by Mary Chen, LAc
The New Year is arguably the most significant holiday in the eastern world and especially China. Customarily, unlike the western celebration of the New Year which always lands on the first of January, Chinese New Year is a 15 day long celebration following the lunar calendar and begins this year on January 23rd. Chinese New Year usually falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice marking the end of the winter season and the beginning of new life throughout the world. As such, it is actually known as the “Spring Festival” in China and is equally as important to many other surrounding countries such as Taiwan, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and even as far away as the Philippines.
In preparation of the New Year in China, homes are given a thorough cleaning to sweep away any bad luck or misfortune from the previous year. Then, on New Year’s Eve, families gather together for a huge meal consisting of numerous different meats and vegetables including fish for prosperity, noodles for longevity and mandarin oranges for good luck. New Year’s Day commences with extravagant fireworks and lion dancing while red envelopes containing money are traditionally given to children and younger family members. Red decorative paper-cuttings are also used throughout the festivities, as the color signifies truth, virtue and sincerity. In the following 13 days, different rituals are performed to honor everything from the gods and ancestors to elders, other family members and friends as well as foe as it is truly a time for reconciling old grudges and spreading good fortune. Then, on the fifteenth day, when the moon is at its brightest, the celebrations conclude with the Lantern Festival where candles are lit outside houses as a way to guide wayward spirits home.
Besides traditionally being one of the most central events in the Chinese culture, the New Year is also filled with strong symbolism. According to the Chinese Zodiac, there are 12 animals: dragon, horse, snake, ox, rat, monkey, rooster, ram, dog, tiger, rabbit and boar that represent each New Year. In addition to these characteristics, each animal also cycles through the five Chinese elements of earth, water, wood, metal, and fire, thereby slightly altering the animal’s innate qualities. This year, we welcome the year of the Water Dragon.
The year of the Dragon itself is said to bring together the five blessings of harmony, riches, virtue, fulfillment and longevity. And while Dragons are traditionally characterized as ambitious, proud, passionate, artistic, arrogant, and eccentric, the Water Element acts to calm the head strong Dragon, focusing its intense energy and enabling him or her to be more fluid and diplomatic. Water Dragons are capable of promoting ideas with untiring devotion and are likely to become very effective negotiators. They are thought to be generous with resources, smart and have a natural flair for artistic expression. Some people born in the year of the Dragon include Salvador Dali, John Lennon, and Mary- Louise Parker.
Although not quite as old as the traditions of Chinese New Year or the zodiac, acupuncture is an ancient healing practice dating back to the 2nd century BC in China, the philosophy of which is rooted in Taoist traditions over 8000 years old. According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, twelve energy channels called “meridians” that connect to different organs run vertically along the length of the human body to regulate the smooth flow of “Qi”. The literal translation of Qi is breath or air, which is equivalent to life energy or energy flow in Chinese medicine. When Qi is blocked, mental, emotional and/or physical illness and imbalances may occur. To alleviate these imbalances, hair-thin needles are inserted into specific points and then stimulated through a variety of methods. In western medicine, this process reflects the ability for acupuncture to influence both the central and peripheral nervous systems. Acupuncture is a safe and effective method used to trigger the body’s natural healing response, and research suggests that it can help increase immune system functioning, improve the circulatory system, decreases muscle tightness, increases joint flexibility and releases brain chemicals such as endorphins to promote pain relief.
In keeping with the spirit of the Water Dragon, let’s be passionate about our health and wellness and inspire ourselves and others to be brave and try new things. So whether you’re looking to relieve stress and pain, or just boost your immune system and feel better in general, if you haven’t received an acupuncture treatment before now, 2012 is the perfect time! We have five wonderful practitioners available at the clinic so please call for more information or to make an appointment today! “Gung Hee Fot Choy!”
