Enter the Wood (Green) Dragon: 2024

Happy Lunar New Year! Bonne Année Lunaire! Xīn Nián Kuài Lè! 新年快乐

La version française est ci-dessous

The Wood Dragon officially landed on February 10th, 2024.

What does this mean, and how might it affect your life?

Each year of the Chinese Lunar Zodiac is comprised of three parts:

  1. One of the twelve animals (this year is Dragon)
  2. One of the five elements (this year is Wood) The colour of Wood is green
  3. Yin or yang (this year is Yang)

These three parts show us how this year’s universal energies are moving, and whether they are in harmony or discord.

The Yang Wood Dragon can bring you incredibly good fortune and exciting possibilities if you are in harmony with the energies this year.

The Dragon is associated with power, vitality and change.

Wood is associated with growth, manifestation and achievement.

Those born in the Year of the Dragon are energetic, adventurous, courageous, unpredictable, generous, ambitious, charismatic, perfectionists and full of creative energy. The Dragon is considered to be the most mysterious and powerful sign.

Dragons are the only animal in the Asian Zodiac that can fly. They therefore have the unique ability to see the whole picture, as if from above. They are also the only mythical animal among the twelve, which makes them inherently undefinable.

That’s why no one can accurately predict what will happen in a Dragon year.

Some Chinese mystics believe Dragons do exist, but we cannot see them, and they are the forces of nature that influence the weather. This is why traditional Dragons are often depicted in clouds, mountains or valleys.

After four intense Yin years (the Metal Rat in 2020, the Metal Ox in 2021, the Water Tiger in 2022 and the Water Rabbit in 2023), the year of the Dragon brings strong Yang Qi and promises to unite people in more joyous ways and to be a catalyst for incredible change and growth.

Strong positive Yang Qi brings a lot of potential, but this year also includes a significant caveat, which is the Dragon’s unpredictability. The results lies in how this energy is channelled. And you are the channel!

So how might this powerful Dragon affect your life? And how might you best align yourself to bring abundance and positivity to your life this year?

The secret of the Ancients was to use the year’s energies to align themselves with good health and good fortune.

The elements of the Dragon (Earth) and the Year (Wood) are in disharmony this year, since Wood restrains Earth.

Because Wood restrains Earth, and the element of the Dragon is Yang Earth, we must take corrective action to counteract the disharmony.

The cure is two-fold:

1) Bolster and protect our Earth element.

2) Harmonize and channel our Wood elements.

Below are some “tips” to help apply the cure and make this the best Dragon year possible!

5 Tips to Make the Most of the Yang Wood Dragon Year!

#1: With great power comes great responsibility.

Wood is the energy of Rising Yang. Wood is the energy of the spring, of morning, of the rising sun and of plants growing upwards towards the light. It is associated with movement, planning, productivity, growth, reaching towards a goal and desires.

It is called Wood because plant energy grows in an upward and outward direction.

If a plant is not growing, it is dying. The Wood element in us must always be moving, growing and spreading Qi. If it is not, then our Qi (our energy) gets stifled and stuck.

This leads to Qi stagnation, which eventually leads to illnesses and/or pain in the body.

In our lives, if our Wood Qi is not flowing and we develop Qi stagnation, we may begin to feel dissatisfied and depressed and/or frustrated and angry.

This is a Yang Wood Year, so 2024 will bring a lot of fresh rising Yang energy. Enough energy to help break through any stagnate Qi, as long as we collaborate with the Dragon and do the work.

We can’t expect the Dragon to magically lift us out of our problems without putting in the work. If we want to transform our garden, we need to dig out the weeds, nourish the soil and water our plants.

With these three intentions, your garden will flourish!

So the key to success this year is to treat all the projects you want to grow or manifest as plants.

If your plant (project/plan) is growing well and looking healthy and vibrant – then keep nourishing the roots and encouraging its growth.

If your plant (project/goal) is encountering road blocks or facing certain challenges that are impeding its forward momentum – then lean into the obstacle and face each detail until it becomes resolved and the Qi can flow again.

This is what is meant by taking out the weeds and pests from your garden.

Ignoring a predatory insect or weed infestation in your garden, while continuing to water it regardless and wondering why your produce is poor, is like increasing the pressure on a hose that is full of holes hoping that more will come out at the end.

Your body, mind, and your life is like that hose. The Wood Dragon is like the water pressure coming through that hose. So if you have a solid, leak-proof hose, then wherever you aim it will produce abundant results this year.

Be intentional in order to not water weeds that don’t bear fruits.

A Year of Fantastic Change: Tremendous opportunity and enthusiastic growth is possible on all fronts.

After four years of Yin energies, when the whole world went through isolations, divisiveness and various stages of doubt and darkness (all very Yin qualities), the 2024 Dragon emerges with a triple Yang burst of clarity and impetus in all directions.

2023 was the year of the Yin Water Rabbit, which was akin to being cooped up underground in your tribe’s warren over a long winter.

This year, it’s as if the spring thaw pulls us above ground, where we transform from rabbits into flying dragons with possibilities as broad as the sky.

All the energies are moving upwards towards growth, manifestation and transformation.

Creativity will flourish this year. The more enthusiasm you can bring to a problem, the quicker a creative solution will arise.

#2: Don’t burn down the village – channel your frustration towards positivity.

The emotion associated with Wood is anger. Just below anger is frustration and irritability. If you really upset a Wood Dragon, it will burn down your house and maybe even your whole village.

On the positive side, the emotion or virtue often associated with Wood is kindness or benevolence. This positive aspect represents the ability to be flexible and adaptable, just as wood can bend without breaking.

Wood also reflects growth, development and the capacity for planning and decision-making.

So if you don’t keep the Wood element in harmony and balance this year, you may find yourself dealing with a bigger mess than you anticipated as you pick up the pieces after a big blow-up.

A key to helping you keep frustrations and angers in check this year is to take a piece of wisdom from the ancient myth of the 12 Chinese zodiac animals, called:

The Great Race

The Jade Emperor called the twelve zodiac animals to a race to determine their positions. The story emphasizes different character traits of each of the animals and tells us how they ultimately placed in the race. Being the only animal who could fly, the Dragon flew straight to the finish line. But there were seven wolves waiting to devour all the animals there. The Dragon led the wolves up to the sky and secured them there with its magic, turning them into the Big Dipper constellation. Later in the story the Dragon gets further delayed by bringing rain to a community that was suffering a drought, and then by helping a rabbit cross a river. Finally, after all this, the Dragon returns to secure the modest place of fifth in the race.

