Rain Water: 2nd Seasonal Node (February 18 – March 5, 2026)
February 18, 2026 marks Rain Water, the 2nd of the 24 solar terms and the second phase of spring.
During Rain Water, winter snow begins to melt and the first rainfall returns.
Over the next 15 days, the air will feel warmer than it has in the weeks before and the days grow a little longer. The earth is slowly taking in warmer sunlight and fresh rainwater, softening the soil. This begins to swell the seeds resting beneath the surface.
Deep inside the earth, nature is waking up.
Psycho-emotional
We’re part of nature, so what happens in nature happens in us. You may feel something waking up inside.
You might notice:
A little more energy
Wanting to move, stretch or get outside
Old ideas coming back or new ones showing up
As the earth softens, we’re softening too. Muscles that felt tight all winter may start to let go. Emotions that felt flat may begin to move again.
This is a time to notice what’s waking up in you and give it a little more space: a walk, a stretch, a few minutes to follow a thought. During this time you also align with nature by stirring the seeds of creativity inside you.
With the rising Yang energy, there may also be times you feel restless, fidgety or “off,” but are not sure why. It can feel like “something is changing, but I don’t know what.” This is normal for early spring energy.
What helps are small outlets:
Walking
Stretching
Short bursts of tidying
Journaling
Foods for the season (Five Element Nutrition)
We’re still in early spring. The weather is often cold and damp, so we stay with warm, cooked foods, but begin to gently lighten the diet.
Continue to add to your diet:
Lightly cooked leafy greens: baby bok choy, dandelion, kale, spinach, scallions
Soups with lots of veggies: still warm, but lighter than heavy winter stews
Lighter proteins: chicken, turkey, fish (less red meat)
Warm, easy-to-digest grains: brown rice, barley, millet, oats
Sprouted foods: mung beans, microgreens
Sour flavors: lemon water, vinegar, pickled vegetables
Tea: Roasted Dandelion Root - this gently supports digestion and nourishes the Liver, great for early spring when both are adjusting to the seasonal shift.
Avoid: Cold smoothies and raw food, salads
Cut back on heavy meats (like beef, pork or lamb every day)
Self care:
To freshen the air and help your breathing feel more open, put a few drops of peppermint essential oil in an open container in your bedroom. I use a small lava rock passive diffuser which works great for this. It’s simple and won’t tip over. I add a few drops to refresh as needed.
Combing therapy (combing the hair) is an ancient self-care practice used in Chinese medicine.
The head is the most yang part of the body. Spring is when yang energy begins to expand. Gently stimulating the scalp is especially beneficial to the entire body this time of year.
In Chinese medicine, the scalp is seen as a microsystem of the whole body. Combing stimulates the channels of the head, helping mobilize qi and blood to circulate through the body. This practice also helps release “wind,” which is associated with many common springtime ailments.
In the evening, before bed is an especially good time for this practice.
You can use any comb that’s gentle on the scalp and doesn’t pull the hair. Wide-tooth combs work well.
I love this 36 Finger Head / Scalp Massager. I use it every night. It’s inexpensive, easy and really effective!
Closing
This year, Lunar New Year and Rain Water fall just one day apart on the calendar.
Happy Lunar New Year!
In 2026, we welcome the Year of the Fire Horse. In the Chinese zodiac, the Horse is linked with strength and forward movement. With the added Fire element, this is considered a time of strong inner drive and momentum.
Wishing you a healthy, prosperous start to the new year and to the spring season ahead.
Next season: Awakening of Insects – March 5 to March 20, 2026
Join me for a Introduction to Tai Chi workshop, an 8 week series for beginners. Beginning in April. Learn more here!
