24/01/2026
This reflects exactly what my acupuncturist told me yesterday. 🙂☯️
The season of Dà Hán (大寒) Great Cold is the last and coldest period of the 24 Solar seasons in Traditional Chinese calendar. It begins around January 20–21and ends February 3d.
It is the period when nature reaches its deepest stillness.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, this is the moment of maximum Yin, when energy is not meant to expand, but to be protected and nourished. What we do now matters more than it seems. It shapes how resilient, grounded and steady we feel when spring arrives.
The Kidneys, Stomach and Lungs energy are especially important now, supporting our vitality, hormones, immunity and respiration.
When these systems are supported, winter feels quieter and steadier.
When they’re strained, we may experience fatigue, low immunity, lower back pain or a feeling of being “run down”.
To support your health during Dà Hán, focus on rest, nourishment and gentle Qigong.
Favour warm, simple meals such as soups, bean stews and slow-cooked foods, and limit cold drinks, raw salads and sandwiches. Gentle warming spices like ginger, turmeric or cinnamon can help support digestive fire.
This is also a time to rest more than you think you need. Go to bed earlier than usual, wake up a little later. In the morning, avoid rushing and burning your energy.
In your Qigong practice, choose gentle, meditative movements that warm the lower back, support the Kidneys, Stomach and Lungs. Avoid challenging or demanding routines and allow the practice to feel quiet and contained.
The period is not about doing more, but about nourishing what you already have. A few quiet minutes now can make a real difference in how steady, resilient and well you feel in the months ahead.
What is your wellness ritual looks like these days?
