This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. The foods, teas, and practices described here are traditional wellness practices rooted in Chinese culture. They are not a substitute for professional medical care, diagnosis, or treatment. Some foods and herbs may interact with medications — always inform your doctor about everything you consume. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Read our full disclaimer →
Solar Term Origin (节气由来)
Lichun (立春), meaning "Start of Spring," is the first of the twenty-four solar terms and typically falls on February 3rd, 4th, or 5th each year. The character "li" (立) means "to establish" or "to begin," marking the moment when winter's grip loosens and the seeds of spring are sown. In ancient China, Lichun was one of the most important ceremonial occasions of the year. Emperors would lead officials in grand spring-welcoming rituals, while common folk celebrated with their own lively traditions passed down through generations.
Agriculturally, Lichun signaled the beginning of the farming cycle. Though the weather might still be cold, the land was stirring beneath the frost. Farmers prepared their fields, selected seeds, and planned the year's crops. The ancient saying "A year's plan begins in spring" (一年之计在于春) reflects how this solar term set the tone for the entire agricultural year. It was a time of hope, renewal, and forward-looking effort.
Among the most beloved Lichun customs is "biting spring" (咬春), a tradition dating back to the Tang Dynasty. People eat spring pancakes (春饼) — thin wheat wrappers filled with stir-fried seasonal vegetables — or bite into crisp raw radishes to welcome the new season. The act of biting into fresh, pungent foods symbolizes biting into the vitality of spring itself, dispersing the stagnant energy accumulated during the long winter months and embracing the rising yang qi.
Seasonal Food Therapy Principle (季节食补)
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, spring corresponds to the Wood element and the Liver organ. During Lichun, yang qi begins to rise and stir after its winter dormancy, much like the first shoots pushing through the soil. The liver's natural tendency in spring is to disperse and flow — it wants to move qi smoothly throughout the body. When this upward and outward movement is supported, energy flows freely, emotions remain balanced, and the body transitions gracefully into the warmer months. When it is blocked — by stress, poor diet, or lingering winter stagnation — symptoms such as irritability, chest tightness, digestive upset, and headaches may arise.
The guiding TCM principle for Lichun is to awaken yang qi and soothe the liver. Foods with pungent and slightly sweet flavors — such as chives, spring onions, toon shoots, and watercress — help disperse liver qi and encourage the gentle upward movement of yang. At the same time, the spleen must be protected, as the liver's rising energy can overact on the digestive system. Moderately sweet foods like red dates, lotus seeds, and yam nourish the spleen and provide a stable foundation. The ancient physician Sun Simiao advised "reduce sour and increase sweet" (省酸增甘) in spring, meaning one should limit astringent sour foods that constrain liver qi and favor sweet foods that strengthen the spleen. Warm, lightly cooked meals are preferred over cold or raw dishes, which can chill the still-vulnerable digestive fire.
Solar Term Menu (节气菜单)
The following Lichun menu features seasonal ingredients traditionally used to awaken yang qi, soothe the liver, and protect the spleen. Dish names and their TCM benefits are listed below.
