The spring equinox has arrived, bringing with it the official beginning of spring in the western world. Blossoms are blooming, buds bursting into leaf, and birds are nesting in the trees. This flurry of activity is indicative of the yang energy rapidly replacing yin, but for now, we sit in a place of balance with the length of the days equalling that of the nights as the sun steadily makes its journey north. 

Balance is the word of the moment, and in yangsheng terms, we can advise our patients to promote equilibrium between yin and yang within their bodies. This might mean wearing layers to deal with temperature fluctuations as the weather becomes more changeable, increasing activity levels while still ensuring adequate rest, and eating appropriately for the season. 

As we naturally shift away from our nourishing winter diets to lighter fare, we must take care not to make excessive changes and over consume cold-natured or raw foods, which could damage the Stomach and Spleen. While it is beneficial to introduce some cooling foods, like leafy greens, they should be lightly cooked and combined with warming spices like ginger whenever possible. 

Some of the best foods to consider at this time of year are those that you might find growing at the end of your garden, such as dandelions, nettles, and even bramble shoots. These plants are typically considered weeds, but are incredibly nutritious, and with zero food miles, they are about as fresh as you can get! They are prized for their detoxifying properties and can help to disperse excess heat accumulated over the winter months. 

One of the most traditional ways of using these plants is by making a spring tonic. Place a selection of edible green leaves in a sterile jar, cover generously with apple cider vinegar, and screw the lid on tightly. Store in a cool, dark place and allow to infuse for two weeks. Then, strain out the leaves and take a teaspoonful of the vinegar daily over the coming weeks, either added to food or mixed with a glass of water. 

Finally, we can help our patients balance their natural circadian rhythms by recommending that they spend time outdoors in the morning and get cosy in the evening, dimming the lights and reducing exposure to blue light from electronic screens. As the mornings get lighter, it is the perfect time to enjoy a mindful moment in nature, enjoying a cup of tea, listening to birdsong, and soaking in the rising sun. 

Takeaways for the Spring Equinox

• Wear layers to deal with fluctuating temperatures
• Balance activity and rest
• Pair cooling and warming foods to support detoxification and digestion 
• Use edible garden “weeds” to make a spring tonic 
• Spend time outdoors in the morning and dim the lights before bed

 The autumn equinox marks a subtle but unmistakable shift as the heat of summer softens, the evenings draw in, and everything begins to slow down just a little... moving from the outward, expansive energy of summer into a more inward, reflective phase.

In clinic, it’s often where we start to see dryness creeping in, energy dipping slightly, and digestion needing a bit more support as routines change.

Now is the time to begin nourishing more deeply. Think slightly warmer, more grounding meals (not heavy winter food yet), but a step away from the light, raw foods of summer. Cooked vegetables, soups, lentils, good fats i.e. simple, steady nourishment that supports both digestion and energy.

It’s also the season to protect fluids and support the Lungs. Pears, apples, a little citrus, and gently cooked foods go a long way here. At the same time, ease back on excessive cold, raw, or overly drying foods as this is about maintaining softness and hydration as the air becomes drier.

Lifestyle-wise, this is your cue to start drawing things in. Keep moving, but don’t overextend. Create a bit more structure. Get to bed a little earlier. Let your system begin to recalibrate after the busyness of summer.

And just like nature, this is a beautiful time to let go of what you don’t need: physically, mentally, emotionally. Autumn has a quiet clarity to it.

Takeaways for the Autumn Equinox

• Start shifting toward warmer, more nourishing meals
• Support fluids with moistening foods like pears and apples
• Reduce excessive raw, cold, or drying foods
• Keep movement regular, but more moderate
• Begin to slow down — earlier nights, more structure
• Use this season to simplify and let go

Thanks to Natalie Chandra Saunders for collaborating with me on this initiative.

Best wishes

Kath