Yang energy continues to rise as summer begins to establish itself. Temperatures increase, plants become full and abundant, and grains begin to swell but are not yet fully ripe, giving the solar term its name, Small Fullness. Nature is vibrant and growing, but has not yet reached its peak.
As Heat increases, Dampness often begins to accumulate alongside it. The Spleen remains important during this transition and can become burdened by warmth and humidity. The body may experience feelings of heaviness, sluggishness, digestive changes, restlessness, or a sense of internal heat building.
Mind
A time for moderation and balance give a 20% life buffer to help deflect exhaustion. Xiao Man reminds us that growth does not require excess. Feeling overstretched, impatient, or trying to do too much can create internal tension. Allow steady progress without pushing beyond your reserves. And be sure to rest during the middle of the day.
Exercise
Continue regular movement but avoid excessive heat and exhaustion. Walking, swimming, stretching, Tai Chi, or lighter outdoor activities. Be sure to exercise during cooler parts of the day. Gentle movement helps circulate Qi and prevents Dampness from settling. But remember to rest in the heat of the day.
Food
Choose lighter meals that support digestion and clear Heat without damaging the Spleen. By adding “bitter flavours” such as Rocket, Watercress, Chicory, Endive, Matcha or Dark Chocolate to your diet will clear heat, leafy greens, cucumber, berries, and lightly cooked foods work well. Continue reducing greasy and overly rich foods, and maintain good hydration without relying on iced drinks.
Clothing
Dress in lighter, breathable layers as temperatures rise, but avoid sudden overexposure to wind, strong sun, or air conditioning. Keep comfortable and cool while protecting the body from rapid changes in temperature.
Beginning of Summer (Li Xia) marks the transition from the gentle emergence of Spring into the expansive growth and vitality of Summer. Between 5th May and 21st May 2026, the rising influence of the Fire element and ascending Yang Qi encourages greater movement, activity, social connection, and outward expression. This guide explores how to remain balanced and nourished as nature shifts into a more dynamic phase of the year.
General
Explore the energetic significance of the Beginning of Summer within Traditional Chinese Medicine, including the movement from the “birth” phase of Spring into the active “growth” phase of Summer. Observe the rising dominance of Yang energy, the influence of the Fire element, see how living seasonally can help us remain aligned with the rhythms of nature.
If you are feeling weak and exhausted this time of the year, it may be that you are feeling the effect of the Yang Qi (chi, energy) moving outwards and leaving you digestive core, cold and depleted. Your digestive tract is unsupported and is running cold and waterlogged, this is called Summer Lethargy, and can easily be countered through treatment and assisted by dietary changes too.
Mind
Focuses on the emotional and mental aspects of the season, particularly the connection between Summer, the Heart, and the Shen (Spirit). It looks at supporting calm joy, emotional balance, healthy boundaries, and avoiding overstimulation as energy becomes more outward and expansive.
Exercise
Enjoy the feeling as your need for movement naturally changes during this solar term, encouraging more active exercise whilst avoiding overheating and depletion. It highlights the importance of sustainable vitality, hydration, and choosing cooler times of day for physical activity.
Food
Seasonal eating during the Beginning of Summer is key, including lighter meals, hydrating foods, seasonal vegetables, berries, and gently cooling ingredients that help support balance as temperatures rise. Reducing excessively greasy, fried, or heating foods and maintaining healthy digestion during warmer weather is key.
Avoid iced water, this can freeze your digestive activity more and compound the issue of exhaustion.
Clothing considers practical ways to remain comfortable and regulated during the seasonal transition, including breathable fabrics, layering, hydration, and supporting the body’s natural cooling mechanisms as external heat increases.
If you are over heated, avoid air conditioning as this leads to locking shut your pores and trapping cold in the internal organs, with the outer layer of Yang trying to escape, leading to possible skin eruptions.
The ancient knowledge of the Solar Terms provides a holistic seasonal guide rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, helping you embrace the warmth of the season with joy, connection and vitality of early Summer whilst maintaining balanced, resilience, and wellbeing.