– Ancient Chinese folklore

The lesson here is that the Dragon’s power is best used for benevolent purposes. Dragons are naturally selfish if given the opportunity, but that quickly turns them into the hoarders and miserable demons that our modern fantasy books portray them as. When Dragons are true to their benevolent and generous spirit, they become larger than life and forces of nature.

The power of the Dragon flows in the direction of the giver, not the taker.

#3: The way to a Dragon’s heart is through its stomach.

The organ associated with the Dragon is the Stomach, which is Yang Earth. The stomach is that which consumes – that which devours. The stomach is where food is first transformed on its digestive journey to becoming useable energy for us.

Our stomachs can be very sensitive to different types food, or the amount of food we eat. Everyone has a different stomach and therefore each person must find the right balance with food for themselves. There is no one-size-fits-all way of eating or perfect diet for everyone, just as every Dragon is unique.

But one thing for sure is that overeating burdens the stomach. Just like if the Dragon tends towards gluttony, it will quickly become heavy and therefore ineffective in its flying.

Listening to your stomach and taking care of your own unique digestion is important this year.

This emphasis on digestion is multiplied with the influence of Yang Wood this year.

Yang Wood is associated with the gall bladder. So we have two Yang digestive organs that are at play this year: the stomach and the gall bladder.

The take-away here is that this is a great year to empower these organ systems and to heal any digestive imbalances you might be dealing with. It is also a year where these systems might become more vulnerable or prone to having issues if they are neglected.

Be mindful not to overburden these organ systems this year with artificial ingredients, excessive alcohol or greasy and fatty foods.

Don’t eat too lightly either, though, because Dragons love to feast! But don’t stuff yourself, as it’s not the year of the Pig! Eat lean, high nutrition power foods.

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine are good to use this year to help your stomach and gall bladder be as healthy as possible.

#4: It’s a perfect year for getting lean and strengthening your muscles.

The element of Wood is associated with the tendons and muscles. With the Yang energy ruling this year, physical exercise will be very rewarding. Not only will you achieve your physical goals more easily this year, but your mind and spirit will flourish in your well-exercised body.

Exercise moves the Qi and helps shake up stagnant blockages to get the flow going again.

This is one of the reasons you feel so good after exercising, and why some people get addicted to it – because it relieves Qi stagnation and when the Qi is flowing smoothly in your body you feel great!

Just ask someone who has had a “Qi flowing experience” with acupuncture at our clinic – they walk out on cloud nine, feeling amazing!

Regardless of whether you have ever felt “the Qi flow” or not, 2024 will be a great year for all your fitness and health goals.

Especially if your goal is to slim down and/or get stronger.

Slimming down has to do with taming the Dragon in your stomach by eating light and lean.

Getting strong is about harnessing the Wood in your muscles through cardio and strength training.

The key to all your fitness success this year is through the Wood element of planning.

Schedule your workouts into your weekly plan and jump into them like an enthusiastic Dragon hungry to seize the day!

#5: Metal balances wood: release the chains that hold your Dragon back.

Maybe you’ve been shy or burnt out in the past by going for your dreams or ambitions, and so you chained your inner Dragon down a long time ago, so that you wouldn’t get burned again by trying to fly too high.

But the last time we had a Wood Dragon Year was in 1964. So unless you were burned that year, there’s a good chance you’ve never encountered better circumstances to fly higher than you ever have before.

Maybe it’s not chains that are holding you down? Maybe it’s weight from old baggage or outdated priorities?

Or maybe it’s an unclear direction or opposing desires pulling your Dragon left and right at the same time, so it can’t make progress anywhere.

Maybe it’s words that are keeping your Dragon from achieving its potential?

Dragons are very susceptible to word magic and spells. Maybe it’s a series of words that has turned into a conscious (or unconscious) self-depreciating thought that is impeding your progress.

The point is that your only limits this year are self-created limits.

Use Metal to balance Wood.

Metal balances Wood in the five element system. Metal can either restrain wood’s growth, or cut wood’s weakness to focus its strength.

Use Metal to set your inner Dragon free and use the strong catalytic energy of this year to fly to great heights.

Metal cuts away what is not serving us, so if you want to fly, this is the year to cut away what is holding you back.

Make a list of habits, thoughts, moods and stories that are no longer serving you. Which one of these are you willing to give up in order to achieve your desired goals, dreams and outcomes?

This is the year that you can ride on a Dragon’s back to your better life.

Let go of what you don’t want to bring into that life, and get ready for an interesting ride!

Wishing you all successes this year!

-Blaise

La version française: Bonne Année Lunaire!

Le Dragon de bois est arrivé officiellement le 10 février 2024.

Qu’est-ce que cela signifie et comment cela peut-il affecter votre vie ?

Chaque année du zodiaque lunaire chinois se compose de trois parties :

l’un des douze animaux (cette année, le dragon)

L’un des cinq éléments (cette année, le bois) La couleur du bois est le vert

Le yin ou le yang (cette année est le Yang)

Ces trois parties nous montrent comment les énergies universelles de cette année se déplacent, et si elles sont en harmonie ou en discorde.

Le Dragon de Bois Yang peut vous apporter une chance incroyable et des possibilités passionnantes si vous êtes en harmonie avec les énergies de cette année.

Le dragon est associé au pouvoir, à la vitalité et au changement.

Le bois est associé à la croissance, à la manifestation et à la réussite.

Les personnes nées durant l’année du Dragon sont énergiques, aventureuses, courageuses, imprévisibles, généreuses, ambitieuses, charismatiques, perfectionnistes et pleines d’énergie créatrice. Le dragon est considéré comme le signe le plus mystérieux et le plus puissant.

Le dragon est le seul animal du zodiaque asiatique à pouvoir voler. Ils ont donc la capacité unique de voir l’ensemble du tableau, comme d’en haut. Il est également le seul animal mythique parmi les douze, ce qui le rend indéfinissable par nature.

C’est pourquoi personne ne peut prédire avec précision ce qui se passera au cours d’une année Dragon.

