24 Solar Terms or Seasonal Points​

The ancient Chinese developed a sophisticated calendar by watching nature's rhythms. Their system uniquely combines both solar and lunar cycles, offering deeper insight into seasonal changes than our modern calendar alone.

At its heart are 24 solar terms (Jie Qi), which mark subtle shifts in nature throughout the year. We can think of these as nature's stepping stones - 12 major moments paired with 12 minor ones, each revealing a different facet of the season's unfolding.

These natural markers flow independently of our modern calendar dates, sometimes shifting by a day or two each year. Yet their essence - tracking nature's true rhythm - remains constant and reliable.

Seasonal Points

  • Spring

    SPRING 

    Beginning of Spring 立春 – Feb.3rd

    Rain Water 雨水 – Feb.18th

    Insects Awakening 惊蛰 – Mar.5th

    Vernal Equinox 春分 – Mar.20th

    Clear and Bright 清明 – April 4th

    Grain Rain 谷雨 – April 19th

  • Summer

    SUMMER

    Beginning of Summer 立夏 – May 5th

    Lesser Fullness 小满 – May 21st

    Grain in Ear 芒种 – June 5th

    Summer Solstice 夏至 – June 21st

    Lesser Heat 小暑 – July 7th

    Greater Heat 大暑 – July 22nd

  • Fall

    FALL / AUTUMN

    Beginning of Autumn 立秋 – Aug.7th

    End of Heat 处暑 – Aug.23rd

    White Dew 白露 – Sept.7th

    Autumnal Equinox 秋分 – Sept.23rd

    Cold Dew 寒露 – Oct.8th

    Frost Descent 霜降 – Oct.23rd

  • Winter

    WINTER

    Beginning of Winter 立冬 – Nov.7th

    Light Snow 小雪 – Nov.22nd

    Greater Snow 大雪 – Dec.7th

    Winter Solstice 冬至 – Dec.21st

    Lesser Cold 小寒 – Jan.5th

    Greater Cold 大寒 – Jan.20th

  • Does observing nature help you understand what is happening internally?

Why Do These Points Matter?

At Liminal Bodywork, our approach is to connect with your body's inherent wisdom. Through your own innate capacity to evolve, heal and thrive we are interested in using what is naturally available to aid in your progress. The seasons give us immense support in our own healing.
From a Chinese medicine perspective, seasonal transitions reflect and influence our internal environment. When we align with these natural rhythms, we support our body's innate capacity for health and resilience.
Nature's shifts signal our bodies to adapt. Just as trees prepare for winter by drawing energy inward, our bodies also need to adjust their functioning. These environmental changes affect our:
  • Energy Patterns: Each season requires different levels and types of activity
  • Physiological Functions: Our digestion, sleep, and immune response naturally shift with the seasons
  • Mental-Emotional State: Seasonal light, temperature, and activity patterns influence our mood and cognitive function
When we ignore these natural rhythms - like maintaining high summer energy in winter - we can deplete our resources and create imbalances that manifest as:
  • Digestive disruptions
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Immune system challenges
  • Increased muscle tension
  • Energy fluctuations
By observing and flowing with seasonal changes, we're not just following tradition - we're working with our body's natural tendencies toward balance and health. This awareness helps us make choices that support rather than strain our systems.