first solar term on the Chinese calendar, and marks the beginning of a new Chinese solar year. Although we usually think of the Chinese calendar being a lunar calendar, during the Shang dynasty (1600–1046 BCE) a solar calendar was created to divide the sun’s movements into periods that would help guide the planting and harvesting of crops, such as when to expect heavy rains, preparation for frost and insect infestations, and other events vital to survival. With additional observations, this solar calendar evolved into 24 solar terms of 15 days each, and although farming activities have modernized, a typical Chinese calendar today will be primarily a Gregorian calendar overlapped by a lunar calendar and with solar terms. During many solar terms, specific activities, observances, and rituals are still performed today.
Lichun, based on the solar cycle, usually falls on the 3rd, 4th or 5th of February, and in 2026 begins on February 4, whereby spring officially starts and lasts for 3 months. This year, we transition from the year of the Wood Snake, which ends on February 16 (the last day of the last month on the lunar calendar), to the year of the Fire Horse. Lichun is also known as the First Month Festival and is considered an auspicious solar term (especially as opposed to solar terms such as “Major Heat” or “Major Cold” for example). It symbolizes the end of winter, when all things are dormant, and the beginning of spring, with warmer days and revival of life in nature.
Spring is also described in the classical literature as a time of fa chen (发陳，fā chén), a Chinese medicine term which originates from the "Huangdi Neijing Suwen: Siqi Tiaoshen Dalun" 皇帝內經素問:四氣調神大論 (The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine: Plain Questions: Treatise on Regulating the Spirit According to the Four Seasons). "Fa" means to disperse or release, and "Chen" means old or long-standing. This phrase refers to utilizing the invigorating Yang energy of spring to eliminate the accumulated stagnation of winter. How to "disperse the old"? The Huangdi Neijing suggests that one should wake early and relax the body. It involves "walking widely in the courtyard," that is, finding a time when the weather is pleasant and sunny to take a leisurely stroll in the garden to enjoy the emerging foliage or going for walks in nature. Physiologically, this aligns with increased metabolic activity and circulation.
It also mentions "Letting down one's hair and relaxing one's posture" and is intended to build upon the "releasing the old" principle of replacing the old with the new. It includes discarding unhealthy living habits and dietary practices and regulating one's mental state, "to allow the will to flourish," gradually fostering a healthy and positive outlook.
In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), this shift is said to reflect the gradual activation of Yang Qi and the outward movement of Qi and Blood. Spring corresponds to the Wood element and the Liver meridian, which governs the smooth movement of Qi, Blood, and fluids throughout the body. When this function is harmonious, emotional balance, digestion, menstruation, and circulation are well supported and the Liver Qi is well regulated. When Liver Qi becomes constrained—often due to emotional stress, irregular schedules, or insufficient movement—patients may present with irritability, mood fluctuations, headaches, hypochondriac discomfort, digestive irregularities, or menstrual disharmony. Spring’s inherent upward and outward momentum can exacerbate these patterns when the free flow of Qi is impeded.
According to TCM the Liver stores blood, and the physiological function of "blood being stored in the liver during rest and circulating through the meridians during activity" corresponds precisely to the functions of spring energy. Therefore, a mental state that is easily agitated or prone to anger goes against the spirit of spring and will potentially harm the Liver Blood.
Clinically, because this seasonal change often coincides with a rise in Liver-related presentations and externally contracted conditions, spring is a season that rewards moderation, attentiveness, and alignment with natural rhythms. Treatment strategies during Lichun prioritize soothing Liver Qi while gently protecting the emerging Yang Qi, supporting physiological and emotional flexibility, and preventing external pathogenic invasion.
From a prescriptive standpoint, Xiao Yao San remains a foundational choice for patterns of Liver Qi constraint with underlying Spleen and Blood deficiency, while Jia Wei Xiao Yao San may be appropriate when constraint has begun to generate Heat signs such as irritability or sleep disturbance. In cases of more pronounced Qi stagnation with distention or pain, Chai Hu Shu Gan Tang may be considered. When Liver Qi constraint is complicated by Blood stasis—often seen in more chronic or fixed presentations—formulas such as Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang may be appropriate to address both Qi and Blood dynamics.
For externally contracted conditions encountered in early spring, formulas such as Yin Qiao San for early-stage Wind-Heat invasion or Sang Ju Yin for cough with mild Heat symptoms can be appropriate. With the correct diagnostic pattern differentiation, these formulas align well with spring’s warming trend, while respecting the need to prevent deeper penetration of external pathogenic factors.
Some patients emerge from winter with underlying Qi deficiency, possibly causing more susceptibility to both internal constraint and external pathogenic invasion. In such cases, supporting the Zhong (Central) Qi and the ascent of clear Yang may be appropriate. Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang is often considered when fatigue, spontaneous sweating, or recurrent seasonal illness are part of the clinical picture, helping to strengthen overall resilience as the seasons change.
The advisements in the Huangdi Neijing are as valid today as ever, including appropriate dietary and lifestyle choices, which are an important adjunct to herbal treatment. Mildly pungent and sweet flavors are recommended to encourage gentle dispersion and movement, such as incorporating fermented black soybeans, scallions, cilantro, and peanuts according to individual constitution and pattern differentiation. Excessively sour or astringent foods should be avoided as those may inhibit Liver Qi flow. Gentle exercise and walks awaken and revitalize the body. Emotional regulation is equally important, and increasing social interaction, good sleep, while decreasing stress through established daily rhythms will brighten mood and encourage the better flow of Qi. By working in harmony with the season, practitioners can help their patients transition more smoothly from winter to spring and create a solid foundation for optimal health throughout the year.
References
- Lichun - Wikipedia
- 立春養生 中醫防病保健4招 | 中醫專欄 | 德善堂中醫
- 立春：万物更始，养生防病正当时
- The 24 Solar Terms: China's Fifth Great Invention
- Shang dynasty - Wikipedia
- 发陈_百度百科
- 立春（二十四节气之一）_百度百科
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