The 24 Solar Nodes: Small Fullness 小滿
May 21 - June 4, 2025
In the world
This node is called “small fullness” because wheat grains begin to ripen (filling out) during this time. Bitter vegetables (greens) are already flourishing, but those that are more shade loving and tender have already begun to die back in the strength of the summer sun.
These characteristics are reflected in the further subdivision into 3 distinct periods (三候) of 5 days each:
1. In the first, “bitter vegetable” (a type of endive or green leafy plant) flourishes (proliferates/grows exuberantly)一候苦菜秀
2. In the second, “shepherd’s purse” (a cool season wild plant that volunteers worldwide but is currently cultivated as a spring green in China) dies back二候靡草死 (mi2/3 cao a synonym for 薺菜／shepherd’s purse)
3. In the third, wheat begins to ripen三候麥秋至
(So basically a summary of what we generally know about the season, lol.)
The temperature gets noticeably hotter, and more humid, than in the preceding seasonal node (lixia), with more frequent rainstorms, continuing the “plum rains” that began with the start of the summer season. This dampness makes it easier for things to grow mold or mildew. [Obviously this depends on the geography of the place you’re living, but I can assure you that here in Taipei it’s eerily on point.]
In the body
Everything flourishes in the world and so too the body should be at or near its most vigorous during this time of the year. There’s also the most potential for nutrients, so eat a good variety of foods to replenish the organs and prevent damage.
In places with high humidity, rising temperatures can also create imbalances in temperature regulation, including chest tightness, palpitations, general weakness or lassitude.
High external humidity can also make its way into or be reflected within the interior condition of the body, leading to digestive problems, particularly diarrhea.
Because of the increases in heat and humidity, it can be hard to feel cool and refreshed.
Beneficial adjustments for better accord with seasonal influences
As always, dietary adjustments are all about balance. It’s a great time to add more bitter vegetables, like dark leafy greens, into the mix both because they are flourishing during this period and because their bitter taste helps clear heat, especially heart fire. Which is to say the kind of mental and physical sense of being burnt out/burnt through after long unresolved emotional stagnation over aspects of the world that are unfair but that you cannot personally control continue to assault your mental state on a day to day basis. (Sound a little too familiar 5 months into 2025?) But as always, every remedy has its own poison if abused, so remember that while bitter greens help circulate the qi and drain fire, their same cooling nature can harm the digestion when over-consumed. Ideally eat them as part of a well-balanced meal, like a lentil soup, the Korean stew called deanjang jiggae (fermented soybean soup, which I’m happy to share an easy recipe for) or if you’re more of a morning green juice or green smoothie fan, add ingredients like ginger to balance and warm, and apple to protect the digestion.
Melons are another highly recommended food during this season. These include more local varieties like winter melon and the globally easier to find watermelon. All of these are good for replenishing body fluids and electrolytes, while enjoying a sweet treat to protect the spleen without the harmful side effects of processed sugars. Remember that the “frost” or the white part of watermelon, between the rind and the red flesh, is especially good for clearing heat.
Follow the sun by going to bed late and waking up early. If like me you know your body needs 8 or 9 hours of sleep rather than only 5 or 6, plan your bedtime so that you can still wake up near to sunrise, because it remains important to wake up early and exercise ahead of the harsh summer heat, to protect against excessive sweating.