Welcome to the 2015 Chinese New Year – the Year of ‘Green Wooden Sheep’! The Year of the Sheep is otherwise known as the Year of the Goat or Ram. Throughout this year we will see a big focus on health. Expect significant measures taken worldwide to improve health across-the-board. With the help of Chinese astrology, here are AcuMedic’s tips for how to take care of you to bring good health in 2015.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) the elements are forces of nature, whose energies pass through our bodies as organs. The five basic elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water) represent different parts of our body.

The Sheep is the 8th sign of the Chinese zodiac. It has a strong Earth element to it and is related to the spleen-pancreas, stomach and muscle. Inside the Sheep are hidden Yin Fire, Yin Wood and Yin Earth, therefore the Fire energies we’ve experienced in recent years still exist. The robust nature of Earth this year contains dry Earth and Fire, and so can cause sluggishness and upset the balance of these Earth element organs. Such imbalances may cause more serious health issues such as digestive problems, diabetes, obesity and cancer.

In 2015, it will be necessary to take a serious look at your diet to regulate the strong Earth element. Take up healthier eating habits and begin a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, alkaline foods, plant-based foods and Omega 3 oils.

Diabetes is caused by issues with insulin production, a hormone produced by the pancreas, which is an Earth element. It is recommended that in 2015 we should reduce our intake of excessive carbohydrates and sugar to avoid the Earth element going out of balance. By reducing the intake of potatoes, bread, pasta, confectionary and high GI fruits, we can minimise the risk of diabetes. We suggest also including seaweed into your diet, which is Water element.

Water is especially required in 2015 as the Earth of the Sheep is dry and lacking Water and Metal. The Wood element of the year also needs Water to grow. As Water is weak, we need to focus on the kidneys and our immune system by keeping them hydrated. Without Water, the Wood element of the year is also unhealthy, causing problems related to the bones. Therefore it is important to keep well hydrated and increase your intake of Calcium, Omega 3 oils, Antioxidants, Vitamin C and Vitamin E as a preventative measure.

It is very wise to lubricate your joints by doing a warm-up before physical activity and making sure you remember to breathe properly. Our breath is Metal element, which produces Water.

The Sheep is a symbol of Yin as well and the new lunar year is associated with Yin Wood. This is a year to pay close attention to your liver, neck, backbone and limbs. Exercises that focus on balancing posture, such as the Yoga Tree Pose, are recommended as they will help keep your joints happy. However, be careful not to overstretch the muscles as this is a year when injuries can happen easily and Yin Wood can be fragile. If such problems arise, you can book an appointment in the MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN CLINIC. For more information on Chinese stretching techniques, see our ESSENTIAL STRETCH GUIDE.

With all the information and advice provided above, we can embrace long-term healthy changes to prevent poor health and allow a renewal of life. We have high hopes for the future and wish you a year of prosperity and wellbeing. If any problems do arise you can always contact the clinic for FREE HEALTH ADVICE.

From all at AcuMedic “Gong Xi Fa Cai”!