🌙 Dongzhi (冬至): The TCM Meaning of Winter Solstice + How to Celebrate

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Dongzhi (冬至), the Winter Solstice, is one of the most important seasonal turning points of the year. It marks the deepest point of Yin and the quiet rebirth of Yang energy. While the daylight is shortest and the night is longest, it also signals the moment when light slowly begins to return.

For thousands of years, East Asian cultures have honored Dongzhi with warming foods, family gatherings and simple rituals that nourish the body and spirit. In TCM, this is a key time to protect Kidney energy, support Jing (essence) and replenish reserves for the year ahead.

In this guide, we’ll explore the TCM meaning of Dongzhi, traditional foods like tang yuan, simple rituals you can practice at home, and how to support your winter health with herbs and diet therapy.

What Is Dongzhi in the Chinese Solar Calendar?

Dongzhi is one of the 24 solar terms (二十四节气) in the traditional East Asian calendar. It usually falls around December 21–23 in the Gregorian calendar and marks the exact moment when the sun reaches its southernmost point.

Symbolically, Dongzhi represents:

• Peak Yin – the deepest stillness, rest and darkness.
• The return of Yang – from this day forward, daylight slowly increases.
• Reunion and completion – families gathering, reflecting and nourishing together.
• Renewal – a chance to reset, soften expectations and care for the body deeply.

While the Western perspective often focuses on celebration and social activity, the TCM view of Dongzhi invites us to slow down, warm the body and honor the quiet power of this “inner winter.”

TCM View: Kidneys, Water Element and Winter

In TCM’s Five Element system, winter corresponds to the Kidneys and the Water element. The Kidneys are seen as the root of life force, storing our Jing (essence) and governing growth, development, bones, teeth, fertility and aging.

At Dongzhi, when Yin is at its peak, the body naturally wants to:

• Sleep a little more and go to bed earlier.
• Eat warm, cooked foods instead of cold or raw foods.
• Stay physically warm, especially the lower back, abdomen and feet.
• Conserve energy instead of overcommitting or overexercising.

Supporting Kidney energy during this time can help you feel more resilient through winter and better prepared for the rising energy of spring.

Traditional Dongzhi Foods and Their Meaning

One of the most enjoyable ways to honor Dongzhi is through food. Many traditional dishes are intentionally warming, nourishing and symbolic.

Tang Yuan (汤圆): Glutinous Rice Balls for Reunion

Tang yuan are soft glutinous rice balls often served in a lightly sweet broth. They may be filled with:

• Black sesame
• Red bean paste
• Peanut or walnut

Their round shape symbolizes wholeness, reunion and harmony. Eating tang yuan together expresses the wish that the family will stay connected and “complete” in the seasons ahead.

Black Sesame, Walnuts and Other Winter Tonics

Many Dongzhi dishes include ingredients like:

• Black sesame – traditionally used to nourish Liver and Kidney, support hair and essence.
• Walnuts – considered supportive for the brain and Kidney energy.
• Jujube dates (hong zao) – gently tonify Spleen Qi and Blood.
• Ginger – warms the middle and helps disperse cold.

Soups, Stews and Bone Broth

During Dongzhi, heavier but warm and easy-to-digest meals are ideal. Slow-cooked soups, stews and bone broths help:

• Support Spleen and Stomach Qi.
• Keep the body warm.
• Provide gentle, sustained energy.

Adding herbs like goji berries, Chinese yam, astragalus or warming spices can transform your pot into a winter tonic. 

Simple Dongzhi Rituals You Can Practice at Home

You don’t need to follow every traditional practice to honor this day. Even one small ritual can help you feel more grounded and connected to the season.

1. Share a Warm, Nourishing Meal

Enjoy congee, soup, hotpot or a bowl of tang yuan with someone you care about. The goal is warmth, presence and connection, not perfection.

2. Light a Candle at Sunset

As the longest night begins, light a candle or turn down bright lights. Take a few minutes to breathe, feel the stillness and set an intention for the coming months.

3. Make a Gentle Herbal Tea

Brew a simple winter tea with ginger, dates and goji berries, or choose a Kidney-supportive tea from our warming herbal tea collection. Sip slowly and notice how your body feels.

4. Go to Bed a Little Earlier

If you usually stay up late, consider honoring Dongzhi by going to bed 30–60 minutes earlier. Consistent, deep sleep is one of the most powerful ways to protect your Jing in winter.

Supporting Kidney and Jing During Dongzhi

Because Dongzhi is a peak Yin moment, it’s an especially important time to take care of your Kidneys and Jing (essence). Signs your Kidney energy might benefit from extra support include:

• Lower back or knee soreness
• Fatigue that doesn’t fully improve with rest
• Feeling cold easily, especially in your feet
• Low libido or decreased drive
• Hair and bone concerns

Along with sleep and warming foods, TCM often uses herbal formulas with ingredients like:

• Rehmannia (Shu Di Huang)
• Goji berries (Gou Qi Zi)
• Eucommia (Du Zhong)
• Cordyceps

Emotional and Spiritual Side of Dongzhi

Winter, and Dongzhi specifically, is also a time to gently acknowledge emotions that may have been pushed aside during busier months. The Water element, linked with the Kidneys, also relates to:

• Fear
• Deep fatigue
• The need for safety and rest

Giving yourself permission to slow down, feel your feelings and soften expectations can be a powerful form of yang sheng (nourishing life).

Bringing Dongzhi Wisdom Into Modern Life

You don’t have to live in East Asia or follow every tradition to benefit from Dongzhi. Start with one or two supportive practices:

• Cook a simple, warming meal.
• Share tang yuan or another comfort food with loved ones.
• Drink a nourishing herbal tea before bed.
• Say no to one extra obligation and choose rest instead.

Over time, these small, seasonal choices support your Kidneys, protect your Jing and help your whole system move more gracefully through the year.