Certains mystiques chinois pensent que les dragons existent, mais que nous ne pouvons pas les voir, et qu’ils sont les forces de la nature qui influencent le temps. C’est pourquoi les dragons traditionnels sont souvent représentés dans des nuages, des montagnes ou des vallées.

Après quatre années Yin intenses (le Rat de métal en 2020, le Bœuf de métal en 2021, le Tigre d’eau en 2022 et le Lapin d’eau en 2023), l’année du Dragon apporte un Qi Yang fort et promet d’unir les gens de manière plus joyeuse et d’être un catalyseur pour un changement et une croissance incroyables.

Un Qi Yang fort et positif apporte beaucoup de potentiel, mais cette année comporte également une mise en garde importante, à savoir l’imprévisibilité du Dragon. Les résultats dépendent de la manière dont cette énergie est canalisée. Et vous êtes le canal !

Comment ce puissant dragon peut-il affecter votre vie ? Et comment pouvez-vous vous aligner au mieux pour apporter l’abondance et la positivité dans votre vie cette année ?

Le secret des Anciens était d’utiliser les énergies de l’année pour s’aligner sur la santé et la chance.

Les éléments du Dragon (Terre) et de l’Année (Bois) sont en disharmonie cette année, car le Bois restreint la Terre.

Étant donné que le Bois restreint la Terre et que l’élément du Dragon est le Yang Terre, nous devons prendre des mesures correctives pour contrer cette disharmonie.

Le remède comporte deux volets :

1) Renforcer et protéger notre élément Terre.

2) Harmoniser et canaliser notre élément Bois.

Vous trouverez ci-dessous quelques conseils pour appliquer le remède et faire de cette année du Dragon la meilleure possible !

5 conseils pour tirer le meilleur parti de l’année du dragon Yang-Bois !

1 : Les grands pouvoirs s’accompagnent de grandes responsabilités.

Le bois est l’énergie du Yang ascendant. Le bois est l’énergie du printemps, du matin, du soleil levant et des plantes qui poussent vers la lumière. Il est associé au mouvement, à la planification, à la productivité, à la croissance, à l’atteinte d’un but et aux désirs.

On l’appelle Bois parce que l’énergie végétale croît vers le haut et vers l’extérieur.

Si une plante ne pousse pas, elle meurt. L’élément Bois en nous doit toujours être en mouvement, croître et répandre le Qi. Si ce n’est pas le cas, notre Qi (notre énergie) est étouffé et bloqué.

Cela conduit à la stagnation du Qi, qui finit par entraîner des maladies et/ou des douleurs dans le corps.

Dans notre vie, si notre Qi du Bois ne circule pas et que nous développons une stagnation du Qi, nous pouvons commencer à nous sentir insatisfaits et déprimés et/ou frustrés et en colère.

C’est une année Bois Yang, donc 2024 apportera beaucoup d’énergie Yang fraîche et montante. Suffisamment d’énergie pour aider à briser tout Qi stagnant, à condition que nous collaborions avec le Dragon et que nous fassions le travail.

Nous ne pouvons pas nous attendre à ce que le Dragon nous sorte de nos problèmes comme par magie si nous n’y mettons pas du nôtre. Si nous voulons transformer notre jardin, nous devons arracher les mauvaises herbes, nourrir le sol et arroser nos plantes.

Avec ces trois intentions, votre jardin s’épanouira !

La clé du succès cette année est donc de considérer tous les projets que vous souhaitez développer ou manifester comme des plantes.

Si votre plante (projet/plan) pousse bien et semble en bonne santé, continuez à nourrir ses racines et à l’encourager dans sa croissance.

Si votre plante (projet/objectif) rencontre des obstacles ou fait face à certains défis qui l’empêchent d’avancer, penchez-vous sur l’obstacle et affrontez chaque détail jusqu’à ce qu’il soit résolu et que le Qi puisse à nouveau circuler.

C’est ce que l’on entend par éliminer les mauvaises herbes et les parasites de son jardin.

Ignorer un insecte prédateur ou une infestation de mauvaises herbes dans votre jardin, tout en continuant à l’arroser malgré tout et en se demandant pourquoi les résultats sont médiocres, revient à augmenter la pression sur un tuyau d’arrosage plein de trous en espérant qu’il en sortira davantage à la fin.

Votre corps, votre esprit et votre vie sont comme ce tuyau. Le Dragon de Bois est comme la pression de l’eau qui passe à travers ce tuyau. Si vous avez un tuyau solide et étanche, vous obtiendrez des résultats abondants cette année, quel que soit l’endroit où vous le dirigez.

Il faut être intentionnel pour ne pas arroser les mauvaises herbes qui ne portent pas de fruits.

Une année de changements fantastiques : De formidables opportunités et une croissance enthousiaste sont possibles sur tous les fronts.

Après quatre années d’énergies Yin, au cours desquelles le monde entier a connu l’isolement, la division et divers stades de doute et d’obscurité (toutes des qualités très Yin), le Dragon de 2024 émerge avec une triple poussée Yang de clarté et d’élan dans toutes les directions.

2023 était l’année du Lapin d’eau Yin, qui s’apparentait à l’enfermement sous terre dans la tanière de sa tribu pendant un long hiver.

Cette année, c’est comme si le dégel du printemps nous tirait vers le haut, où nous nous transformons de lapins en dragons volants avec des possibilités aussi vastes que le ciel.

Toutes les énergies se dirigent vers le haut, vers la croissance, la manifestation et la transformation.

La créativité s’épanouira cette année. Plus vous apporterez d’enthousiasme à un problème, plus vite une solution créative apparaîtra.

2 : Ne brûlez pas le village – canalisez votre frustration vers le positif.

L’émotion associée au bois est la colère. Juste après la colère, on trouve la frustration et l’irritabilité. Si vous contrariez vraiment un dragon de bois, il brûlera votre maison et peut-être même tout votre village.

Du côté positif, l’émotion ou la vertu souvent associée au Bois est la gentillesse ou la bienveillance. Cet aspect positif représente la capacité à être flexible et adaptable, tout comme le bois peut se plier sans se briser.

Le bois reflète également la croissance, le développement et la capacité à planifier et à prendre des décisions.

