If the Year Feels Already Fast… It Is : YEAR OF THE HORSE

The Year of the Horse!

The Horse represents the energy of action, motion, and exterior activity; as a result, a lot of people experience a heightened sense of activity and the pressure to perform and accomplish more; therefore, there is less opportunity to slow down naturally. Additionally, many individuals report higher levels of stress accumulation and a greater challenge in controlling their anxiety this year.

In Chinese Medicine, the Horse is an example of Fire Energy and, specifically, the Heart System. The Heart System is responsible for our emotional health, our sleep, circulation, and our brains' ability to settle. When the Heart is supported, individuals typically feel calm, clear-minded, and emotionally centered. On the other hand, when the Heart becomes overly stimulated, we may experience anxiety, agitation, disturbed sleep, etc.

Stress and Anxiety is not limited to mental. We frequently observe the physical manifestation of anxiety, whether it is light sleep, rapid thinking, chest constriction, gastrointestinal tension, or an ongoing feeling of "on edge" or "tension." Individuals may report fatigue but are unable to fully relax.

Therefore, the dynamic character of the Year of the Horse tends to enhance existing patterns of anxiety in individuals with existing stress levels or a lifestyle characterized by an ongoing, high level of activity.

Reducing Stress and Anxiety using Chinese Medicine techniques requires calmer Heart Energy, nourished Yin (cooler, restorative body processes) and the restoration of the nervous system back to its normal functioning state. Therefore, rather than stressing the prevention of stress, Chinese Medicine techniques are designed to provide an environment where the body can recover from stress.

There are a few simple practices that can provide immediate relief in helping the body regulate stress and anxiety, and these practices need to be implemented on a consistent basis:

Establish a quiet evening: Dim the lights, limit screen use, and reduce noise in general, which sends a signal to the nervous system to slow down.

Develop a consistent routine: Develop a consistent sleep-wake cycle. Although you may not immediately achieve ideal sleep, a consistent sleep-wake cycle supports the Heart's function and improves the quality of your sleep.

Eat regularly and warmth: Limit meal skips an cold, quick, or processed food as this creates internal stress. Warm, regular meals support grounding and stability.

Take small breaks during the day: Take short breaks during the day to sit calmly or engage in a calming activity. Short breaks can prevent excessive build-up of stress.

Warm, comforting foods like sweet potatoes, pumpkins, carrots, and squash can also support grounding and emotional stabilization. Foods that support the Heart and promote emotional balance include eggs, spinach and other dark leafy greens, tofu, and sesame seeds. Foods that support Blood and Yin (in Chinese Medicine terms), according to traditional Chinese medicine, promote healthy sleep and mental clarity.

In addition to the above practices, Acupuncture has been used to further support the nervous system and assist the body in transitioning from states of hyperarousal to a more relaxed and responsive state. Many people reports significant improvement in their sleep, anxiety, and emotional resilience after implementing a combination of these practices and acupuncture treatments.

Although the Year of the Horse encourages movement and progress, it emphasizes the importance of balance. By providing support to the nervous system, individuals create the environment for free-flowing energy without the anxiety or burnout associated with excessive stress.

During this year, the focus is on establishing consistent habits and developing new ways to manage stress and develop long-term emotional wellness. Developing new habits and establishing consistent routines can have a dramatic impact in a year like this one.

Happy New Year!

Elif