Lìchūn 立春: Seasonal Shifts, Early Spring in Victoria BC, and How Acupuncture Supports the Transition

Today marks Lìchūn 立春 — the first day of spring in the Chinese calendar. Even though it’s still early February, Victoria is already feeling hints of the season ahead. The air is mild, we’re finally seeing a more reasonable amount of daylight (!), and two days ago I noticed the cherry blossoms beginning to open at the end of my street. These early signs of renewal often arrive quietly, but they’re powerful reminders that the year is beginning to turn.

In East Asian medicine, Lìchūn is considered a moment of awakening. The energy of the body starts to rise and move again after winter’s stillness. Many people feel this shift internally long before spring fully arrives. You might notice changes in your digestion, sleep, mood, or overall energy. Some people feel restless or scattered; others feel a gentle lift. Some feel “off” without being able to name why.

Your body wants to align with these seasonal changes, but sometimes—because of stress, indoor living, or simply being less attuned to the environment around us—we experience little hiccups in that harmony. The microcosm (our internal landscape) and the macrocosm (the world around us) can fall slightly out of sync. When these are tuned to one another, life really does flow more smoothly.

Acupuncture is especially helpful in supporting this shift. Treatments help regulate the nervous system, smooth the movement of qi, and encourage a steadier, more grounded feeling as the season begins to change. It’s a beautiful moment to realign with the rhythms around us.

I picked up a small iris for the clinic today — its tiny flower just beginning to open. It felt like the perfect companion for Lìchūn: a reminder of the awakening life around us.

If you’ve been feeling a little in‑between, sensitive, or in transition, this is a wonderful time for a balancing treatment. Supporting your body now can help you move into spring with more ease, clarity, and steadiness.

If you'd like to explore treatment, please feel free to reach out to me personally or find a time that works for you on my Jane booking page

Book Now

Beautiful mini iris in my waiting room

Kristy Garry R.Ac, R.TCMP practices Japanese Acupuncture and TCM herbal therapy from her home clinic in beautiful Victoria BC