Par conséquent, si vous ne maintenez pas l’élément Bois en harmonie et en équilibre cette année, vous risquez d’être confronté à un désordre plus grand que prévu lorsque vous recollerez les morceaux après une grosse dispute.

Pour vous aider à maîtriser vos frustrations et vos colères cette année, vous pouvez vous inspirer du mythe des 12 animaux du zodiaque chinois :

La Grande Course

L’Empereur de Jade a appelé les douze animaux du zodiaque à une course pour déterminer leur position. L’histoire met l’accent sur les différents traits de caractère de chacun des animaux et nous raconte comment ils se sont finalement classés dans la course. Seul animal à pouvoir voler, le dragon se rendit directement à la ligne d’arrivée. Mais il y avait sept loups qui attendaient pour dévorer tous les animaux qui s’y trouvaient. Le dragon conduisit les loups dans le ciel et les y fixa grâce à sa magie, les transformant en la constellation de la Grande Ourse. Plus tard dans l’histoire, le dragon est encore retardé en apportant la pluie à une communauté qui souffrait de la sécheresse, puis en aidant un lapin à traverser une rivière. Finalement, après tout cela, le dragon revient et obtient la modeste place de cinquième dans la course.

Ancien folklore chinois

La leçon à en tirer est que le pouvoir du dragon doit être utilisé à des fins bienveillantes. Les dragons sont naturellement égoïstes si on leur en donne l’occasion, mais cela les transforme rapidement en accumulateurs et en démons misérables comme les dépeignent nos livres fantastiques modernes. Lorsque les Dragons sont fidèles à leur esprit bienveillant et généreux, ils deviennent plus grands que la vie et des forces de la nature.

Le pouvoir du Dragon va dans le sens de celui qui donne, et non de celui qui prend.

3 : Le chemin vers le cœur du Dragon passe par son estomac.

L’organe associé au Dragon est l’estomac, qui est le Yang Terre. L’estomac est ce qui consomme – ce qui dévore. L’estomac est l’endroit où la nourriture est d’abord transformée au cours de son parcours digestif pour devenir de l’énergie utilisable pour nous.

Notre estomac peut être très sensible à différents types d’aliments ou à la quantité de nourriture que nous mangeons. Chaque personne a un estomac différent et doit donc trouver le bon équilibre alimentaire. Il n’existe pas de mode d’alimentation unique ou de régime parfait pour tout le monde, tout comme chaque dragon est unique.

Mais ce qui est sûr, c’est que la suralimentation pèse sur l’estomac. Tout comme si le Dragon tendait vers la gourmandise, il deviendrait rapidement lourd et donc inefficace dans son vol.

Cette année, il est important d’écouter son estomac et de prendre soin de sa propre digestion.

L’accent mis sur la digestion est multiplié par l’influence du bois Yang cette année.

Le bois Yang est associé à la vésicule biliaire. Deux organes digestifs Yang sont donc en jeu cette année : l’estomac et la vésicule biliaire.

La conclusion à en tirer est que c’est une année idéale pour renforcer ces organes et guérir les déséquilibres digestifs auxquels vous pourriez être confronté. C’est aussi une année où ces systèmes peuvent devenir plus vulnérables ou sujets à des problèmes s’ils sont négligés.

Veillez à ne pas surcharger ces organes avec des ingrédients artificiels, de l’alcool en excès ou des aliments gras.

Ne mangez pas trop légèrement non plus, car les Dragons adorent festoyer ! Mais ne vous empiffrez pas, car ce n’est pas l’année du cochon ! Mangez des aliments maigres et riches en nutriments.

L’acupuncture et la médecine traditionnelle chinoise sont bonnes à utiliser cette année pour aider votre estomac et votre vésicule biliaire à être aussi sains que possible.

4 : C’est l’année idéale pour s’affiner et renforcer ses muscles.

L’élément Bois est associé aux tendons et aux muscles. Avec l’énergie Yang qui domine cette année, l’exercice physique sera très gratifiant. Non seulement vous atteindrez vos objectifs physiques plus facilement cette année, mais votre esprit et votre âme s’épanouiront dans votre corps bien exercé.

L’exercice fait bouger le Qi et aide à secouer les blocages stagnants pour relancer le flux.

C’est l’une des raisons pour lesquelles vous vous sentez si bien après avoir fait de l’exercice, et pourquoi certaines personnes en deviennent dépendantes – parce qu’il soulage la stagnation du Qi et que lorsque le Qi circule en douceur dans votre corps, vous vous sentez bien !

Il suffit de demander à quelqu’un qui a eu une “expérience de flux de Qi” avec l’acupuncture à notre clinique – il en sort sur un nuage, se sentant extraordinairement bien !

Que vous ayez déjà ressenti le “flux de Qi” ou non, 2024 sera une excellente année pour tous vos objectifs de santé et de remise en forme.

Surtout si votre objectif est de mincir et/ou de devenir plus fort.

Pour maigrir, il faut dompter le dragon dans l’estomac en mangeant léger et maigre.

Devenir plus fort, c’est exploiter le bois de vos muscles grâce à des exercices de cardio et de musculation.

La clé de votre réussite en matière de remise en forme cette année réside dans l’élément Bois de la planification.

Programmez vos séances d’entraînement dans votre plan hebdomadaire et sautez-y comme un dragon enthousiaste qui a envie de saisir la journée !

5 : Le métal équilibre le bois : libérez les chaînes qui retiennent votre Dragon.

Vous avez peut-être été timide ou épuisé par le passé en réalisant vos rêves ou vos ambitions, et vous avez donc enchaîné votre Dragon intérieur il y a longtemps, afin de ne pas vous brûler à nouveau en essayant de voler trop haut.

Mais la dernière année du dragon de bois remonte à 1964. À moins que vous n’ayez été brûlé cette année-là, il y a de fortes chances que vous n’ayez jamais rencontré de meilleures circonstances pour voler plus haut que vous ne l’avez jamais fait.

Peut-être que ce ne sont pas les chaînes qui vous retiennent ? Peut-être est-ce le poids de vieux bagages ou de priorités dépassées ?

Ou peut-être est-ce une direction peu claire ou des désirs opposés qui tirent votre Dragon à gauche et à droite en même temps, de sorte qu’il ne peut progresser nulle part.

Peut-être que ce sont les mots qui empêchent votre dragon de réaliser son potentiel ?