For more information about how Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine can assist you in this season, please make an appointment.
Disclaimer
This content is offered to support awareness, not to “fix” you. It reflects a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective and is for informational purposes only—and is not a substitute for individual medical care or a one to one consultation and treatment.
Yang energy reaches its peak as spring enters its final phase. Warmth deepens, rainfall increases, and the environment becomes heavy, saturated, and full of growth. Nature is at its fullest expression—lush, abundant, and rapidly expanding as it prepares to transition into summer.
As this peak energy builds, Liver (Wood) Energy reaches its maximum strength. At the same time, rising humidity introduces significant Dampness into the environment. This creates pressure on the Spleen, which becomes overwhelmed by the combined force of upward Liver activity and external moisture. This can lead to digestive sluggishness, heaviness in the body, and the characteristic fatigue of late spring.
Mind A time to ease pressure and allow things to flow rather than forcing outcomes. Emotional tension, frustration, or overthinking can easily build as Liver energy peaks. Gentle release through expression, time in nature, and quiet reflection helps prevent stagnation and supports a smoother transition into summer.
Exercise Movement should be regular but moderate, encouraging circulation without exhausting the body. Brisk walking, light jogging, stretching, or practices such as Tai Chi are ideal. Aim for gentle activity that creates a light sweat, helping to move Qi and prevent Dampness from settling.
Food Focus on warm, cooked, and easily digestible meals that support the Spleen and help drain Dampness. Incorporate mild, naturally sweet foods such as grains and root vegetables, along with ingredients that gently clear moisture like beans and light vegetables. Avoid cold, raw, greasy, or overly rich foods, and reduce sour flavours which can overstimulate the Liver.
Clothing Although temperatures are rising, avoid shedding layers too quickly. Keep a light covering, particularly in the mornings and evenings, to protect against Damp and lingering coolness. Pay attention to keeping the abdomen and feet warm, as exposure during this time can allow Dampness to enter the body.
• Reduce damp-producing foods: sugar, dairy, excessive raw foods
• Morning sunlight exposure (very important for resetting yang)
• Gentle Spleen support points: ST36, SP6 (ask if appropriate for you, check with your Acupuncturist at your next appointment)
• Don’t oversleep — it actually worsens dampness in this pattern
This is essentially: the system waking up, but still has winter residue hanging around.
Open Gate
Boundaries becoming porous and letting in aggravating elements – leading to Allergy type symptoms. This is a beautiful but sometimes destabilising season.
What’s happening energetically:
The Liver’s natural function is to “spread and open”. In Clear and Bright, this becomes very active — almost like doors opening internally and externally and letting in the pollen.
It can be healthy (creative flow, emotional release), but if ungrounded it becomes chaotic.
• Emotional volatility but not necessarily anger — more “rawness”
• Strong urge to change life direction or clear everything out
How to help yourself:
• Grounding practices: slow walking, barefoot time on earth if possible
• Consistent routines (this is stabilising medicine in itself)
• Wind protection: scarf around neck, avoid strong wind exposure
• Going out for walks is good wear sunglasses and a face mask when outdoors or go out after the rain has settled the pollen.
• Acupuncture focus: LV3 + DU20 often used for centring and smoothing qi (ask if appropriate for you, check with your Acupuncturist at your next appointment)
• Emotional containment: avoid over-processing everything at once
• Keep meals regular — this anchors the Spleen and stabilises the “open system”
Think of this as: the doors are open — but you still need a frame so they don’t swing wildly.
Disclaimer
This content is offered to support awareness, not to “fix” you. It reflects a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective and is for informational purposes only—it is not a substitute for individual medical care.
Dan Lloyd the Acupuncturist – dan@whatisthepoint.net – 07815814886
Yang energy is dominant as spring fully unfolds. Days lengthen, temperatures rise, and the environment shifts into a state of clarity and rapid renewal. Colours appear sharper, the sky clearer, and nature expands quickly.
