Welcoming the Lunar New Year: Practicing Chinese Medicine with Respect and Reverence
Today marks the Lunar New Year and the beginning of the Year of the Fire Horse. 🔥🐎
It is also a New Moon — a powerful moment for intention, reflection, and renewal.
For many East and Southeast Asian cultures, Lunar New Year is one of the most important celebrations of the year. It is rich with tradition, symbolism, family rituals, and generational wisdom.
As someone who practices Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this time of year always feels meaningful to me — both professionally and personally.
And I also believe it’s important to speak clearly about where I stand in relation to this tradition.
How I Observe the Lunar New Year
Each year, I gently honor some of the traditions I’ve learned about through my education, mentors, and cultural friendships:
Wearing red for protection and good fortune
Avoiding hair cutting or washing on New Year’s Day
Sweeping the floors before the New Year (not on the day itself)
Paying attention to zodiac alignments (this year, I’m wearing my ram pendant — the horse’s ally in the zodiac cycle)
These are small, symbolic acts. They are not mine by birthright — they are traditions I’ve learned about through studying Feng Shui, Chinese astrology, and Chinese medicine over many years.
And I approach them with gratitude and humility.
My Background in Chinese Medicine
I am not Chinese, nor have I yet traveled to China or other parts of Asia (though I hope to someday).
I do not speak Mandarin.
What I do have is:
Formal education in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Clinical training in acupuncture and herbalism
Teachers who trained in China
Mentors connected to direct lineage
Years of continued study in TCM philosophy, seasonal living, and energetic medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine is not a trend for me. It is the foundation of my clinical work and a deep part of how I understand health, rhythm, and the body.
I practice it as a Western-trained practitioner who holds deep respect for the culture and lineage it comes from.
On Cultural Respect and Ongoing Learning
It would be easy for ancient systems of medicine to become diluted, commodified, or misunderstood.
That is not something I take lightly.
My commitment is to:
Continue learning
Acknowledge lineage
Credit the tradition
Practice within my scope
Share what I have been taught responsibly
Right now, I am studying Chinese astrology more deeply. It is challenging — especially without language fluency — but I believe learning across cultures requires effort and humility.
I will always be a student of this medicine.
Why This Matters in My Practice
Chinese medicine teaches us that health is cyclical, seasonal, and relational.
The Lunar New Year reminds us that time does not move in straight lines — it moves in cycles of fire, water, wood, earth, and metal.
In the Year of the Fire Horse, themes of bold movement, clarity, and transformation are emphasized. But like all fire energy, it must be grounded and directed with intention.
This is the lens I bring into my clinic, my courses, and my seasonal teachings.
A Wish for the Year Ahead
Whether or not you observe the Lunar New Year, I hope this season brings you:
Vibrant health
Aligned abundance
Steady prosperity
Courage to move forward in ways that feel true
And if you are part of a culture that celebrates this holiday, I wish you a joyful and meaningful New Year.
Gong xi fa cai! (I hope you get rich!)
