Happy Chinese New Year!

Hello, my friends,
This is a little late, but Happy Chinese New Year!  Here is my annual letter which contains advice and predictions from my Chinese Masters. Enjoy!

Happy New Year of the Goat (or Ram or Sheep)!

2015 is the year of the goat, but you may see it referred to as the “Year of the Sheep” or ‘Ram” too. The confusion stems from the Chinese character “yang”, which means ‘horned animal’.

The Chinese zodiac calendar is based on the lunar calendar, and in 2015 the New Year officially began on February 19th. When we look in the rear view mirror, most will breathe a sigh of relief to leave behind the hectic pace and confrontations characterized by the horse year.

Based on the ancient wisdom of the I-Ching, the Year of Ram, in 2015, represents Wood and Earth Elements. Each Element possesses unique characteristics. Wood and Earth elements are oppositional energetically, leading to continued conflicts, earthshaking disasters and dry weather. Additionally, the year of the Ram symbolizes the authoritative nature and determination of the ram; therefore expect this year to be filled with disagreements, oppositions and even wars. Witness the rise of nationalism and anti-immigration sentiments across Europe and the evolving Middle East conflicts.

However, these sentiments may be tempered by a desire for peace due to the wisdom and adaptability of the goat and the peaceful and easygoing nature of the sheep. Overall, the cautious optimism of the Ram year will positively affect the business and economic climates.

Industries related to the Wood Element such as forestry, wood and paper products, textiles, fashion, media, furnishing and housing development will benefit, while Earth Element associated industries like agriculture, fertilizer, cement and infrastructure projects will begin to stabilize and rebound. Industries that express the Earth Element attribute of "caring" such as healthcare, pharmaceuticals and biotech will continue to thrive. This also includes the "internet of health" as the convergence of health, wearable technology, and connected data and analysis create a whole new paradigm and industry.

Physical Health
On the health front, the Wood Element relates to the nervous system, and the Earth Element relates to the digestive system. Therefore, you should be on the lookout for conditions such as depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, headaches, heart disease, stroke, liver and gallbladder inflammation, and sleep problems. Other ailments include low energy, muscle injuries, weight gain, anorexia, diabetes, gastro-esophageal reflux disorder (GERD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and colitis.

"Prevention", as the Yellow Emperor wrote in the classic on medicine bearing his name, "is worth a hundred ounces of gold!" It is always the preferred way, rather than treating an illness after it has started. My advice is to lower the toxic burden to your liver by cleansing and detoxifying with fresh leafy green vegetables, hot water with lemon, and herbal teas.
Take care of your digestive system by eating small and more frequent meals. Eat gratefully, joyfully and peacefully and chew your food properly. Avoid fatty, rich, and hard to digest foods such as deep fried food, red meat, and cheeses. Cut back on your sugar and alcohol intake to stop feeding the bad bacteria and yeast in your gut that is often the root of your abdominal bloating and gas.

Emotional Health
As anger is the prevailing emotion of the Wood Element, it is important that you manage your emotions carefully and keep your nervous system from becoming hyperactive. When under stress, your "survival" mechanism is activated and your body releases large quantities of cortisol (the same corticosteroid drug prescribed by doctors). If sustained at high levels, cortisol can damage your heart, weaken your immune system and lead to diabetes. Lower your tension and uplift your spirit with daily meditation practice.