Les dragons sont très sensibles à la magie des mots et aux sortilèges. Peut-être est-ce une série de mots qui s’est transformée en une pensée consciente (ou inconsciente) d’autodépréciation qui vous empêche de progresser.

Le fait est que vos seules limites cette année sont celles que vous avez créées vous-même.

Utilisez le métal pour équilibrer le bois.

Le métal équilibre le bois dans le système des cinq éléments. Le métal peut soit freiner la croissance du bois, soit couper la faiblesse du bois pour concentrer sa force.

Utilisez le métal pour libérer votre dragon intérieur et utilisez la forte énergie catalytique de cette année pour atteindre de grands sommets.

Le métal élimine ce qui ne nous sert pas, donc si vous voulez voler, c’est l’année où il faut éliminer ce qui vous retient.

Faites une liste des habitudes, des pensées, des humeurs et des histoires qui ne vous servent plus. Quels sont ceux que vous êtes prêt à abandonner pour atteindre vos objectifs, vos rêves et vos résultats?

C’est l’année où vous pouvez monter sur le dos d’un dragon pour accéder à une vie meilleure.

Lâchez ce que vous ne voulez pas apporter dans cette vie, et préparez-vous à un voyage intéressant !

Je vous souhaite beaucoup de succès cette année !

-Blaise

The three pillars of immune health

Balancing your Immune System with Chinese Medicine

By: Blaise T. Ryan, R.TCMP, R.Ac
Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner and Acupuncturist
If you want to improve your immunity to protect yourself from getting sick, here are some tips from Chinese medicine to boost your immune system.
First, you have to understand that according to classical Chinese medicine, your body’s immune system is determined by the health of three main organ systems in the body: the Lungs, the Spleen and the Kidneys.  We could say that these three represent the three burners of your immune system: upper (lungs), middle (spleen) and lower (kidneys).
The Lungs are the upper and most superficial system, as they have direct exposure to pathogenic elements in our environment through breathing the air around us.   This often leads to direct exposure to bacterias, viruses, allergens and toxins in the air. The nose, sinuses and skin are all connected to the lung system as well in Chinese medicine.  This is why it’s common to have sinus and skin symptoms when the body has acute exposure to environmental pathogenic influences.

The ancient battle of two forces – Xie Qi vs. Zheng Qi

The Lungs are our first line of defence against what is called Xie Qi according to the Chinese medicine theory.  Xie Qi translates to “harmful qi,” often referred to as “evil qi”.
Qi is translated as “energy” or “air” or “influence”.
This Xie Qi is a general term used to describe any pathogenic influence that can enter the body and do harm to the health of the living organism.  The stronger the Xie Qi is, the harder it is for the body to defend against it. But luckily our bodies have a hero of their own to protect us against the evil forces that intend to do our health harm.

Our body’s hero is named Zheng Qi

Zheng Qi is often translated as constitutional integrity, which for all intents and practical purposes, we can translate to our entire immune health.  Why these two translations would be synonymous will become clearer as you keep reading.
According to the fundamentals of Chinese medicine, if your Zheng Qi is strong, the Xie Qi cannot invade your body, and you won’t get sick.  Consequently, if your Zheng Qi is weak, then it opens the door for Xie Qi to come inside and do damage to your health.
This explains why some people were unaffected by the great plague of the Middle Ages, or why some people don’t get sick during an epidemic outbreak – because their immune strength was greater than the pathological influence.
This also explains why some people get sick often and easily – because their immune strength is weak and it’s easily overcome by pathological influence.
This understanding is one of the fundamental principles of Chinese medicine because it underlies the assumption that disease and illness can only harm us under two circumstances:  1) when there is an excessively strong Xie Qi (pathological influence) or 2) when your Zheng Qi (immune health) is compromised.
This also paves the way for a clear and effective therapeutic approach to improving immunity and warding off illness and disease, using the simple approach of strengthening Zheng Qi and minimizing exposure to Xie Qi.

The three pillars of immunity

Our Zheng Qi is determined largely by the health of these three spectacular organ systems: the Lungs, Spleen and Kidneys.
As mentioned above, the Lungs are your first line of immune defence.
If your Lungs are strong and healthy, then the mucus membranes in your nose, sinuses and lungs will be functioning properly and will easily defeat any bacteria, allergen or virus that enters it.
Conversely, if the Lungs are weak, the mucus membranes can easily get inflamed and malfunction when invaded by Xie Qi, leading to the creation of excessive phlegm.
The next line of defence is the Spleen, which in Chinese medicine plays the most important role in the digestive system of extracting nutrients from the food and using them to create the Qi and blood for the entire body.
The Spleen and the Lungs have the unique and similar functions of directly drawing Qi from our environment and transforming it into usable Qi for our blood system and body.
The Lungs absorb Qi from the air in the form of oxygen and vital elements and pass it directly into our bloodstream.
The Spleen absorbs the Qi from food and water in the form of vitamins, minerals, nutrients, and molecules and passes it directly into our bloodstream.
It’s understood from Chinese medicine that the Qi absorbed by the Spleen through food is mixed with the Qi that is absorbed by the Lungs from the air, which is then mixed with the Qi from the Kidneys to make the body’s Zheng Qi.
Understanding this gives us a clear roadmap of our health on how to improve our immune health and keep it balanced.
That roadmap is making our Lungs, Spleens and Kidneys as happy as possible.  So let’s look at how to do that. Over the last five millenia, Chinese medicine has clearly mapped out what harms and strengthens these systems.   Let’s take a look at each of their profiles to understand their needs.

