TCM Solar Terms

Traditional Chinese Medicine calendar integration for circadian optimization

winter

Major Cold

大寒

Coldest period of the year

Current Term
January 20
Sunrise: 6:52 AM
Sunset: 5:23 PM
Avg Temp: 2°C / 36°F
Progress to Start of Spring9 days remaining
Morning Protocol

Wake Light

6:30 AM

Color Temp

4000K

Intensity

70%

Duration

60 min

Aligned with seasonal sunrise patterns for optimal cortisol awakening response.

Daytime Protocol

Peak Light

12:00 PM

Color Temp

5000K

Intensity

100%

Blue Light

Enhanced

Maximizes alertness and cognitive performance during peak activity hours.

Evening Protocol

Dim Start

5:00 PM

Color Temp

2800K

Intensity

40%

Blue Filter

Active

Promotes natural melatonin production aligned with seasonal sunset times.

Wellness Recommendations
Wellness guide for Major Cold
Sleep Advice

Sleep early and rise late to preserve yang energy. Use warm-toned lighting in the bedroom for relaxation.

Diet Advice

Eat warming foods like lamb, walnuts, and black sesame. Moderate supplementation strengthens constitution.

Activity Advice

Exercise moderately and avoid excessive sweating. Indoor activities like tai chi and yoga are better.

Mood & Energy

Winter is for conserving energy. Increase indoor lighting brightness to combat winter blues.

Major Cold

大寒
Current Term

Coldest period of the year

Jan 20|2°C / 36°F

Start of Spring

立春

Beginning of spring

Feb 4|5°C / 41°F

Rain Water

雨水

Increasing rainfall

Feb 19|8°C / 46°F

Awakening of Insects

驚蟄

Hibernating creatures awaken

Mar 5|11°C / 52°F

Spring Equinox

春分

Day and night equal length

Mar 20|14°C / 57°F

Clear and Bright

清明

Clear and bright weather

Apr 4|17°C / 63°F

Grain Rain

穀雨

Rain helps grain grow

Apr 20|20°C / 68°F

Start of Summer

立夏

Beginning of summer

May 5|23°C / 73°F

Grain Buds

小滿

Grain begins to ripen

May 21|26°C / 79°F

Grain in Ear

芒種

Awned grains mature

Jun 5|28°C / 82°F

Summer Solstice

夏至

Longest day of the year

Jun 21|30°C / 86°F

Minor Heat

小暑

Moderately hot

Jul 7|31°C / 88°F

Major Heat

大暑

Hottest period

Jul 22|32°C / 90°F

Start of Autumn

立秋

Beginning of autumn

Aug 7|30°C / 86°F

End of Heat

處暑

Heat starts to subside

Aug 23|27°C / 81°F

White Dew

白露

Dew begins to form

Sep 7|24°C / 75°F

Autumn Equinox

秋分

Day and night equal

Sep 23|20°C / 68°F

Cold Dew

寒露

Dew becomes cold

Oct 8|16°C / 61°F

Frost Descent

霜降

Frost begins to appear

Oct 23|12°C / 54°F

Start of Winter

立冬

Beginning of winter

Nov 7|8°C / 46°F

Minor Snow

小雪

Light snow begins

Nov 22|5°C / 41°F

Major Snow

大雪

Heavy snow falls

Dec 7|2°C / 36°F

Winter Solstice

冬至

Shortest day of the year

Dec 21|0°C / 32°F

Minor Cold

小寒

Moderately cold

Jan 5|-1°C / 30°F