20/03/2026
2026 Spring Equinox Health Guide:
During the Spring Equinox, the Yang energy in nature gradually strengthens, while the Yin energy wanes. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) emphasizes the principle of "harmony between heaven and humanity" (天人合一). Therefore, the core principles of health preservation during the Spring Equinox are to harmonize Yin and Yang, soothe the liver, and strengthen the spleen.
Dietary Regulation: Reduce Sour, Increase Sweet, and Calm Liver FireSpring corresponds to the liver among the five zang organs, and liver qi is most vigorous during this season. Improper diet can easily lead to excessive liver qi, which can then over-restrain the spleen and stomach, affecting digestive function. Therefore, the Spring Equinox diet should follow the principle of "reducing sour and increasing sweet."
•Reduce sour foods: Such as vinegar and hawthorn, to avoid over-stimulating liver qi.•Increase sweet foods: Such as yam, red dates, and millet, which help to invigorate the spleen and qi, and harmonize the liver and spleen.
•Consume pungent, sweet, and warm foods: It is recommended to eat more fresh vegetables like carrots, cabbage, and cauliflower, as well as protein-rich foods, keeping the diet light and palatable [2].•Emphasize dietary balance: When consuming cold-natured foods (e.g., crab), pair them with warm-natured condiments (e.g., ginger, vinegar) to neutralize the coldness. Conversely, when eating hot-natured foods, pay attention to pairing to avoid extreme cold or heat harming the spleen and stomach.
Supplementary Dietary Principles•Yin-Yang balance, avoid picky eating: The diet should adhere to the principle of Yin-Yang balance and avoid picky eating. It is recommended to consume more cauliflower, lotus seeds, and beef tripe.
•Cauliflower: Can strengthen the body and resist influenza.
•Lotus seeds: Can stabilize vital essence, strengthen the physique, nourish deficiency, and dispel dampness and cold.
•Beef tripe: Can nourish the spleen and stomach, and replenish qi.
Daily Life and Psychological Adjustment: Follow Nature, Moderate ExerciseIn addition to dietary regulation, daily life and psychological adjustment should also align with the characteristics of the Spring Equinox.
•Practice "Spring Covering": Although temperatures gradually rise after the Spring Equinox, the temperature difference between morning and evening remains significant, and "cold snaps" often occur. Therefore, clothing should be adjusted gradually, paying attention to keeping warm, especially the lower limbs and back, to prevent colds.
•Early to bed, early to rise: Follow the natural pattern of rising Yang energy, maintain a regular schedule, which helps to keep spirits high and avoid spring fatigue.
•Moderate exercise: Spring Equinox is a good time for outdoor activities. It is recommended to choose gentle exercises such as walking, jogging, and Tai Chi to help Yang energy rise and strengthen the body. However, avoid strenuous exercise that leads to excessive sweating, as this can deplete Yang energy.
Psychological Adjustment and Disease Prevention
•Relieve stress, regulate emotions: Spring Equinox is a high-incidence period for mental illnesses. We can choose foods rich in B vitamins that can relieve stress and regulate emotions. Individuals who are easily agitated or prone to anger can opt for B vitamin-rich foods, mainly including pork leg, soybeans, peanuts, tenderloin, ham, black rice, chicken liver, milk, yeast, fish, egg yolk, and spinach.
•Open windows for ventilation, prevent diseases: The Spring Equinox season is conducive to the reproduction and spread of pathogens, making it a high-incidence period for epidemic diseases. In daily life, it is important to frequently open doors and windows for ventilation to maintain indoor air circulation and prevent the spread of diseases.