The Clinic of Meridian Harmonics: February 4, 2025 Part 2: Chinese New Year

February 4, 2025, is the first day of the Yin Wood Snake Year, which is rooted in Chinese philosophy and based on a lunar calendar. The Chinese zodiac comprises 12 animal signs, yin or yang, and the five elements, forming a 60-year cycle.

2024 was the Yang Wood Dragon year. It ends on February 3, 2025. Following Yang Wood is Yin Wood. Dragon signifies the Yang aspect of the Earth element. Snake follows Dragon in the sequence of the twelve animals and signifies Yin Fire. Each animal is associated with one of the five elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water). 2025 the Snake, therefore, is a Yin Wood Snake Year. The previous Yin Wood Snake Years were 1965, and 1905. The next Yin Wood Snake Year will be 2085. If your birthday was in 1965, 2025 is your Golden Birthday!

Each year is linked to an associative hexagram from the I-Ching. The Yin Wood Snake corresponds to the 37th hexagram "Family". The image is Wind, the upper trigram, over Fire, the lower trigram. This is a highly energetic hexagram and illustrates "fire stirring wind". Elevated energy states in TCM can cause deficiency, weakness, and stagnation in other regions, organs, cells, and structures.

Each year, month, and day of the year corresponds to specific patterns of disharmony that affect health. Wind is one of two trigrams linked to the Wood element. When Wind is the upper trigram in a hexagram there is weakness, deficiency, and stagnation in the Shaoyang meridians. The Wind trigram generally represents inflammatory hyperactivity in the yang meridians and organs. At the same time, there is an erratic movement of inflammatory energy.

The Shaoyang meridians are related to the western gallbladder, lymphatic, and endocrine systems. The inflammation begins in the intestines, bladder, and kidneys during the Yin Wood Snake year.

The Fire trigram is linked to the Fire element. When it is the lower trigram in a hexagram, blood stagnation leads to poor circulation within the blood vessels. Blood stasis here is from inflammation. Fire represents inflammation affecting the heart and its linked organs, tissues, and cells. During the Yin Wood Snake, this indicates inflammation in the intestines and hormone imbalances.

The overarching theme of the Yin Wood Snake year involves internal heat triggering internal wind. This wind is produced by heat or inflammation, which adversely affects the liver, lungs, gallbladder, and pericardium.

Energetic Dynamics of the Yin Wood Snake

Yin Wood Element (Liver)

The Wood element governs the Liver and is associated with growth, renewal, flexibility, and vision (both physical and metaphorical).

Yin Wood represents gentle, nurturing growth, emphasizing inner harmony and adaptability.

Energetically, the Liver ensures smooth qi flow throughout the body, impacting emotions, digestion, and musculoskeletal health.

Snake Influence (Yin Fire)

The Snake corresponds to the Fire element, influencing the Heart. Fire is dynamic, and transformative, and relates to clarity of spirit, joy, and blood circulation.

The Snake is also associated with the digestive system, including the Small Intestine.

Internal Pairings and Connections

Yin Wood Liver and Yin Fire Heart are both linked to the Gallbladder and Small Intestine

Gallbladder: Partners with the Liver, aiding decision-making and bile secretion, essential for fat metabolism.

Small Intestine: Complements the Heart, supporting nutrient assimilation and separating the pure from the impure.

Hexagram 37 - Family (家人, Jiā Rén)

Represents harmonious relationships and the importance of order within the "home" (body and mind). This hexagram underscores the need for self-care and balanced interpersonal dynamics.

Focus: Nurturing both the physical body and the emotional environment.

Pituitary Gland and Vertebral Segments

The Yin Wood Snake is linked to the pituitary gland of the endocrine system and spinal segments C2, T3, and T11.

Pituitary Gland: Governs hormonal balance, linking physical and emotional health.

C2, T3, and T11:

C2 (Axis vertebra): Associated with neck movement, communication, and mental clarity.

T3: Influences lung function and upper chest vitality.

T11: Supports digestion and kidney-adrenal function, aligning with the Snake’s transformative qualities.

Pathophysiology

Internal Inflammation in the Intestines

Small Intestine (Heart Fire Tie)

The Small Intestine is the yang pair of the Heart and is responsible for separating the pure from the impure.

Inflammation here can exacerbate Heart Fire, leading to shen (spirit) disturbances, irritability, and restlessness.

Large Intestine (Lung Tie)

The Large Intestine is the yang pair of the Lungs and governs elimination.

Heat or damp heat in the Large Intestine can rise to the Lungs, manifesting as coughing, wheezing, or dryness.

