As we enter the Year of the ‘Yang Wood Dragon’ in the new lunar calendar, we are faced with a unique opportunity to align our health and well-being with the energetic shifts of the universe. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) the changing of seasons and celestial events hold great significance, offering us insights into the natural rhythms of life.
In TCM, the Wood element, represented by the liver, holds particular significance for women's health; a year of growth, renewal, and vitality. The liver, known as the "general of the body" in TCM, plays a vital role in regulating the flow of Qi (vital energy) and blood (‘xue’) throughout the body. When the liver is in balance and harmonious, women can experience improved menstrual health, emotional stability, and overall health and vitality. The liver is also the organ which holds stress, and which stress affects most.
In the year of the ‘Yang Wood Dragon’, the energy of growth, renewal, and expansion associated with the Wood element is heightened. This presents an ideal opportunity for women to focus on nurturing their liver health, hormones and supporting their body's natural detoxification processes.
To honour the energy of the Wood Dragon and align with the natural flow of the universe, we can incorporate TCM principles into our daily life. To harness the energy of the Wood Dragon and promote women's health, we can incorporate TCM-inspired practices into our daily routines.
Top Tips to Flourish in the Year of the Yang Wood Dragon:
1. Liver-Nourishing Foods:
Embrace a diet rich in green leafy vegetables, bitter foods, and sour fruits, which are beneficial for liver health. Incorporate herbs such as dandelion root, milk thistle, coriander and burdock root to support liver detoxification.
2. Mindful Movement:
Opt for gentle exercises like Tai Chi, Qi Gong, or yoga to promote the smooth flow of Qi and blood throughout the body, supporting liver function and emotional well-being. This also helps you drop into your 'yin' feminine state of being.
3. Stress Management:
Practice stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and mindfulness to alleviate liver stagnation caused by emotional stress and tension. Even a walk bare-foot on grass or at the beach can help.
4. Liver-Cleansing Rituals:
Consider incorporating liver-cleansing rituals such as dry brushing, oil pulling, or herbal teas to support the body's natural detoxification processes and promote liver health. Acupuncture is also a powerful, yet gentle way to support liver and general well-being.
As we celebrate the Lunar New Year and welcome the energy of the Yang Wood Dragon, let us embrace the opportunity to our feminine energy, health and well-being. By nurturing our liver health and harmonising our body and mind with the natural ebbs and flows of the universe, we can embark on a journey of renewal, vitality, and balance in the Year of the Wood Dragon.
Wishing you all a beautiful, healthful Lunar New Year filled with abundance, joy, and vibrant well-being!
Love,
Nadia & Carla
XOX