Rikka: The Season of Expanding Outward and Balancing Internal Nutrition

This is the season when things that began to stir in spring start to expand outward.
That is Rikka, the beginning of summer.

In 2026, Rikka begins on May 5th.
From this point on, according to the calendar, summer begins.

As temperatures rise and the sunlight grows stronger,
our bodies naturally begin to turn outward.

However, at the same time,
our internal systems are not yet fully adjusted.

The outside world is moving toward summer.
The inside is still in the midst of spring.

This discrepancy
can sometimes be the cause of physical discomfort.

The body heading toward the rainy season: 'Dampness' and the 'Spleen'

After Rikka, we head toward the rainy season.

What we want to be mindful of during this period is dampness.

Dampness easily accumulates inside the body,
stagnating our circulation.

・Feeling heavy and sluggish
・Prone to swelling
・Loss of appetite
・Feeling mentally foggy

These conditions
are signs that dampness is accumulating in the body.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the organ involved in this function is the spleen.

The spleen is responsible for digestion, absorption, and the circulation of fluids.
It dislikes dampness and prefers a dry state.

In other words,
when dampness increases, the spleen weakens,
and when the spleen weakens, more dampness accumulates.

It is important to address this cycle early on.

Changing how you eat: The choice to 'not accumulate'

What is important in your diet during this period is not
what to add but rather what not to accumulate.

・Excessive intake of sweets
・Cold food and drinks
・Greasy meals

These things make it easy for dampness to accumulate in the body.

Even just cutting back a little
will make your body feel lighter.

On top of that,

・Summer vegetables like corn and cucumbers
・Soybeans and adzuki beans (legumes)
・Seaweed such as wakame
・Grapes, watermelon, and melon

Incorporating ingredients like these that help with fluid circulation
will make it easier to keep your body balanced.

Preparing for Summer—Caring for the "Heart"

After Rikka passes,
your body will gradually shift to "summer mode."

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, summer is the season of the "Heart."

The Heart is involved in blood circulation and mental state.

・Difficulty falling asleep
・Heart palpitations
・Feeling restless for no reason

Before these signs appear,
it is important not to push yourself too hard.

Sweat moderately
and do not let heat build up inside.

Just doing that
will make your body feel much more comfortable.

Simple Habits for Balance

You don't need to do anything special.

・Drink warm miso soup in the morning
・Break a light sweat
・Do not consume too many cold items

Just by doing that,
your body's circulation will change.

Rikka is not a season for pushing yourself, but a
season to move forward while maintaining balance.

Summary

Rikka is the beginning of the season that expands outward.

At the same time,
the inside of your body is still in a delicate state.

Do not accumulate dampness, and take care of your spleen.
And, gradually prepare yourself for the summer ahead.

With just that,
the coming season will be much easier to navigate.