Year of the Monkey – Lunar New Year 2016

Happy Lunar New Year! If you’re like most New Yorkers who spend a good amount of time online, you’ve probably seen hundreds of articles on this being a Fire Monkey year. Every year has a nature, and every nature can lead to certain problems, according to this system of astrology. I have compiled some health tips for 2016 to match the nature of the Fire Monkey. Luckily almost all the potential health woes can be treated with acupuncture!

First some background: Most Asian countries celebrate the cycle of the year according to the lunar calendar. This year, the first day of the new year is Monday, February 8th, not January 1st (Gregorian calendar). While western culture has an astrology system based on 12 constellations that cycle monthly, the lunar system assigns an animal to each year of a 12 year cycle. They also cycle through the five elements: Fire, earth, metal, water and wood. It is believed that the year you were born will have an effect on your character and health. Similar to astrology, each animal has its strengths and weaknesses. It is believed that your luck in career, love and wealth each year will also be affected by which element and animal year we are in. Please see the chart below to figure out your animal sign.

Rat: 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960
Ox: 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961
Tiger: 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962
Rabbit: 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963
Dragon: 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964
Snake: 2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965
Horse: 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966
Goat: 2015, 2003, 1991, 1979, 1967
Monkey: 2016, 2004, 1992, 1980, 1968
Rooster: 2017, 2005, 1993, 1981, 1969
Dog: 2018, 2006, 1994, 1982, 1970
Pig: 2019, 2007, 1995, 1983, 1971

Monkeys are known to be clever, spontaneous, rambunctious, playful and gregarious animals so for the most part everyone can expect a fun exciting year. Unfortunately, as I mentioned earlier, monkeys can have some negative traits as well such as being sneaky, mercurial, unreliable and unfaithful. While the monkey is considered a metal animal, this is a fire year and fire is associated with increased heat, passion, power and action.

This Monkey year we are already seeing and can continue to expect very extreme weather patterns. This affects our ability to condition and build tolerance for changes in temperatures and our immunities will be affected. I’m already seeing an increase in colds and the flu. The metal element is associated with the lungs and skin. The metal aspect of the monkey paired with the fire (drying heat) element of 2016 means that the associated organ to metal (the lungs) will be susceptible not only to colds but also with asthma and skin conditions, such as rosacea and psoriasis. The monkey’s desire for a good time can encourage over-indulging in rich foods and alcoholic drinks. The increased heat of the fire element can easily affect sleep, cause restlessness and emotional distress. Almost all fire years result in more heart conditions, such as heart attacks and angina.

MONKEYS are the 9th animal of the cycle, but since it’s their year, lets start with them. There are actually contradictory thoughts on what kind of luck you have during “your year.” From what I’ve gathered, it’s usually lucky however because there is such a thing as being too lucky, you can attract the jealousy of others, which can result in misfortune. Monkeys should be sure to get ENOUGH RESTFUL SLEEP this year in order to be able to enjoy your fortune and deter the haters.

RATS are the first animal of the cycle and known for being very wily. This may be one of “the best years of your life.” So similar to monkey, be sure to REST enough!

OX are known to be dependable so they may feel uncomfortable during the disorderly ways of the monkey. Brace yourself and don’t allow ANXIETY about the boisterous ways to take over.

TIGERS are known to be rebels and risk takers so they vibe well with monkeys. Physically the tiger will remain strong but may be at risk when it comes to matters of the heart. Yes acupuncture can help with HEARTACHES!

RABBITS are considered the most amicable, and liked by almost everyone. Since they can be sensitive, they demand a high quality of life. They will have good health this year if they can avoid indulging and partying too hard with the monkey.

DRAGONs are confident enough to easily deal with the irregularities that the Monkeys boisterous ways can bring forth. Just don’t be so confident that you don’t pay attention when driving or handling sharp objects. Acupuncture is great for aiding in avoiding infections in cuts and also scar therapy after wounds have healed.

SNAKES after a few tumultuous years will be very lucky this year on all fronts. They say the snake and monkey are secret friends so Snakes will benefit greatly. Avoid fatigue and exhaustion with all the exciting endeavors coming your way.

HORSES always impress with their galloping and gallavanting and can expect good physical health. For health of heart and mind, horses should travel more this year and be careful while on the road.

GOATS were experiencing a slow but steady success the last few years but may be very unsettled with the turbulent waves the wild monkey can make. Goats should take extra care of themselves this year with more acupuncture, healthy diet and rejuvenating exercise.

ROOSTERS have been grinding the lasting few years with their focus on successful careers. Unfortunately this year it may catch up to you and experience poor health. Avoid greasy foods and excessive alcohol and, be sure to get more sleep.

DOGS being the loyal faithful friend are almost opposites of the monkey. Try to avoid worrying too much about what the monkey has up its sleeve otherwise it will leave you weary. Focus on family and loved ones.

PIGS are generally already considered the luckiest animal of all and will continue to experience good fortune. Pigs are great at meeting goals but wind up disappointed when the other animals don’t. Pigs will have to brace themselves for emotional disappointments when the scheming Monkey has his way.

For most of us, it looks like there will be much luck and good health as long as we can get enough rest and sleep. Keep in mind the monkey likes to play, we can play its game and win! Enough sleep, a good diet and regular exercise are a great trifecta for another great year ahead! Please see me this week and help me finish the oranges my mother gave me (link to last years post).

Please keep in mind that Chinese astrology is a thousands year old system that takes into account hundreds of factors such as time, date, location, elements, yin and yang that I barely touched upon. Please also keep in mind these are just tips and how forecasts turn out can vary widely. I don’t recommend anyone consider my notes as medical advice and encourage you to seek a medical doctor with any ailments to rule out any serious conditions. Please simply keep my notes in mind- similar to how Peyton manning will study all the stats of the opposite team and formulate his strategy accordingly. How everyone plays on game day can be affected by many conditions.