1. Origin
The term "Jingzhe" (Awakening of Insects) originates from natural phenomena. "Jing" means to awaken, and "Zhe" refers to hibernating animals. Jingzhe signifies that spring thunder awakens hibernating animals, symbolizing the revival of all things. Jingzhe is one of the 24 traditional Chinese solar terms, usually occurring on March 5 or 6 each year, marking the further advancement of spring.
2. Characteristics
During Jingzhe, temperatures rise rapidly, spring thunder becomes more frequent, hibernating animals begin to awaken, and crops enter their growth stage. At this time, most parts of China enter the spring plowing season. Jingzhe is a critical period for spring plowing, when farmers begin sowing and fertilizing, and tasks such as fruit tree pruning and pest control are also carried out.
3. Customs
"Eating Pears": In northern China, there is a custom of eating pears during Jingzhe, symbolizing staying away from illness.
"Worshipping the White Tiger": In some southern regions, people worship the White Tiger to pray for peace and safety.
"Beating the Petty Person": In places such as Hong Kong and Guangdong, there is a custom of "beating the petty person" to drive away bad luck.
【Jingzhe: All Things Renew, the Perfect Time for Wellness】
"A single clap of thunder marks the start of Jingzhe, as spring winds bring gentle rains." During Jingzhe, spring thunder awakens all things that have been dormant, yang energy rises, and vegetation begins to sprout. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, liver qi is particularly active at this time, making it easy to develop liver fire. Combined with spring dryness, this can lead to issues such as dry mouth, fatigue, drowsiness, and mood fluctuations. "Harmonize yin and yang by following the rhythms of nature; now is the right time for decoction piece wellness"—use the power of medicinal and edible herbs to soothe the liver and relieve dryness, helping you embrace the vitality of spring!
Key Points for Jingzhe Wellness
- "Soothe the Liver and Relieve Stagnation, Promote the Smooth Flow of Qi"
In spring, liver qi is in command. Excessive liver fire can easily cause insomnia, excessive dreaming, irritability, and anger.
Recommended decoction pieces:
- Rose: Soothes the liver and regulates qi, helping to relieve emotional stress (suitable for brewing as tea or cooking in porridge).
- Finger Citron: Harmonizes the liver and stomach, helping to improve poor appetite (recommended to be sliced and boiled in water).
- "Nourish Yin and Moisten Dryness, Resist Spring Pathogens"
Strong winds during Jingzhe can easily damage body fluids, leading to dry skin and throat discomfort.
Recommended decoction pieces:
- Ophiopogon + Polygonatum Odoratum: A classic combination for moistening dryness; boil in water as a tea to promote fluid production and nourish the lungs.
- Lily Bulb and Lotus Seed Soup: Clears the heart, nourishes the lungs, calms the mind, and supports restful sleep.
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Guard Against "Late Spring Cold" and Warmly Tonify Yang Qi
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Spring chill can still be biting. Protect your neck, back, and joints to prevent cold and dampness from invading the body.
Recommended decoction pieces:
- Astragalus and Ginger Tea: Astragalus tonifies qi and strengthens the exterior, while ginger dispels cold and warms the stomach (suitable for drinking in the morning).
- Mugwort Foot Soak Pack: Dispels cold, removes dampness, and promotes blood circulation.
【Jingzhe: Spring Thunder Awakens the New, the Right Time to Nourish with Flower Tea】
"When Jingzhe arrives, the earth stirs, herbs awaken, and all things come to life." As spring thunder sounds, dormant insects emerge, and yang energy rises throughout nature. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jingzhe is a key period for soothing liver qi, clearing pent-up heat, and preventing spring dryness. "Clear the liver with flower tea, moisten dryness with decoction pieces"—harmonize body and mind by following the rhythms of nature, and let the fragrance of herbs awaken your dormant vitality!
Recommended Jingzhe Wellness Teas
- "Soothe the Liver and Relieve Stagnation | Rose, Finger Citron & Jasmine Tea"
Formula: 5 rose buds + 3g finger citron slices + 2g jasmine flowers + 1 piece of dried tangerine peel.
Benefits: Soothes the liver and regulates qi, relieves spring fatigue and anxiety, and eases chest tightness and bloating.
- "Nourish Yin and Moisten Dryness | Snow Pear, Polygonatum & Lily Bulb Drink"
Formula: 10g polygonatum odoratum slices + 8g dried lily bulb + 3 dried snow pear slices + a small amount of rock sugar.
Benefits: Nourishes the lungs and promotes fluid production, relieving dry and itchy throat and tight skin.
Easy preparation: Place all ingredients in a health pot and simmer for 20 minutes.
- "Raise Yang and Dispel Cold | Astragalus, Red Date & Ginger Shred Tea"
Formula: 5g astragalus slices + 3 red dates (pitted) + 2g dried ginger shreds + 4 longan arils.
Benefits: Dispels accumulated cold in the body, tonifies qi and boosts energy, and says goodbye to cold hands and feet.
Key tip: Best consumed in the morning; pair with Baduanjin exercises for doubled benefits!
Jingzhe Wellness Tips
- Regular daily routine: Go to bed early and rise early; take a 15-minute midday nap to align with the rising of yang energy.
- Gentle exercise: Morning exercises such as Baduanjin or walking are recommended; avoid excessive sweating, which can deplete yang energy.
- Emotional balance: Get more sunlight and listen to soothing music; replace coffee with rose tea to ease anxiety.
- Comb your hair 100 times each morning: Use a wooden comb to stimulate scalp acupoints and help yang energy rise.
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