Skip to main content

Asian Culture

2020: Year of the Yang Metal Rat

By Asian Culture

One of the interesting things to keep in mind this year of the Rat, is that because the Rat is the first of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac, this Metal Rat year is the first year in the 12-year cycle of the Hsia calendar.  Therefore, this time period is considered a year of new beginnings and renewals as new initiatives and decisions made this year will have significant influence for the next 12 years.  For this reason, plans and actions must be chosen carefully.  In general, this year is said to be favorable for new ideas and ideals, providing opportunity for the disruption of the established order.  Of course, this tendency can manifest for better or worse, depending on how individuals and societies choose to set their trajectory. 

Read More

On the Sublime Sincerity of the Eminent Physician

By Asian Culture, Classics, Clinical Perspectives 

In all cases, when you treat disease as an eminent physician, you must quiet your shén and fix your intention, you must be free of wants and desires, and you must first develop a heart full of great compassion and empathy. You must pledge your desire to rescue all sentient beings indiscriminately from their suffering… When seeing the suffering and grief of others, you must act as if it were your own and open your heart…

Read More

A Journey into Gentle and Simple

By Acupuncture, Asian Culture, Clinical Perspectives , History

One is faced continually in MT with the question: How much treatment (stimulation) does this patient truly need? The belief is that it is not helpful to stimulate beyond this ideal minimum. Consider this analogy: If you are feeding a guest, it is not useful to force more food on him than his stomach can accommodate. So it goes with acupuncture. We likely, according to the view of many senior Japanese acupuncturists, are…

Read More

2018: Year of the Earth Dog (February 16, 2018 – February 4, 2019)

By Asian Culture

The Chinese zodiac sign of the Dog is, at its heart, a symbol of intelligence and protection. Strength of character, education, morality, social life, and caring for family and friends are all fundamental issues that we would all do well to attend to and improve upon during this pivotal period. Dogs are good friends, and loyal to those close to them. And dogs can be good communicators, but they need to learn patience and careful listening skills in order to be successful – qualities that we could all use, and this is a year to give them priority…

Read More

2016: The Year of the Fire Monkey (February 8, 2016 – January 27, 2017)

By Asian Culture

Like the major aspects of the Monkey personality, the Year of the Monkey is traditionally associated with a spirit of risk-taking, creativity, and dynamic innovation. Monkeys are extremely curious and thirsty for knowledge and have an exceptional memory for retaining all they learn. One of the Monkey’s gifts is agility in problem solving, usually by applying unconventional solutions to old problems. The Monkey often takes risks and succeeds, accomplishing a great deal…

Read More

2015: The Year of the Wood Sheep (February 19, 2015 – February 7, 2016)

By Asian Culture

Each lunar year calls us to express the most positive characteristics of the animal of that year, and to be watchful not to embody the less conscious qualities that can arise.  In the Sheep year we would do well to slow down, and take time to be aware and responsive of the need that we see around us, in our families, our communities, and the world.  We can choose patience and generosity, and let ourselves be guided by our intuition and innate kindness…

Read More

2010: The Year of the Metal Tiger (February 14, 2010 – February 2, 2011)

By Asian Culture

Chinese astrology sometimes describes the Year of the Tiger as a ‘tumultuous, hard working and vigorous year.  It is traditionally associated with massive changes and social upheaval. Therefore, 2010 may be a volatile one both on the world scene, as well as on a personal level, filled with drama, tension and unpredictability. Events can happen quickly. In the year of the Metal Tiger, it is said that the Tiger brings the element of courage and metal provides the necessary determination and resolve to achieve the goals that are set for the year…

Read More

2008: The Year of the Earth Rat (February 6, 2008 – January 25, 2009)

By Asian Culture

The combination of Earth and Rat creates a very good environment for achieving results. The Rat is known for taking risks, while the earth element brings practicality and stability. Balanced well, it can be a productive and profitable year, if the positive qualities of the Rat are embodied. But Rats can be calculating and unapologetic promoters of their own agendas. This sign is motivated by its own interests…

Read More