As warmth increases, stored Kidney energy rises to the surface, moving into the tendons and muscles. This coincides with peak Liver (Wood) energy. At the same time, spring rains bring dampness, compressing the Spleen between upward Liver activity and downward humidity. This can contribute to Rising Fire, Spring Sleepiness, and the “Open Gate” pattern.
Mind
A time for reflection, gratitude, and letting go of what no longer serves you. Unprocessed grief can slow Qi circulation (Qi stagnation), blocking the natural upward movement of spring energy. Expressing emotion and speaking freely helps release this stagnation, preventing internal heat imbalance.
Exercise
Movement is essential to keep Qi flowing. Outdoor activity is especially beneficial—walking, jogging, gardening, or gentle hiking. Traditional practice also includes flying a kite, encouraging uplifted posture, open breathing, and emotional release.
Food
Eat fresh greens, herbs, and lightly cooked seasonal foods. Avoid heavy or greasy meals. Good choices include asparagus with garlic or ginger. Emphasise naturally sweet foods like sweet potato and yam, and reduce overly sour flavours.
Clothing
Dress lightly, but remain prepared for wind and spring showers.
Find out more about the three patterns that manifest, their symptoms and how to help yourself – in the next blog.
The days and nights are equal at this time of the year, reminding us to seek balance, whether this from your diet, exercise and rest ratio or work to life balance, this is a good time to looks at where you are right now, and maybe alter things for the better.
Food
Aim for moderation in meals, avoiding extremes. Include a variety of vegetables, grains, and proteins.
Exercise
Combine strength, flexibility, and gentle cardio in exercise.
The perfect exercise for this Solar Term is to go out and fly a kite, this helps open the chest as you look up. also you open the eyes to the light as you track the moving kite through the sky. Perfect for keeping the Liver free from restraint and allowing the Wood energy to flow.
Mind
Meditation focusing on inner harmony supports emotional equilibrium.
Clothing
Dress for mild days and cooler evenings.
This is an excellent time to adjust habits gently and restore balance in daily life.
Insects Awaken – 5th March – 20th March 2026 This 15 day Solar term marks the stirring of life and rising activity in Nature, step out into the world and notice the small changes that are occurring on a daily basis this time of the year.
Food – Eat fresh, seasonal foods including leafy greens, eggs, legumes, and spring onions. Limit alcohol and rich foods.
Exercise – Become more dynamic, but avoid overexertion. continue the stretching especially side bends and balance work.
Mind – Meditation should calm the nervous system, as restlessness may increase.
Clothing – Dress in layers to adapt to changeable weather.
Good sleep and stress management are essential to keep energy flowing smoothly.
Be sure to keep the body supple and flexible this term by stretching the sides of the body (side Stretches) which helps to release the Liver Qi from being stagnant, and work on your one foot balance practice as this assists the wood energy to become grounded or rooted.
If you would like to know more about maintaining a healthy balance for your health and lifestyle please contact Dan for a consultation and treatment.
As moisture increases, digestion needs support. Eat warm, simple meals such as rice, porridge, soups, and steamed vegetables. Avoid excessive sugar and damp-forming foods.
Moderate exercise like walking or cycling helps prevent heaviness. Meditation can focus on releasing frustration and emotional stagnation.
Wear breathable but protective clothing, guarding against damp and temperature shifts. Consistent routines now help stabilise energy as spring unfolds.
Not that we need any more rain in the UK right now, but with the effect of the Fire Horse year taking hold, we will need the water to help give us the chance to reflect upon the events that are ahead.
Good bye year of the Snake, Hello to the Hear of the Horse.
The Characteristics of the Horse and Fire in the same year.
The horse is an active animal and this coming year will be no different, in fact with the element of Fire as its Heavenly Stem and its Natural Element, there will be plenty of movement. This is what is known as the “Double Fire” year, which happens every 60 years as part of a cycle.