The Lungs

Season:  Fall
Element:  Metal
Partner organ: Large intestine
Governs:  Skin, nose, sinuses
Function:  Breathing, oxygen supply, circulation, immune defence
Emotional force:  Bonding, communication, trust
Likes:  Deep breathing/exercise, fresh air, acceptance,
Dislikes:  Phlegm, dryness, shallow breathing, inflammation,
constipation, wind-cold, wind-heat

The Spleen

Season: Long-summer
Element: Earth
Partner organ: Stomach
Governs: Mouth, lips, fat, lymph
Function: Digestion, creation of Blood and Qi, extraction of nutrients
Emotional force:  Awareness, discernment
Likes: Healthy nutrition (fresh, clean, simple, natural, unprocessed), peace of mind
Dislikes: Too much sweet or rich foods, worry, obsession, dampness, sitting or looking excessively

The Kidneys

Season: Winter
Element: Water
Partner organ:  Urinary bladder
Governs:  Bones, marrow, teeth, hair, ears, brain, essence, libido
Function:  Water metabolism, reproduction, hormones, adrenals
Emotional force: Will-power, fear
Likes:  Restful sleep, good work-life balance, proper posture, healthy sex life
Dislikes: Excessive amounts of: work, physical labour, sex, exercise, adrenaline, fear, anxiety

Keeping the above in mind while navigating these colder months will serve your body well and make you less vulnerable to catching colds and other sicknesses.  Align yourself with the intention that you will serve your immune organs well this winter.
So what should you do if you are symptomatic of a weakened immune system or have existing issues with any of the three burner organs?  
Book an appointment or consultation with a registered Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner, who will be able to isolate where and how your Zheng Qi is being compromised.  Regular acupuncture treatments and Chinese herbal remedies can assist in both preventative and remedial cases.  
You can also consult the organ profiles above to determine individualized areas of need that best fit your life and schedule.  
Perhaps you will commit to more conscious deep breathing or strengthening the communication in your relationship this fall to benefit the lungs, or work on better sleeping strategies during the long hibernating months of winter to benefit the kidneys.  
 Whichever area you choose to focus on, celebrate in the fact that you are becoming more organ-mindful and immune healthy!
For further practical tips to help boost and maintain a strong immune system, you may want to read the following blog posts:

 “Six Natural Ways To Protect Yourself Against Colds, Coughs & the Flu Using Chinese Medicine.”

“Acupuncture for Seasonal Transitions”

“Six Ways to Strengthen your Spleen in the Long Summer”

“Five Healthy Breakfasts to Strengthen your Spleen in the Winter”

How does Acupuncture Work?

Watch this BBC documentary about the science of acupuncture

As part of the documentary, you will see an young women having an open heart surgery without any anaesthetics, using just acupuncture, a 3,000 years old medical procedure. You will also see how it helps to treat migraines and many other conditions.  Millions people have started believing that acupuncture works better than conventional medicine.  This documentary explains about astonishing healing power of acupuncture and its booming market in western world.

Acupuncture is a collection of procedures which involves the stimulation of points on the body using a variety of techniques, such as penetrating the skin with needles that are then manipulated manually or by electrical stimulation. It is one of the main treatment methods of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and is among the oldest healing practices in the world.
Schedule your acupuncture treatment online by clicking here.

6 Natural Ways to Protect Yourself Against Colds, Coughs & The Flu using Chinese Medicine.

Symptoms of a cold

6 Ways to Help Your Immune System Fend Off Colds, Coughs and Flu Symptoms

By: Blaise T. Ryan, R.TCMP, R.Ac
Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner and Acupuncturist
Colds, coughs and the flu virus can affect us at any time of year.  Some of us are more prone to catching them than others.  Sometimes minor colds or stubborn coughs can linger for weeks, or escalate into a full-blown infection and knock us out of commission.   Sometimes they come with fever, chills, sore throats, mucus, congestion, body aches and fatigue.   The fall and winter and winter are the most common times to catch them.  Here are some traditional Chinese medicine tips to protect yourself from colds and coughs this year:

1) Avoid getting chilled.

 

It’s often during the seasonal shifts where people get sick because their bodies don’t adjust the drastic changes in temperature.  According to Chinese medicine, when you catch a chill, this is called an “invasion of wind-cold“.  This is why even in English we call it “catching a cold“.  The wind-cold goes into your skin and your immune system goes into hyper-drive to deal with it, causing mucus, fever, aches, etc.
If you get chilled, the best thing you can do is to sweat.  Take a hot bath or a sauna.  Or drink a warm-ginger tea and lie under some blankets to sweat it out.  When you sweat, the “wind-cold” is released through your pores, and you will avoid getting more sick.  If the wind-cold isn’t expelled, then it will go deeper into your body, possibly causing a cough or a full-blown cold.  The key is catching it at the beginning stages and sweating it out.
Try it, you’ll see how well it works.

 

Acupuncture relieves stress and boosts the immune system.
Acupuncture relieves stress and boosts the immune system.

2)  Get Acupuncture

 

Acupuncture helps keep your immune system strong and in balance.  When someone’s immune system is weak, they tend to get colds and coughs easily.  When their immune system is out of balance, they tend to have allergic reactions to certain environmental influences or foods.
 Acupuncture helps stabilize and reinforce your immune system, so it does it’s job properly and efficiently to defend your body against outside threats and maintain a balanced relationship between all your internal systems (organ system, nervous system, endocrine system, circulatory system, lymphatic system, etc.)
There are many factors that can weaken your immune system, like stress, adrenal fatigue, digestive problems, insomnia or internal inflammation. Getting regular acupuncture solves these issues and strengthens your body in the core, by affecting the internal organs through the acu-points.

 

3)  Eat pears and drink ginger tea in the fall.

 

Ginger has anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and anti-fungal properties.
Ginger has anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and anti-fungal properties.

The fall is the season of the lungs.  Pears moisten and nourish the lungs, which are one of the four main organs involved in your immune system, according to Chinese medicine.
The three other organ systems are the Kidneys, the Spleen and the Large Intestine.  Choose organic pears and eat them with the skin for the best effects.  Pears are great when you have a dry cough. Ginger empowers your spleen and lungs, and defends against “wind-cold” attacks.
The best way to make ginger tea is to boil fresh ginger for 5-10 minutes.  Sweetening it with some honey is also good because honey strengthens the Spleen organ system and balances the drying and hot nature of ginger.  Make sure you use real honey, not the cheap stuff made with corn syrup.
Ginger also has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and has even been shown to reduce ovarian cancer cells.  Ginger is a powerful super-food and healing herb.  I always have ginger in my fridge and so should you.

 

4) Avoid refined sugar.

 

Excessive refined sugar weakens the immune system and causes an internal inflammatory response, due to the spike in insulin levels triggered by the sugar intake.  If you want to test this theory, the next time you start to feel like you might be coming down with something (you have scratchy throat, body aches, sniffles, fatigue, etc), then eat a bunch of doughnuts or sugar.  You will likely get sicker very fast.
So if you want to avoid catching colds and coughs.  The next time you notice people around you getting sick, or you are feeling like your immune system is low, stay away from refined sugars.  Instead eat more fibrous foods, drink more pure water and get some rest.

