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The season of fall brings cooler weather and shorter days. As with any season, the world adjusts accordingly. Plants begin to go dormant, animals begin scrounging for food to store to get them through the upcoming winter months and humans start winterizing everything.

As fall descends on the land, it reminds us we need to start cutting back on the numerous cooling foods that are consumed during the summer months. Things like raw foods, salads, juices and fruits should be decreased because they can create too much cold in the body, according to traditional Chinese medicine. continue reading »

Statistics show eight out of 10 people will experience low back pain at some point during their life. Seeking medical treatment for back pain is very common. Typically back pain is fleeting and can be easily resolved with rest, heat and an occasional anti-inflammatory like ibuprofen. However, once the damage is done, the recurrence of back pain can be as high as 50 percent. Part of this is because as we age, things like muscles and tendons become less flexible and pliable. It is also very well known in the United States, people are too sedentary and this leads to excess weight gain that can create added pressure on the body, especially the low back. continue reading »

2013 is the year of the Water Snake. The snake is the 6th animal sign of the 12 year Chinese zodiac cycle. Snakes are wise, logical, intuitive, introspective, collected and steadfast.

Snakes can be rattled easily by sudden stresses. It is best to avoid becoming rushed and overwhelmed in the Year of the Snake. Peace, tranquility, moderate exercise and rest will provide strength in the Year of the Snake. The wise snake is cautious when making financial decisions. It is best to invest with contemplative reserve and avoid frivolities in the Year of the Snake.

To avoid rattling the snake, use patience and seek protected environments to preserve equilibrium. The snake is not always understood so it is best to work on clear communication skills in the Year of the Snake.

This year may bring unexpected changes from the deep black waters. Preparation and careful planning before striking into action is very important. It is a good year to pay attention to fine details. The cunning and intelligent snake may benefit from taking advantage of the opportunities often missed by the less observant participant.

The snake is wise, intuitive and often refined. On the downside, the snake may be possessive, vain and materialistic. Snakes are compatible with oxen, dragons and roosters. Snakes are not compatible with pigs and tigers. The hours of 9 – 10:59 am are the snake times of the day. The snake is a Yin and fixed fire sign of the earthly branch. The color of the snake sign is red. This being a Water Snake year, a dark or black snake is auspicious because the water element is associated with dark colors in the Five Element system. The last Water Snake year was 1953 and the last snake year was the year of the Metal Snake in 2001. The next Water Snake year will occur in sixty years.