Stirring Internal Wind

Internal Fire generates Wind, particularly when yin fluids are depleted by prolonged inflammation. This can result in symptoms such as:

Tremors or spasms (severe cases).

Dizziness or headaches from upward-rising qi.

Emotional instability, including anxiety or anger (Liver Wind implications).

Impact on the Pericardium (Xin Bao Luo)

The Pericardium is a protective shield for the Heart and governs emotional regulation.

Internal Wind combined with Fire can disturb the Pericardium, leading to:

Palpitations.

Insomnia or vivid dreams.

Emotional irritability or panic attacks.

Impact on the Lungs (Fei)

The Lungs, as the delicate organ, are vulnerable to Fire and Wind:

Heat rising to the Lungs can cause coughing, dry throat, or chest tightness.

Wind-heat patterns can exacerbate symptoms like wheezing, phlegm-heat, or shallow breathing.

Seasonal and Hemispheric Considerations

Northern Hemisphere

Spring (Wood Element): Dominates during the Yin Wood Snake year, especially in temperate climates. This is a time of renewal and upward energy movement.

Challenges: Emotional volatility, liver stagnation, and seasonal allergies.

Focus: Cleansing, detoxifying the liver, and balancing emotions.

Southern Hemisphere

Autumn (Metal Element): Influences the transition during the Yin Wood Snake year, emphasizing letting go and grounding energy.

Challenges: Digestive sluggishness, dryness, and emotional fatigue.

Focus: Nourishing the yin, supporting hydration, and harmonizing the lungs and large intestine.

Nutrition Recommendations

Support Liver and Gallbladder:

Bitter Greens: Dandelion greens, arugula, and kale to support bile production and liver detox.

Sour Flavors: Lemon, lime, fermented foods (e.g., kimchi, sauerkraut) to promote liver qi flow.

Cruciferous Vegetables: Broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage for liver detoxification.

Healthy Fats: Olive oil, avocado, and flaxseed for gallbladder health.

Support Heart and Small Intestine:

Red-Colored Foods: Beets, cherries, and tomatoes to invigorate blood circulation.

Whole Grains: Millet and quinoa nourish the small intestine and provide sustained energy.

Hydration: Adequate water intake with electrolytes to assist Small Intestine fluid absorption.

Seasonal Additions:

Northern Hemisphere (Spring):

Increase light, detoxifying foods like sprouts, cucumbers, and asparagus.

Herbal teas: Peppermint, chrysanthemum, or green tea for cooling Liver heat.

Southern Hemisphere (Autumn):

Emphasize warming and moistening foods like squash, sweet potatoes, and pears.

Herbal teas: Licorice root or slippery elm for dryness and lung support.

Lifestyle Recommendations

Exercise:

Gentle Movement: Tai Chi, Qi Gong, and yoga to promote smooth qi flow and flexibility.

Dynamic Practices: Dancing or brisk walking to harmonize Liver and Heart energy.

Breathwork and Meditation:

Focus on calming the Heart and grounding emotions. Practices like mindfulness and guided imagery can support emotional stability.

Sleep Hygiene:

Ensure sufficient rest to regenerate Liver and Heart energy. Avoid overstimulating activities before bedtime

Cautions

Overactivity: Avoid overexertion or high-stress environments, as they can overtax the Liver and Heart.

Dietary Excess:

Limit heavy, greasy foods that stagnate the Liver and Gallbladder.

Minimize excessive spicy foods, as they can overheat the Heart.

Emotional Turmoil:

Emotional stagnation or overreaction can lead to Liver qi stagnation and Heart fire.

Practice emotional regulation through journaling, therapy, or expressive arts.

Postural Awareness:

Support C2, T3, and T11 alignment through ergonomic practices and bodywork like acupuncture.

Summary

The 2025 Chinese New Year, the Yin Wood Snake begins on February 4. Keep this in mind during each month of the upcoming year. Though each month and season has its own energetic dynamics, the underlying theme forms the basis or root for the year concerning nutrition and lifestyle. By aligning diet and lifestyle practices with the seasonal energies of the northern and southern hemispheres, one can harmonize hormones, stabilize metabolic functions, and improve the structural health of the spine for optimal well-being.

Health and Wellness Coaching & Consultation:

To get your diet dialed in, schedule a personal consultation to determine the correct Ayurvedic and TCM recommendations for your constitution, as most wellness programs are inappropriate. Michelle is a Mayo Clinic-trained health coach who offers patients an opportunity to learn the most suitable path to boost their immune system and maintain overall health.

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