Happy Lunar New Year 2024!

This year, we welcome the Year of the Wood Dragon—a celestial sign in the Chinese zodiac that combines the dynamic power of the Dragon with the nurturing growth of the Wood element.

In East Asian Medicine, the five elements—Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water—are used to understand and describe interactions and relationships in the body. Each element is associated with specific organs and attributes, and their interactions influence our health and well-being.

The Wood element, associated with the Liver and Gallbladder, represents growth, expansion, and flexibility. Just as wood can bend and straighten, individuals with a balanced Wood element can adapt to life’s challenges with resilience and grace. However, an imbalance can lead to feelings of anger, frustration, or stagnation.

The Dragon, a symbol of power, luck, and boldness, represents the Yang energy—the active, outward, and dynamic force in the universe. It’s a symbol of transformation, able to shift from earthbound creature to celestial being.

In the Year of the Wood Dragon, these energies combine in a unique way. From an East Asian Medicine perspective, this year could inspire dynamic growth and powerful transformations. It’s a time for bold actions and big dreams, tempered with the wisdom and flexibility of the Wood element.

Health In Harmony With Nature

Here are some tips to align our health with the energy of the Wood Dragon year:

1. Balancing Yin and Yang Energies: Incorporate practices like tai chi and qigong into your routine to harmonize the active (Yang) and restorative (Yin) energies in your life. A healthy balance between movement and stillness is the key.

2. Embrace Flexibility: Engage in regular physical activity that promotes flexibility, such as Qigong or stretching exercises. Flexibility isn’t just physical—it’s also about being adaptable in our thoughts and emotions.

3. Prioritize Liver Health: As Wood is associated with the liver in East Asian Medicine, focus on foods that support liver health. This could include leafy greens, sprouts, and foods with a sour flavor. Add fermented vegetables. Avoid overconsumption of alcohol and processed foods, which can be taxing on the liver.

4. Stay Hydrated: Just as water nourishes wood, ensure you’re drinking plenty of fluids to support your overall health.

5. Rest and Rejuvenation: Just as nature goes through cycles of activity and rest, make sure you’re getting enough sleep and taking time for relaxation and self-care. 

6. Mental Health and Emotional Well-being: Practice mindfulness or meditation to cultivate mental clarity and emotional resilience. It’s important to stay grounded to balance the forward moving energy of this year. 

7. Harness Dragon Energy: You can use the energy of the dragon to transform old emotions and patterns in the body. Engage in activities that make you feel vibrant and alive. This could be a creative pursuit or anything that sparks your passion. 

We each hold the power to shape our journey. 

Let the year of the Wood Dragon be a chance for you to prioritize your health, embrace the chance to grow, to change, and stay flexible in the face of challenges. Let it be the chance to accept who you truly are and look forward to who you are becoming.