The Year of the Rabbit officially began on Feb 3rd, 2011 and the elemental energies are again metal and wood, similar to the Tiger Year we are leaving behind. Therefore some of the unpredictability and conflicts of the Tiger Year will carry over to the New Year as we witness the wave of protests sweeping across the Middle East.
However, Rabbit Years are usually calm, creative, and positive which is a much-desired change from the volatile Tiger. The Rabbit is a peace and love-seeking symbol so there will be more efforts at political diplomacy and relationship mending. In fact, we have already begun to witness the change within our own country where President Barack Obama has reached out across the aisle to the Republican Party since the midterm election to try to get the priorities back on track.
The focus of the year will orient toward love, relationships, the arts and culture, getting our financial house in order, cultivating intimate bonds, and building family and community. As a result, industries that will likely benefit are entertainment, finance, energy (especially alternative energy), commodities like metals and agricultural products, mining, shipping, transportation, and hotels. Because of the inward focus on the Rabbit, domestic agendas at home will trump those outside the borders, and the appetite for playing Big Brother internationally will assuredly wane. That might actually be a good thing for this year.
On the health front, the metal element corresponds to the respiratory and immune systems while the wood element corresponds to the digestive and nervous systems. These organs and systems will be vulnerable for breakdown so be on the lookout for frequent colds and the flu that may turn into bronchitis and pneumonia; digestive disorders including acid reflux, ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, and diverticulitis; liver and gall bladder diseases; and injury and pain related to the neck and spine.
To prevent diseases and counteract imbalances in the above organ systems, I suggest staying away from smoking and pollution. Avoid consuming alcohol, caffeine, sugar, dairy products, deep fried and fatty foods, overly spicy foods, and gluten grains such as wheat, barley, rye, and oats. Also, avoid processed, refined foods. Be sure to exercise regularly to increase lung capacity, strengthen your immune functions, and reinforce the core abdominal and back muscles.
Practice meditation and other calming body-mind exercises like tai chi and chi gong to reduce stress and tension on the nervous system. I invite you to read my newest book, “Secrets of Longevity: Dr. Mao’s 8-Week Program,” which provides daily guidance to get you on a healthier and happier lifestyle track. Traditional Chinese herbal formulas such as Breath Ease, Immunity, Acid Stomach, Colon Clear, Internal Cleanse, and Calmfort may be helpful as part of a health support program. (You can find these and other formulas as well as the book on www.taostar.com and at the Wellness Store)
In summary, the Rabbit Year will be considerably calmer than the volatility and conflicts of the Tiger Year. However you must not be complacent and still need to be on guard like the Rabbit for sudden changes that may throw you off balance. The good news is that peace, love and family are the natural traits of Rabbits. Focus on the arts and culture, relationships and family, and strengthen your financial foundation. Defend against assaults on your immune and respiratory systems and keep your nervous system calm and your digestion flowing. Finally work on your inner spiritual self so that no matter what challenges occur you shall be connected to your unshakable faith in the positive, constructive, and creative energies of the divine universe as expressed through you and manifested in your life.
Have Happy, Healthy and Loving New Year!
Dr. Mao Shing Ni, best known as Dr. Mao, is a bestselling author, doctor of Oriental Medicine and board certified anti-aging expert. He practices acupuncture, nutrition and Chinese medicine with his associates at the Tao of Wellness in Santa Monica, a Wellness Medicine group that won the “L.A.’s Best” Award. Dr. Mao and his brother, Dr. Daoshing Ni founded Tao of Wellness in Santa Monica over 25 years ago. In addition, he is the cofounder and Chancellor of Yo San University in Venice/Marina del Rey. To subscribe to a free newsletter please visit www.taoofwellness.com To make an appointment for evaluation and treatment please call 310-917-2200 or you can email Dr. Mao at contact@taoofwellness.com
