How Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine Can Enhance Rest and Renewal in 2023, the Year of the Rabbit
Each year, we experience the unnerving uncertainty that is change: whether it be shifts through seasons, turning points in careers or with loved ones, or the joy of growing older each year. One significant change in need of mention occurs with one of the biggest and most important celebrations of the year in Asian communities, the Lunar New Year. This year the holiday starts on January 22nd and many will say farewell (or good riddance!) to the Year of the Tiger and embrace the Year of the Rabbit.
Navigating the Change in Zodiak from Apex Predator to Timid Prey
The change in the zodiac animal this year is a shocking contrast to prior years. We are emerging from a year dedicated to an apex predator. It was a year highlighting the largest wild cat in the world, a strict carnivore with a ferocious roar. For many, it was a fast-paced year of strength, vitality, and growth. Now we transform into one of the most anatomically and behaviorally opposite creatures, the rabbit.
As you know, rabbits are much more tame and gentle in comparison to tigers. They are timid, curious, and gentle but social (and quick to breed!). People born in the Year of the Rabbit are believed to be gentle and approachable, elegant, vigilant, witty, and quick-minded. In the spirit of a velvety soft, strict vegetarian, grass and flower-loving bunny, the impression is that you can expect this year to be much more chill and restful than the last! This year may be a nice reprieve from an action-packed 2022. It will be a year for reflection, rest, and renewal while aiding the ability to confidently and quietly overcome obstacles and dangers.
The Female Black Water Rabbit
Years are also separated into categories of yin and yang and correspond to one of the five elements. Yin represents characteristics that are feminine, inward, cold, dark, still, and passive. Yang represents energy that is masculine, expansive, energetic, upward, warm, and bright. While 2022 was a “yang year” about action and creating change, 2023 is a passive and contemplative “yin year”. The element associated with this year is water, therefore the name of 2023 is Yin Water Rabbit. Lastly, the color black is assigned to the water element in Five Element theory. So without further ado, we welcome you to the Year of the Female Black Water Rabbit!
You can find more information about Five Element Theory and zodiac animals in our blog about the Water Tiger.
3 Approaches to Rest and Renewal with Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
TCM Helps the Body to Deeply Rest and Reset
Traditional Chinese Medicine uses tools such as acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, and massage to unblock barriers in the body that can lead to disease. These tools regulate the nervous system and allow the body and mind to enter a state of deep rest and relaxation. Just what you will be needing this year!
Acupuncture Can Rejuvenate Your Skin and Your Body
Acupuncture can resolve energy blockages in the muscles, lymphatic, and circulatory systems, allowing for holistic rejuvenation of your skin and body from the inside out. Check out our blog on facial rejuvenation acupuncture to learn more about anti-aging and skin renewal without side effects. Why not look and feel your best this year?
TCM Can Help You Conquer Fears and Accomplish Goals by Supporting the Kidneys
In TCM, the Kidneys are associated with the water element and the color black, so the Year of the Black Water Rabbit is the perfect time to focus on that area! When the Kidneys are out of balance or weak, the emotion that can manifest is fear. Strong Kidneys mean strong willpower or drive to succeed. Acupuncture can strengthen Kidney function, and an especially powerful way to support the Kidneys is through Chinese Herbs.
Rehmannia root (Shu Di Huang) can nourish the yin aspect of the Kidneys. Dried Cinnamon Bark (Rou Gui) can nourish the yang aspect of the Kidneys. Goji Berries (Gou Qi Zi) can benefit the essence (jing) stored in the Kidneys, brighten the eyes, and nourish the blood. Single herbs can be combined to make Chinese herbal formulas that can powerfully boost and support the Kidneys. Strong Kidneys equal a strong will to conquer goals and obstacles this year!
No matter what your plans are for this year, we hope you can reflect and find peace and stillness (yin) in what may have been tumultuous and chaotic (yang) times for many. Embrace the bunny! Allow yourself to heal and get the self-care and support you need to make this year one to remember. If you’d like to book with one of our doctors to optimize rest, renewal, and rejuvenation, contact our office for an appointment or consultation!