 

Most efficient way to position your body on the toilet to optimize your bowel movements.
Most efficient way to position your body on the toilet to optimize your bowel movements.

5) Keep your bowels moving.

 

Regular and complete bowel movements are the cornerstone to good health.  If your large intestine isn’t excreting waste and toxins regularly, then you are likely re-absorbing toxins into your system.   Instead of having a strong immune system standing by ready to defend against an external pathogen, your immune system will be too busy trying to cope with excess of toxins in your body.
If you do not have 1-2 regular and complete bowel movements per day, your immune system may be compromised.
 To help your bowels move more regularly; drink more pure water, consume more fibre, get acupuncture, eliminate foods that are causing constipation, do an intestinal cleanse, change your posture on the toilet, or seek a Chinese herbal prescription to help your bowels move.
If you are unsure about the cause of your constipation, consult your registered practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine for their help.

 

6)  Take some Chinese herbs.

 

Everyone should have this herbal cough syrup in their home medicine cabinet. Safe for children too. Come into my clinic to get some.
Everyone should have this herbal cough syrup in their home medicine cabinet. Safe for children too. Come into my clinic to get some.

Whether you have a cold, a cough, a sore throat, a fever or if you are healthy now but you tend to catch colds or coughs easily, arm yourself with some Chinese herbal formulas.
These formulas use 100% natural ingredients derived from plants.   They are fully safe, with little to no side-effects, and have proven their efficacy to treat a wide variety of symptoms and health issues over thousands of years.
There are formulas that will help your immune system get stronger to defend itself against colds, coughs and the flu.  Some herbal formulas are so effective I think everyone should keep them in their home medicine cabinet in case they start to feel unwell.
Like this herbal cough syrup, which I have available in my clinic. Come see me at my clinic to get the herbal formula that’s right for you, or consult your registered practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine for a herbal prescription.

Acupuncture for Seasonal Transitions

(FRANÇAIS ci-dessous) …

Seasonal transitions are not always easy for even the healthiest of people.  Especially this time of year when the days are getting shorter, Vitamin D is in short supply and our bodies shirk away from the cold winds of winter.

Traditional Chinese medicine understands how these seasonal changes affect the mind and body through the 5 element and yin-yang theory.   Each season correlates to a different element, different organs and correspond to different stages in the yin-yang cycle.
The winter solstice marks the greatest depth of yin, just as the summer solstice is the highest peak of yang energy.
By using this knowledge a skilled traditional Chinese medicine acupuncturist will adjust their treatments based on the seasons, and take advantage of how the energy is circulating in your body.
Maintaining balance through these transitions is critical to our health and wellbeing.  When proper self-care is ignored during a transition, then imbalance can happen and physical symptoms like colds, the flu, coughs, skin problems, insomnia, seasonal allergies, or aches and pains get worse.  More frequently imbalances during these transitions also bring about psychological and mood disorders like SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder).
Traditional Chinese medicine acupuncture can reduce these problems by balancing the meridians and organ systems to better cope with the external and internal stresses of these season changes.  Acupuncture can help strengthen the immune system and detoxify the body to prevent possible cold or flu-like symptoms from getting a grip on you.  It can unblock stagnant points in meridians that cause mood disorders during seasonal change.
Avid acupuncture users frequently visit their acupuncturists for a “tune-up” or “seasonal treatment” to help them get back on track when they start to feel run down or just “a little off”.  This is very wise preventative self-care.
Those who are even more tuned-in to taking care of themselves will seek acupuncture and TCM (traditional Chinese medicine) when going through life transitions.  During acupuncture treatments the body processes the different stressors and stimuli which can otherwise overwhelm someone if they don’t take the healing time they need.  Big life changes can be stressful, acupuncture can help increase your capacity to handle stress and process feelings and emotions.
With the holiday season approaching, and all the stress and activity that comes with that, combined with the winter solstice, short days and cold weather, it’s wise to book yourself in for some acupuncture to help fill up your own reserves so that you can handle the challenges ahead more harmoniously. Just request a “seasonal transition acupuncture treatment” and your acupuncturist will know exactly what to do.
Blaise T. Ryan is a Registered Acupuncturist and Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner.  He accepts new patients at his Westboro location.  Insurance receipts are available. You can book an appointment online  or by calling 613-702-5377.

