Spring Equinox: 4th Seasonal Node (March 20 – April 4, 2026)
March 20, 2026 marks Spring Equinox, the 4th of the 24 solar terms and the fourth stage of spring.
Spring Equinox is like the sunrise point in the year. The sun rises and the day begins. Yang qi is growing and will gradually take the lead.
Nature is beginning to come to life. The grass looks greener, tree buds are forming and early plants are starting to appear.
Spring Equinox: What’s Happening in Nature
Day and night are equal
Thunderstorms return
Temperatures rise
Sunlight is brighter
Birds are more active
Psycho-emotional
As the energy of the season begins to rise and move outward, it’s helpful to create a sense of ease, balance and flow in our emotions. This supports the natural outward movement of qi.
Be aware of self-criticism and anger, since they can create pressure and stagnation, which may show up as frustration and muscular tension.
Let the body soften and allow your emotions to move and pass through.
How Spring Affects the Body
In TCM, spring is associated with the Liver, which supplies the tendons and ligaments with blood. Aches in the tendons can flare up in the spring, since frequent temperature changes can affect the Liver’s ability to circulate blood smoothly. This can be especially noticeable in the knees, which are referred to as the “house of the sinews.”
Best Foods for Spring (Five Element Nutrition)
This time of year, it helps to eat food that's light, easy to digest and not overly hot or cold. Use the list below as a guide and add the ones you enjoy to your meals.
Leafy greens (spinach, arugula, dandelion greens)
Lightly cooked vegetables
Sprouts and young vegetables
Asparagus, peas, radishes
Fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, mint)
Scallions, chives and garlic
Whole grains (rice, oats, barley)
Small amount of sour foods (lemon, vinegar)
Spring Self-Care (TCM Tips)
To freshen the air and help your breathing feel more open, put a few drops of peppermint essential oil in an open container in your bedroom. I use a small lava rock passive essential oil diffuserwhich works great for this. It’s simple and won’t tip over. I add a few drops each day to refresh.
Combing therapy (combing the hair) is an ancient self-care practice used in Chinese medicine.
The head is the most yang part of the body. Spring is when yang energy begins to expand. Gently stimulating the scalp is especially beneficial to the entire body this time of year.
In Chinese medicine, the scalp is seen as a microsystem of the whole body. Combing stimulates the channels of the head, helping mobilize qi and blood to circulate through the body.
In the evening, before bed is an especially good time for this practice.
You can use any comb that’s gentle on the scalp and doesn’t pull the hair.
I really like this 36 Finger Head / Scalp Massager. I use it every night.
Closing
Spring Equinox is a good time to engage with the energy of the season. Take a walk or exercise outside and stretch a little more. Let the breath expand and move freely through the lungs. Let your emotions to move through you and keep your thoughts positive and supportive.
Next season: Clear and Bright – April 5 to April 19, 2026
Join me for an Introduction to Tai Chi workshop, an 8-week series for beginners. Begins April 15, 2026. Learn more here!
