2026 Lunar New Year of the Fire Horse
At 10:31 PM ACDT on 17 February 2026, the sky holds a rare convergence. A New Moon in Aquarius meets an annular "Ring of Fire" solar eclipse—the first eclipse of the year. Though not visible from Australia, its energetic imprint is global. This is the precise moment the Wood Snake year ends and the Yang Fire Horse begins.
Beyond the Red Heart: The Sacred Seat of the Shen, the Wisdom of Gemstones and Herbs, and the True Love of Chosen Family
In classical Chinese medical philosophy, the Heart is revered as the "Emperor" of the body. It is the residence of the Shen, a term that encompasses our consciousness, mind, emotions, and spirit. The Shen is what gives us our unique "spark," our radiance, and our ability to connect with the world.
The Wood Expands and Contracts: Navigating Drastic Weather Changes with Chinese Medicine
In Chinese medicine, the Liver system is linked to the Wood element and shares this same nature. Just like wood, it’s meant to be flexible, allowing for smooth movement and adaptation. The Liver is responsible for the easy flow of energy (Qi) and blood throughout your body, especially to your tendons and muscles.
When weather changes violently — like a 40°C day followed by a 25°C day—it’s like that stress on the wood. Your body struggles to adapt quickly. The "flexibility" of your Liver system gets challenged, which can lead to common issues
Spring in the Southern Hemisphere: A Classical Chinese Medicine Perspective for South Australia
Classical Chinese Medicine (CCM) teaches that health comes from living in harmony with nature’s rhythms. So, how can we adapt Spring’s traditional CCM wisdom to the unique climate and seasonal transitions of South Australia?
The Importance of Sleeping Before 11 PM: A Health Elixir Like No Other
In both Classical Chinese Medicine (CCM) and modern biomedical science, sleep timing and quality are considered crucial for health. CCM emphasizes the importance of aligning sleep with the body's natural rhythms, particularly by going to bed before the Gallbladder time (11 PM). Meanwhile, biomedical research highlights the significance of deep sleep and REM cycles, which are most restorative when sleep begins before midnight. This article explores both perspectives, examines how Qi-cultivating practices can enhance sleep efficiency, and provides some practical steps to reset sleep patterns for optimal health.
