acupuncture, classical herbal medicine & zero balancing

Chinese New Year starts on January 25, 2020 – it’s the Year of the Metal Rat.

The Rat is the first sign in the 12 animal cycle of the Chinese Astrology, and this is just one reason that 2020 is considered a year of new beginnings and renewals!

In the Chinese Zodiac there are 12 animals and 5 elements, which makes for a 60 year cycle. We are now at the start of a new 60 year cycle – and a new decade, the 20’s. This is a fabulous year for planning and starting something, setting goals and working hard.

The Metal Rat Year is going to be a strong, prosperous, and lucky year for almost all Chinese Zodiac signs. Everyone will show determination regarding their goals, aspirations, and even their hobbies. Those who plan to buy real estate, to start a business or to invest money in a long-term project have great chances of being satisfied in the future. But, beware! This type of initiative will only be successful if they are carefully planned.

In matters of health & physical vitality, the Rat type is “active” or “preoccupied”. One needs to be careful and remember not to over-exert in activities that could cause injuries to the lower parts of the body. Adequate rest and a proper diet are also important things to consider, since the Year of the Rat will prove to be busy.

2020 is a “make it or break it year” in the love department. In love relationships, Rats find it easy to start a new relationship with someone, but they also break-off relationships easily. Although business partnerships will bring success, couples will be tested. Some will get stronger as a result, while others may collapse. With an active nature, Rats enjoy a flexible social circle. They are interested in attending different kinds of social occasions. This is an auspicious year to make new friends and cover new ground.

The Year of the Pig (2019) was fundamentally about completion, self-care and balance, while the Year of the Rat (2020) is expected to be more about progression and starting a new project with great energy. This will be a good year to expand your knowledge or receive extra training in your career. Success will flourish in the workplace, yielding benefits of all kinds. Hard work will be rewarded; your clever skills, quick-thinking, and optimism will drive you forward. Remember, the Rat is resourceful and able to free itself from tight spots.

The Rat is considered a protector and a bringer of prosperity in the Chinese culture. Finances should be thriving for the entirety of the year! It would do you well to save and invest your hard-earned money. Try to avoid spending it all on luxurious items and vacations. Instead, splurge on little experiences here and there. Rats have a love for hoarding – try to avoid will wasting money on unnecessary things.

1900, 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020

People born in the Year of the Rat are instinctive, acute and alert in nature which makes them brilliant business people. They can always react properly before the worst circumstances take place. They are also sophisticated and popular in social interaction. They are survivors and very adaptable, being popular with others. Due to their acute instinct and calmness, they can do well in business. Disaster will make their capability more outstanding. Some live a thrifty life but still strive hard in work.

Some Rats like criticizing and complaining when problems occur. They are also a bit picky in others’ shortcomings, which usually offend others unconsciously. Occasionally rely on their outstanding instinct too much. They might be stubborn, and hardly listen to advice from others. They are likely to change jobs frequently, lack of persistence and stability, so it’s hard for them to concentrate in one thing.

Some FAMOUS FOLKS born under the influence of this Chinese Astrology Sign are: Katy Perry, Antonio Banderas, Avril Lavigne, Ben Affleck, Cameron Diaz, Churchill, President Jimmy Carter, Grant, Jude Law, Julianne Moore, Kathy Bates, Kenny Loggins, Marlon Brando, Mozart, President George Washington, Samuel J Jackson, Sean Penn, Shakespeare, Mark Zuckerberg, Prince Harry, Prince Charles, Mandy Moore, & Scarlett Johansson.

In short, 2020 will be another year of change as the Universe continues in its accelerated transitional period but, given the rat’s traits, the world will be equipped to cope!

written by Gretchen Hidell, intuitive astrologer

Spark in the Machine blew me away. Dan Keown’s writing is witty and accessible and his connections between Chinese and western medicine are illuminating. This book details the different systems in Chinese medicine and fills in the blanks using western medical anatomy and physiology – and shows that the ancient Chinese knew these things thousands of years ago.

Western science has too young to be able to explain Chinese medicine, but this book, along with the newly discovered organ, the interstitium, and research on fascia and its bio-conductivity, is the beginning of true understanding. It is becoming clear how the ancient Chinese and the modern western theories of medicine support and complement each other other.

I can’t wait to read this book again.

It is time to raise my rates. My rates for acupuncture follow-up appointments haven’t changed for so long that I cannot remember when I last raised them. After a little research I found that 12 years ago I was charging the same as I am now, so it has been at least 12 years since my last rate increase. So, I am raising my rates by $10. Here is the new fee schedule:

Acupuncture follow-ups (50 minutes): $85

Acupuncture initial session (2 hours): $185 (no change)

Zero Balancing session (35 minutes): $85

Delux treatment – acupuncture + mini Zero Balancing (75 minutes): $125

Thai Bodywork (75 minutes): $125

Shonishin (no needle treatment) for babies and toddlers (20 minutes): $55

Shonishin/acupuncture combo for kids (35-50 minutes): $85

Herbal medicine – varies but most tablets will increase from $18 to $20 – and concentrated granules (powders) from $.25/gram to $.30/gram. My main goal with herbs is to cover the costs, so I am still making the effort to keep the prices reasonable.