Year of the Tiger – Happy Chinese New Year!

“The Chinese use the lunar calendar for celebratory events which includes the New Year. This falls somewhere between late January and early February. The cycle of twelve animal signs originates from Chinese tradition as a way of naming the years. The animals follow one another in an established order and are replicated every twelve years. The rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig are the twelve animal signs. Every animal has particular characteristics and people born in a specific year are believed to take on these characteristics.

According to the Chinese Zodiac, the Year of 2010 is the Year of the Tiger, which commences on February 14, 2010 and ends on February 2, 2011. The Tiger is the third sign in the Chinese Zodiac
cycle, and it is a sign of bravery. This courageous and fiery fighter is admired by the ancient Chinese as the sign that keeps away the three main tragedies of a household. These are fire, thieves and ghosts.

Tigers are physically powerful, gracious, independent and brave, they are extremely bold animals. They are friendly and loving but can also selfish and short tempered. Tigers seek attention and power; frequently they are envious in a relation. Tigers live dangerously which often leads to trouble. They are intolerant, take risks and are always searching for excitement. Tigers are also instilled with a good dose of courage.

The tiger has an overpowering attraction and is very kind and always takes on the character as protector. The Tiger flourishes by power and attention and takes advantage of all circumstances it gets itself into. The Tiger is a natural leader and loves to be the centre of attention. As a rebel it goes up against authority and speaks out about wrongs in society, and willingly puts up objections. Even if you don’t agree with the beliefs of the tiger you admire his way to protest”

http://www.yearofthetiger.net/

“So what does the year ahead hold for your zodiac sign? To find out which sign you are, visit miltonblack.com.au/ast/chinese

BOAR
Personality: Loyal, sociable, peace-loving, can be self-indulgent.
Most compatible with: Sheep and Rabbit.
Famous Boars: Hillary Clinton, Ronald Reagan, Julie Andrews.
2010 forecast: An exciting year with excellent prospects assured on the career, home and financial sides of life. This is a year to steer yourself up the success path of fame and fortune. A delightful year in the romance department as you will feel amorous, sexual and loving throughout 2010. Friendships will be very important and you will extend your social world.

RAT
Personality: Fun loving, hard working, easy to get along with, can be manipulative.
Most compatible with: Ox, Monkey and Tiger.
Famous Rats: Marlon Brando, Prince Charles, Doris Day.
2010 forecast: This will be a moderate to fair year for Rats. Travel may be more frequent especially for work. Family matters will also be important and you may come up with fresh solutions to your personal and family problems. Love and romance improve for singles and emotional prosperity will not pass you by. Many social activities will have you making new friendships.

OX
Personality: Dependable, logical, born leader, stubborn.
Most compatible with: Rooster, Rat and Snake.
Famous Oxen: Sammy Davis Jr., Twiggy, Princess Diana.
2010 forecast: Although you may encounter a little opposition and heavy responsibility at times, luck and good fortune may be in store for the Ox quite unexpectedly this year. Many of your immediate hopes, wishes and desires can be achieved, providing you are willing to meet people half way. The Ox’s personal relationships, career, reputation and public image throughout this year should be in order and you may receive favours from those you least expect.

TIGER
Personality: Passionate, bold, unpredictable, rebellious.
Most compatible with: Pig and Dog.
Famous Tigers: Marilyn Monroe, Queen Elizabeth II, Karl Marx.
2010 forecast: Best to keep your wits about you as there will be many unexpected changes around you, especially where money is concerned. With your energy levels at a peak this year, health, business and personal issues will be constructive and fruitful. