Lichun (立春) marks the first of the 24 Solar Terms and signals the energetic transition from winter’s storage to spring’s gradual growth.
Although external temperatures may remain cold, yang qi has already begun to rise internally, making this a critical period for clinical regulation rather than aggressive intervention.

From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, Lichun represents the activation of Liver qi and the initial movement of spring’s Wood energy. How this phase is managed can significantly influence a patient’s physiological balance throughout the year.

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Clinical Focus at Lichun: Regulate, Not Stimulate

At this early stage of spring, the body is not yet ready for strong dispersing or tonifying methods.
The primary clinical objective is to support smooth qi movement while protecting the Spleen and conserving residual winter essence.

Key principles:

• Gently course Liver qi

• Prevent internal heat from premature yang rising

• Avoid overconsumption of rich or cloying substances

This is a period of fine adjustment, not dramatic correction.

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Common Patterns Seen Around Lichun

Practitioners may notice an increase in:

• Liver qi stagnation with emotional irritability

• Digestive discomfort due to weak Spleen qi meeting rising Liver activity

• Residual cold with constrained yang

• Fatigue despite longer daylight hours

These presentations often reflect a mismatch between internal seasonal change and external lifestyle habits.

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Dietary & Lifestyle Guidance for Patients

Dietary direction

• Emphasise light, warm, easily digestible foods

• Mild sweet and neutral flavours to support the Spleen

• Limit excessive sour, spicy, greasy, or alcohol intake

Lifestyle advice

• Gradual shift toward earlier rising

• Gentle movement: stretching, walking, tai chi

• Emotional regulation and stress moderation are particularly important, as the Liver is highly responsive during this period

Patient education at Lichun can significantly reduce the likelihood of spring-onset imbalances later in the season.

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Herbal Strategy Considerations

From a prescribing perspective, Lichun is well suited to:

• Light regulatory formulas

• Gentle qi-moving approaches

• Avoidance of heavy tonification unless clearly indicated

Precision and moderation are key. Overly warming or strongly dispersing strategies may lead to internal heat, insomnia, headaches, or digestive upset as spring progresses.

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Lichun (立春) = Clinical reset point

At Herbprime, we view Lichun as a clinical reset point—a time to reassess constitution, review long-term strategies, and support practitioners with consistent, high-quality herbal dispensing that allows for accurate, subtle adjustments.

Seasonal prescribing relies not only on classical theory, but also on reliable herbal quality, traceability, and consistency, ensuring that even small formula modifications achieve predictable outcomes.

As spring begins, we encourage practitioners to work with the season rather than ahead of it—
allowing the body’s natural momentum to unfold safely and sustainably.