The last “Yang Fire Horse Year” was 1966, which we seemed to navigate through fairly well, yes, there were wars, political unrest and protests, but we did see Lunar and Space Missions and even England winning the Football World Cup.
Other Yang Fire Horse years witnessed the publications of Guillivers Travels, seen advances in global trade, civil rites progress towards equality, cultural shifts with pop music and the youth culture shaping the future of the arts. We have also seen scientific advancements in medicine, technology and nuclear research, so there is a lot to look forward to.
What does next year potentially have in store?
An overview of the year ahead, drawing both on Chinese metaphysical patterns and real-world trends, blending these principals with what we are seeing in the world as we approach the turning of the new year.
The strengths of this year include potential breakthroughs in innovations, cultural and scientific shifts, the year favours bold creative actions, and the streamlining and reinvention of outdated systems. To see this through we will need strong yet dynamic leadership, bringing better outcomes locally, nationally and globally.
While the challenges that we anticipate include, instability or rapid swings in global politics, climate stress and environmental strain. Also social unrest, heightened emotional and cultural tension around the globe could lead to a reactive governance trying to keep the peace.
And on a more positive note, who knows, Englands men may even win another World Cup!
What can you do to harness these energies for a more positive year?
Fire sheds light and gives movement, it helps show what is dormant or invisible to us, sometime it reveals what needs to be redeveloped. Whether it is an old unused or broken system or a new system that was never fit for purpose. So keep looking for these moments of truth and remember to act in a positive way towards change.
Fire can be controlled by water, bringing calm and reflection, while Earth brings a grounded thoughtfulness and a stable foundation to work from, these will both help catalyse growth and control the fire which if left unchecked can ignite conflict, imbalance or exhaustion.
My suggestion is to take time to work through issues that arise. Be decisive when you act, be aware that procrastinating in the controlling phase of development can cause greater conflict and flare-ups of anger and discontent.
My year of the Yin Wood Snake
Last year I spoke about the snakes coils ready to spring, and many people and maybe the world itself, have been waiting for something to happen for most of the year. If you had allowed the possibilities there have been many positive changes for development this year.
Here at Iwood Health these possibilities have led to us developing an incredibly strong team of therapist to give our clients the best service we can offer.
With Jackie and myself (Dan) as Acupuncturists, Áine as our Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapist, Hazel brings her expertise as a pharmacist and Nutritional Therapist, Katie our Psychotherapeutic Councillor, John and Louise offering different elements of Hypnotherapy and Lisa as our Kinesiologist. We have so much to offer for the many different ailments that we see on a daily basis. I am very grateful to the team at Iwood, not only for the support that they give people who love visiting the serenity of the clinic, but also the kindness that they show each other in the team.
My Acupuncture Clinic, this year has seen some very interesting shifts in the style of treatment and the type of patients who are being presented to me, I have been seeing more children and also more complex medical cases. Nearly all my new patients are coming from patient referrals and word of mouth, for which I am extremely grateful.
Family has been a very important element of this past year, this snake year has been a challenging one and as with all snake years we have had to shed many layers to allow the growth of passing events, but having been through these moments and giving myself the chance to reflect, I can see that we have grown as a family.
This year ahead I am looking forward to seeing new adventures and living life to the fullest. With a promise to myself to remember to enjoy the reflective time and keep myself grounded during the moments of excess fire.
Be sure your life is full of “I can’t believe I did that!” rather than “I should have done that!”
Wishing you a very Happy and Healthy Chinese New Year
This Wednesday, February 4th, marked Li Chun – the Arrival of Spring and the very first Solar Term of the year.
Although temperatures may still be cool, spring energy begins to rise.
Support the liver with lightly cooked greens, sprouts, leeks, and gentle sour flavours such as lemon. Reduce heavy, greasy foods. Stretching, yoga, and walking help release stagnation.
Meditation focusing on intention-setting supports the season’s forward momentum.
Continue layering clothing to protect against wind.
Emotionally, practise patience and openness as new ideas and plans begin to form.
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