Golden Triangle

Tracking Season Shifts in Traditional Chinese Medicine & Philosophy

In Chinese Medicine and the 5 Element Theory, the seasons do not align exactly with the solstices and equinoxes, as they do in Western astronomical calendars. 

Instead, they follow the ancient Chinese Lunar-Solar Calendar which divides the year into 24 solar terms based on the movement of the sun.

How Seasons Are Structured in Chinese Medicine

 

Spring (Wood) – Begins around early February

Starts before the Spring Equinox (March 20–21).

Peak energy around the Vernal Equinox.

Ends around early May.

Summer (Fire) – Begins around early May 

Starts before the Summer Solstice (June 20–21).

Peak energy at the Summer Solstice.

Ends around early August.

Late Summer (Earth) – Begins around early August 

This is a transitional season unique to TCM.

Governs digestion, spleen/stomach health.

Ends around mid-September.

Autumn (Metal) – Begins around mid-September 

Starts before the Autumn Equinox (September 20–21).

Peak energy around the Autumn Equinox.

Ends around early November.

Winter (Water) – Begins around early November 

Starts before the Winter Solstice (December 20–21).

Peak energy at the Winter Solstice.

Ends around early February.

Key Differences Between Chinese Medicine & Western Seasonal Timing

  • Chinese seasons begin earlier than solstices/equinoxes.

 

  • Each season’s energy builds toward its peak (e.g., winter starts before the solstice, not on it).

 

  • There is a 5th season (Late Summer, Earth Element) that isn’t recognized in Western models.

 

  • The 24 solar terms fine-tune seasonal transitions, guiding lifestyle, farming, and health practices.

The Elemental Influence of Seasonal Shifts in Chinese Medicine

Each season in Chinese Medicine & 5 Element Theory brings a unique energy that affects the body, mind, and emotions. Understanding these transitions helps align health, emotions, and lifestyle choices with nature’s rhythms.

🌿 SPRING (Wood Element) → Rising Yang

Begins: Early February → Peak: Spring Equinox (~March 20) → Ends: Early May

Energetics:

  • Expansive, rising, dynamic. Nature is waking up, and so is the body’s Qi.
  • Liver & Gallbladder dominate → movement, growth, planning.
  • Emotionally: Encourages vision, decision-making, assertiveness.
  • Imbalances: Irritability, frustration, stuck emotions, headaches, tight tendons.

Alignment Practices:

  • Move—Stretch, walk, do Qigong to keep Liver Qi flowing.
  • Eat light & fresh—Greens, sprouts, sour foods (lemon, vinegar) to support detox.
  • Plan & create—Align life goals, strategize.
  • Release stuck emotions—Journaling, emotional clearing, or anger release work.

🔥 SUMMER (Fire Element) → Peak Yang

Begins: Early May → Peak: Summer Solstice (~June 21) → Ends: Early August

Energetics:

  • Maximum expansion, outward movement, joy.
  • Heart & Small Intestine rule → connection, passion, socializing.
  • Emotionally: Brings joy, excitement, playfulness, love.
  • Imbalances: Anxiety, burnout, restlessness, overexertion.

Alignment Practices:

  • Express & connect—Laugh, spend time with friends, be creative.
  • Eat cooling foods—Watermelon, cucumber, mint, lightly cooked meals.
  • Move gently—Avoid overheating with intense workouts; favor swimming, stretching.
  • Balance joy & stillness—Too much excitement can drain the heart.

🌿 EARTH (Late Summer) → Transition Period (Centering & Grounding)

Begins: Early August → Peak: ~Mid-August → Ends: Mid-September


Energetics:

  • Stabilizing, centering, harmonizing.
  • Spleen & Stomach dominate → digestion, nourishment, stability.
  • Emotionally: Focus on self-care, integration, and nurturing.
  • Imbalances: Worry, overthinking, bloating, sluggish digestion.

Alignment Practices:

  • Eat warm, nourishing foods—Steamed veggies, grains, root vegetables, squash.
  • Grounding practices—Walking barefoot, Qi Gong, breathwork.
  • Slow down & reflect—Digest experiences, avoid rushing into new projects.
  • Balance giving & receiving—Strengthen personal boundaries.

🍂 AUTUMN (Metal Element) → Yin Begins to Deepen

Begins: Mid-September → Peak: Autumn Equinox (~Sept 21) → Ends: Early November

Energetics:

  • Contraction, refinement, letting go.
  • Lungs & Large Intestine rule → breath, elimination, structure.
  • Emotionally: Grief, inspiration, discernment, precision.
  • Imbalances: Sadness, difficulty releasing emotions, skin/lung issues.

 

Alignment Practices:

  • Breathe deeply—Practice breathwork, meditation, spend time outdoors.
  • Declutter—Physically & emotionally, clear what no longer serves.
  • Eat warming, pungent foods—Ginger, garlic, radish, pears to support lungs.
  • Reflect & refine—Set clear boundaries, focus on what truly matters.

❄️ WINTER (Water Element) → Deep Yin (Rest & Restoration)

Begins: Early November → Peak: Winter Solstice (~Dec 21) → Ends: Early February

Energetics:

  • Deepest stillness, inward reflection, conservation.
  • Kidneys & Bladder rule → energy reserves, longevity, willpower.
  • Emotionally: Deep wisdom, introspection, rest.
  • Imbalances: Fear, exhaustion, burnout, low motivation.

 

Alignment Practices:

  • Rest & restore—More sleep, quiet time, deep inner work.
  • Eat warm, nourishing meals—Soups, stews, bone broth, black beans, seaweed.
  • Embrace stillness—Meditation, slow movement (Tai Chi, Yin Yoga).
  • Strengthen kidneys—Stay warm, avoid excess cold foods or overworking.
  • Deepest stillness, inward reflection, conservation.

✨ Key Takeaways:

✔ The seasons shift before the solstices/equinoxes → Follow Chinese solar terms for deeper alignment.
✔ Each season affects emotions & the body differently → Adapt your diet, activities, and mindset accordingly.
✔ Balance Yin & Yang → Moving through the seasons in harmony prevents illness & emotional stagnation.