In the three months of spring, all things on the earth begin to grow. The natural world is teeming with life and all things are flourishing. People should go to sleep late in the night and get up early in the morning, taking a walk in the courtyard with hair running free to relax the body and enliven the mind. Give life and do not kill; bestow and do not take away; reward and do not punish. This is what adaption to Spring-Qi means and this is the principle for health preservation. Any violation of this rule may impair the liver and result in cold diseases in summer due to insufficient supply for growth.

--The Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic (Huáng Dì Nèi Jīng)

With the arrival of spring, the temperature gradually increases and everything comes back to life. The grass is growing, and the birds are flying, and everything seems vibrant and alive. One of the keys for health preservation in spring is to protect yang qi. At this time, people should get up early, as soon as the sun rises, allowing yang qi to ascend and disperse. After getting up, wear loose clothes, and take a walk outdoors, relaxing your body and mind completely. By doing some stretching exercises, the yang qi of the body will be activated from inside to outside. Go to bed early at night, so that the yang qi can be preserved.

“To save rather than kill, and to reward rather than punish.” This statement means that people are encouraged to do more activities such as planting trees in spring while anger, criticism and elimination should be avoided. This is truly in accord with the principle to preserve health in pace with the generation and dispersion of yang qi.

There are six solar terms in spring: Start of Spring, Rain Water, Waking of Insects, Spring Equinox, Clear and Bright, and Grain Rain.