Happy Year of the Wood Snake!

In Asian astrology, zodiacs are done by the year, rather than by the month. For the Chinese, January 29, 2025 marked the beginning of the year of the Yin Wood Snake, while the Tibetans will be celebrating the new year on February 28th. People born in 2025, 2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965, 1953, 1941, 1929, 1917 are Snakes, but the last time there was a Wood Snake year was in 1964. 2025 is a Yin year. Yin years alternate with Yang years and since the nature of Yin is quieter, cooler and calmer than Yang, we hope for that kind of year ahead. Hallelujah! We can all use a little more tranquility in our lives.

What other kinds of Snakes are there? Metal, Water, Fire and Earth. Along with Wood, these are also the five elements that are used, in part, as a basis in Chinese Medicine when assessing, diagnosing and treating patients. Each person has one dominant element, their Constitutional Factor, that influences their existence and how they maneuver in the world.

Snakes are considered intelligent, serene and wise.. Unlike most creatures that replace skin cells, snakes shed their whole skin at once, which allows for their continued growth. Such an interesting paradox, calm, yet full of big changes and transformation! Might this be a good year to shed old parts of yourself? Is it time to reinvent yourself and/or take that big leap that you have been pondering?

Snakes are calm and accepting, unless they feel threatened or are hunting. Even if they’re startled, they generally give you a warning before they attack. They are flexible, reminding us to try to stay pliant throughout the year ahead.

What else about this coming year? Snake years are of both the Wood and Fire elements. The nature of Wood is wind and warmth. Fire’s nature is heat and dryness. Showing us that we may be in for hot, dry, windy weather and fires. Because the Earth energy is neutral to slightly strong this year, and is in charge of dampness, we may see more humidity than rain. The good news though is that the way the elements line up with Wood being the parent of Fire, these are all positive indications, as opposed to a year where the elements go against nature. This means the intensity could very well be turned down a few notches. Wouldn't that be nice!

If your energy is in balance, it will help you move through each year, with its varying challenges. If you aren't feeling particularly flexible, or are having trouble shedding some old thoughts and habits that you want to move on from, come in and let acupuncture work its magic as it realigns and strengthens your body, mind and spirit.

Each acupuncture treatment you receive reminds your nervous system and your chi (energy) how to recalibrate itself. At the early stages of receiving treatments, we are reminding your system how to get back to balance. Once it balances and needs less nudging, your treatments can spread out and you can enjoy a better sense of well-being, and receive 'tune-ups' as needed and depending on life circumstances. What a wonderful gift to be able to come in for a treatment and get re-aligned so that life's challenges can be faced with more strength and composure.

Ready for a free 30-minute consultation to see if acupuncture is for you, or to schedule your next seasonal tune-up? Reach out to Angela at KatonahAcupuncture@gmail.com 

*This information about the year of the Snake is for entertainment purposes only.