Introduction to the Rain Water Solar Term The Rain Water solar term for this Xinmao year is from February 19th to March 5th, starting when the sun reaches the celestial longitude of 330°. The almanac states: "When the Dipper points to Ren, it is Rain Water. The east wind thaws the ice and snow, which all melt and turn into water, transforming into rain. Hence the name 'Rain Water'." Although during the Rain Water season, plants and trees begin to sprout, the weather warms up, and vitality abounds, cold waves are also most frequent during this time, often leading to a 'spring cold'. It is important to add or remove clothing promptly to prevent catching a cold from exposure; increase outdoor activities to promote the smooth flow of qi and blood, and to keep the muscles and bones supple. Follow the upward and expansive trend of the season, and cultivate a peaceful and contented mood.
Recommended Foods: Chives, onions, pea shoots, glutinous rice, pumpkin, eggs, fish, etc. In spring, yang energy begins to flourish. Individuals with a yang-deficient constitution should pay special attention to supporting this yang energy and nourishing the liver yang. However, since the liver and spleen mutually benefit, while nourishing the liver, it is also crucial to regulate the spleen and stomach. 'If the spleen and stomach are injured, vital qi will decline; if vital qi declines, one's lifespan will be shortened.' To harmonize with the season's renewal, eat more foods like chives, onions, mustard greens, pea shoots, fennel, celery, and shepherd's purse. For warming and moistening foods to protect the spleen and stomach against the spring cold, consume glutinous rice, oats, pumpkin, carrots, green beans, eggs, fish, shrimp, beef, soy products, etc. Congee (rice porridge) is an excellent food for this season. It is not bland or uninteresting when made with a long-simmered broth, and can be enhanced with seafood or lean meat, or mixed with various grains and beans, garnished with vegetables. The true skill lies in achieving a perfect harmony of water and rice, creating a texture that is soft and smooth as one—a truly delicious dish.
Foods to Eat in Moderation: Fried and grilled foods, potato chips, biscuits, roasted nuts, greasy foods, cold/raw foods, and sour foods Rain Water does not mean abundant rain, but rather a rise in temperature, with snow turning to rain. This year, it is also windy and dry, often leading to dry skin, a dry mouth and tongue, constipation, and 'heatiness'. Regardless of a food's inherent cold or hot nature, if it is fried or grilled, it can become a food that easily causes 'heatiness'. Potato chips, biscuits, and roasted nuts are all drying foods and should be consumed in moderation. Eat less greasy food as it is difficult to digest and can easily lead to indigestion. Cold and raw foods can directly harm the spleen and stomach. Sour foods (vinegar, lemon, hawthorn, preserved plums) can impede the upward movement of liver qi, so they should be avoided.
Foods to Avoid: Raw scallions, garlic, pepper, chili, white liquor, liver In the third month of spring, the world renews and emerges. Do not kill, do not plunder, do not punish. Eat pungent foods to aid this renewal. However, avoid foods with harsh, potent aromas that can drain the essence and qi. Foods like raw scallions, garlic, pepper, chili, and white liquor, while pungent and dispersing, have a strong, acrid flavor and a 'killing' nature. The *Jin Gui Yao Lue* states, 'In spring, one should not eat liver.' The *Qian Jin Fang* (for the Beginning of Spring and Rain Water) says that one should not eat raw scallions or smartweed, as it can cause 'wandering wind' on the face. Also, avoid eating animals that are not in their proper season (i.e., hibernating animals like frogs, snakes, turtles, and soft-shelled turtles).
Tips for Exercise during Rain Water for a Yang-Deficient Constitution The liver's nature is yang; it prefers movement over stillness. When you move, it allows the qi of the entire body to flow smoothly, harmonizes qi and blood, and lifts the spirits. Continuing to stay indoors will cause liver qi to stagnate, leading to qi stagnation and blood stasis, or the stagnation of qi transforming into fire, causing the liver fire to flare uncontrollably. You must immerse yourself in nature to soothe your mood and regulate the liver qi. Evening or after dinner is a good time for activity; take a walk or go for a light jog.
Tips for Daily Routine during Rain Water for a Yang-Deficient Constitution Do not use a thin blanket and endure the cold. Staying warm in spring is more important for a yang-deficient constitution than in winter. In winter, the body is in a state of storage, but in spring, the pores are open for release, making it easier to catch cold. Furthermore, due to yang deficiency, cold qi is not easily expelled and can remain in the body. In the south, the weather is already warm, so be careful not to catch a cold; do not use a thin blanket at night. In the north, do not put away your winter quilts and clothes yet. The practice of 'spring covering' should continue until after the Rain Water solar term. Taking off cotton clothes too early can easily lead to cold in the head, lower limbs, hands, and throat, increasing the risk of catching colds, bronchitis, arthritis, and other illnesses. During the Rain Water season, the weather is unpredictable, and it is one of the times of the year with the most frequent cold snaps. This can affect a person's mood. During this time, avoid staying up late or overexerting yourself. If you lack sleep, take a nap to make up for it.
Tips for Emotional Well-being during Rain Water for a Yang-Deficient Constitution A person's emotions are closely related to the liver's function of ensuring the smooth flow of qi. Normal emotions depend on the proper circulation of qi and blood. At this time, the liver qi should rise and flourish in accordance with the season. If the liver fails to ensure this smooth flow, it can easily stir up liver fire, leading to irritability and anger, or it can injure the spleen and stomach, causing symptoms like dry eyes, loss of appetite, and fatigue. This is especially true for those with a yang-deficient constitution characterized by 'upper heat and lower cold' (cold hands and feet but prone to 'heatiness'). Violent emotions, in turn, disrupt the normal circulation of qi and blood, leading to liver qi stagnation. If this condition worsens, it can further injure the spleen and stomach, leading to gastrointestinal problems. In spring, one must guard against anger, especially in the morning after waking up. Do not argue or complain. Set aside newspapers, television, and the harsh realities of the world. Eat your breakfast mindfully, calmly, and peacefully. Quietly cultivate your qi, so that the liver qi does not rebel, and the spleen and stomach can remain peaceful.
Tips for Tea Drinks during Rain Water for a Yang-Deficient Constitution: Goji Berry and Chrysanthemum Tea Place chrysanthemum flowers and goji berries in a cup, pour in boiling water, cover, and let steep for 15 minutes. Stir in honey and it is ready to drink. Chrysanthemum tea is one of the best liver-protecting beverages in spring. For those with excessive liver fire, it has the effects of dispelling wind, clearing heat, and calming the liver to improve vision. Office workers who stare at a computer all day can drink it to alleviate dryness and blurriness in the eyes caused by prolonged screen time, and it can also help prevent vision decline. Adding goji berries, which nourish yin and benefit the kidneys, makes it the most suitable tea for those with a yang-deficient constitution during the spring season.
Pregnant women or those menstruating should use with caution. It is contraindicated for those with qi deficiency, a cold stomach, poor appetite, and diarrhea.