Hot Dishes (热菜)
| Dish | TCM Benefit |
|---|---|
| Chive Pockets (韭菜盒子) | Chives warm the middle and disperse liver qi; supports yang rising |
| Three-Shred Stir-fried Watercress (三丝炒水芹) | Watercress clears heat and resolves dampness; lightens the body for spring |
| Steamed Lion's Head (清炖狮子头) | Gently nourishes qi and blood without burdening the spleen |
Cold Dishes (凉菜)
| Dish | TCM Benefit |
|---|---|
| Golden-Silver Radish (金银萝卜) | Radish descends qi and clears phlegm; aids digestion after winter |
| Toon Shoots with Tofu (香椿拌豆腐) | Toon shoots awaken yang and disperse stagnation; tofu clears heat |
Soups (汤品)
| Dish | TCM Benefit |
|---|---|
| Ginger-Scallion Chicken Soup (姜葱焖土鸡) | Warms the middle, disperses cold, and supports rising yang qi |
| Goji Sprout Congee (枸杞芽粥) | Goji sprouts nourish liver yin and clear liver heat; gentle and restorative |
Staples (主食)
| Dish | TCM Benefit |
|---|---|
| Spring Pancakes (春饼) | Wrapped with seasonal greens; supports the "biting spring" tradition |
| Five-Flavor Spring Rolls (五辛春卷) | Pungent vegetables disperse stagnation and awaken yang qi |
Snacks / Desserts (小吃/点心)
| Dish | TCM Benefit |
|---|---|
| Lotus Seed Joy Balls (莲心欢喜团) | Lotus seeds calm the heart and soothe the spirit |
| Date Cake (枣糕) | Red dates nourish blood and strengthen the spleen |
Teas (茶饮)
| Dish | TCM Benefit |
|---|---|
| Rose Tea (玫瑰花茶) | Soothes liver qi, regulates emotions, and promotes smooth energy flow |
| Chenpi Tea (陈皮茶) | Regulates qi, transforms dampness, and supports digestion |
Foods to Favor / Avoid (饮食宜忌)
Foods to Favor
- Pungent, dispersing vegetables: Chives, spring onions, toon shoots, watercress — help liver qi flow freely and awaken yang energy.
- Moderately sweet foods: Red dates, lotus seeds, yam, honey — strengthen the spleen and provide a stable foundation for rising spring energy.
- Seasonal greens: Spinach, shepherd's purse, bean sprouts — nourish liver blood and clear lingering winter heat.
- Warm, lightly cooked meals: Soups, stir-fries, and congees — protect the spleen from cold and support gentle yang rising.
Foods to Avoid
- Excessive sour foods: Too much vinegar, sour plums, or pickled items can astringe liver qi and hinder its natural dispersing movement in spring.
- Cold and raw foods: Ice-cold drinks, raw salads in excess, and frozen desserts — can chill the digestive fire when the spleen is still vulnerable.
- Greasy, heavy dishes: Deep-fried foods and rich meats — burden the spleen and create dampness that obstructs qi flow.
- Excessively spicy or heating foods: Too much chili or pepper can stir up internal heat and aggravate liver fire.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the TCM principle for eating during Lichun (Start of Spring)?
During Lichun, the TCM principle is to awaken yang qi and soothe the liver. Spring corresponds to the Wood element and the Liver organ. As yang energy begins to rise after winter, the liver needs support to ensure the smooth flow of qi. Foods that are pungent and slightly sweet, such as chives, spring onions, and toon shoots, help disperse liver qi and encourage the upward movement of yang. It is also important to protect the spleen, so moderate sweetness from dates and yam is recommended alongside the pungent flavors. The ancient physician Sun Simiao advised "reduce sour and increase sweet" in spring to support this balance.
What is the traditional "biting spring" custom?
"Biting spring" (咬春) is a traditional Lichun custom dating back centuries. People eat spring pancakes (春饼) wrapped with fresh seasonal vegetables, or bite into raw radishes to welcome the arrival of spring. The practice symbolizes biting into the new season's vitality. Spring pancakes are thin wheat wrappers filled with stir-fried seasonal vegetables, while the radish tradition comes from the belief that its pungent flavor helps disperse the stagnant qi accumulated during winter. Both customs embody the TCM principle of using pungent, dispersing foods to support the liver's natural upward movement in spring.
Which foods should be avoided during Lichun?
During Lichun, it is traditionally advised to avoid overly sour foods in excess, as sour flavors astringe and can hinder the liver's natural tendency to disperse qi in spring. Also avoid excessively greasy, heavy, or cold foods that burden the spleen and stomach, which are still recovering from winter. Limit very spicy or heating foods that could stir up internal heat. Instead, favor lightly cooked seasonal greens, gentle pungent vegetables, and warm soups that support the rising yang without overheating the body. These are traditional wellness practices, not medical restrictions.
This article shares traditional wellness practices for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The foods, teas, and practices described here are not intended to treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you have a medical condition, take medications, are pregnant, or experience concerning symptoms, consult your healthcare provider before making dietary changes. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Read our full disclaimer →