L’Acupuncture et les Transitions entre les Saisons

Les transitions d’une saison à l’autre ne sont pas toujours faciles, même pour les personnes en très bonne santé. C’est tout particulièrement vrai à ce temps-ci de l’année alors que les journées raccourcissent, que la vitamine D se fait rare, et que notre corps cherche à se réfugier loin des vents froids de l’hiver.
La Médecine Traditionnelle Chinoise explique, grâce à la Théorie des 5 Éléments et du Yin-Yang, comment les changements de saisons affectent l’esprit et le corps. Chacune des saisons est en corrélation avec un élément différent, des organes différents et correspond à différents aspects du Cycle Yin-Yang.
Au solstice d’hiver, le Yin se manifeste pleinement, tandis qu’au solstice d’été, l’énergie Yang est à son apogée.
En utilisant ces connaissances, un acupuncteur qualifié et expérimenté de la Médecine Traditionnelle Chinoise ajustera ses traitements aux saisons et prendra avantage de la façon dont l’énergie circule dans votre corps.
Garder notre équilibre dans ces transitions est primordial pour notre santé et notre bien-être. Lorsqu’on ne prend pas soin de soi pendant une transition, un déséquilibre peut survenir et des symptômes physiques tels que les rhumes, la grippe, la toux, les problèmes cutanés, l’insomnie, les allergies saisonnières, ou encore les douleurs, s’aggravent. Ces déséquilibres durant les périodes de transitions amènent fréquemment des désordres psychologiques et émotionnels tels que le TAS (Trouble Affectif Saisonnier).
L’acupuncture de la Médecine Traditionnelle Chinoise peut atténuer ces problèmes en équilibrant les sytèmes des méridiens et des organes, leur permettant ainsi de mieux faire face aux stress externes et internes qui surviennent lors des changements de saisons. L’acupuncture peut aider à renforcer le système immunitaire et à détoxifier le corps et donc prévenir un rhume éventuel ou les symptômes ressemblant à ceux de la grippe.
L’acupuncture peut débloquer les points stagnants dans les méridiens qui causent les désordres de l’humeur lors des changements de saisons.
Les habitués avides d’acupuncture rendent souvent visite à leur acupuncteur pour une “mise au point” ou un “traitement saisonnier” dans le but d’obtenir de l’aide pour “se remettre sur les rails” quand ils commencent à se sentir fatigués ou juste “pas très bien”. C’est une pratique de soins à soi-même préventive très sage.
Ceux qui sont encore plus enclins à prendre soin d’eux-mêmes vont vouloir recevoir de l’acupuncture et de la MTC (Médecine Traditionnelle Chinoise) dans les périodes de transition de la vie. Pendant les traitements d’acupuncture, le corps traite les différents stresseurs et stimuli qui autrement peuvent accabler une personne si elle ne prend pas le temps qu’il faut pour guérir. Les grands changements de la vie peuvent être stressants et l’acupuncture peut aider à augmenter votre capacité de faire face au stress et d’adresser les sentiments et les émotions.
Avec la saison des Fêtes qui approche et son lot de stress et d’activités, combinée au solstice d’hiver, aux journées courtes et au froid, il est sage de vous réserver des séances d’acupuncture pour vous aider à accroître vos réserves d’énergie et ainsi vous permettre de faire face aux défis de façon plus harmonieuse. Vous n’avez qu’à demander un “traitement d’acupuncture de transition saisonnière” et votre acunpuncteur saura exactement ce qu’il doit faire.
Blaise T. Ryan est un Acupuncteur enregistré et un Praticien de Médecine Traditionnelle Chinoise enregistré. Il accepte de nouveaux clients à son bureau situé dans Westboro. Les reçus pour fins de couverture par les assurances sont disponibles. Vous pouvez prendre rendez-vous avec lui en ligne ici ou en composant le 613-702-5377.

What can acupuncture treat?

What Can Acupuncture Help With?

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese medicine have proven to be successful in treating a wide variety of health conditions.  A lot of people are drawn to acupuncture and Chinese medicine as a “last resort” to try and help a medical problem that may be serious and complex.  It is common for people to find that acupuncture and the traditional Chinese approach to health can help them when other treatments could not.  This is why acupuncture is being used by more people every year to help with all kinds of different health issues.

Watch this video to learn about the health issues acupuncture can treat:

 

In addition to treating acute or serious health problems, acupuncture is often used as a preventative medicine.  Many people see their acupuncturist only a few times a year to help with “seasonal transitions” or as a “tune up” or “balancing” treatment.  This can be effective in keeping in good health, energy and vitality as well as for preventing illness.
A TCM-trained (Traditional Chinese Medicine) acupuncturist will determine the best treatment based on what your body needs to find balance and restore health.  Each patient must have a full TCM health assessment in order for the practitioner to correctly diagnose the syndrome and imbalances in the body.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) will assess the states of the organ systems, the meridians, the fluid metabolism, circulation and the vital energy “Qi” of the body.
Based on the licensed acupuncturist’s diagnosis, a treatment plan will be prepared in order to address both the root-cause of the health problem, as well as the symptoms and manifestations of the issue.  For example, someone with a skin disorder may be diagnosed with a weakness in the lungs or it may be caused by toxins in the digestive system.  So, the treatment would focus on not only the skin, but also on the cause in the lungs or digestive system.

 

What health problems are commonly treated with Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is well-known for treating pain-related issues. For example, arthritis, back, neck,
Traditional Chinese Medicine is a complete medical system that is capable of diagnosing and successfully treating a wide range of conditions including knee and shoulder pain, carpal tunnel syndrome and sciatica.  Yet, it can also treat many other health disorders.
(This is not a complete list of what Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine can treat.)

Musculoskeletal and Neurological Disorders

  • Chronic Pain
  • Acute Pain
  • Sports Injuries
  • Arthritis
  • Neuralgia
  • Sciatica
  • Back Pain
  • Bursitis
  • Tendonitis
  • Stiff Neck
  • Bell’s Palsy
  • Trigeminal Neuralgia
  • Headaches and Migraines
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Stroke
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Polio
  • Sprains
  • Muscle Spasms
  • Shingles

Respiratory Disorders

  • Asthma
  • Coughs
  • Emphysema
  • Bronchitis
  • Colds and Flus

Eye, Ear, Nose, Throat Disorders

  • Sinusitis
  • Sore Throat
  • Hay Fever
  • Earache
  • Nerve Deafness
  • Ringing in the Ears
  • Dizziness
  • Poor Eyesight

Circulatory Disorders

  • High Blood Pressure
  • Angina Pectoris
  • Arteriosclerosis
  • Anemia
  • Poor circulation in the legs, hands or feet

Gastrointestinal Disorders

  • Nausea
  • Digestive Problems
  • Weight Gain
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome
  • Spastic Colon
  • Colitis
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Food Allergies
  • Parasites
  • Gallstones
  • Ulcers
  • Gastritis
  • Abdominal Bloating
  • Hemorrhoids

Gynecological / Genitourinary Disorders

  • Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
  • Irregular, Heavy or Painful Menstruation
  • Fertility Problems
  • Endometriosis
  • Menopause Symptoms (Night sweats, hot flashes, etc)
  • Fibroids
  • Chronic Bladder Infection
  • Complications in Pregnancy
  • Morning Sickness
  • Kidney Stones
  • Impotence
  • Infertility in Men and Women
  • Sexual Dysfunction

Immune Disorders

  • Allergies
  • Candida
  • Chronic Fatigue
  • Lupus, Lymes Disease

Addiction

  • Smoking Cessation
  • Drugs
  • Alcohol

Emotional and Psychological Disorders

  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Depression
  • Stress
  • ADHD, Attention Deficit Disorders
  • PTSD

Acupuncture Also Treats

  • Chemotherapy/Radiation Side Effects
  • Diabetes
  • Dermatological Disorders
  • Premature Aging Symptoms
  • Weight Control
  • Post-Surgical Recovery
Always get acupuncture from a registered, trained and licensed professional.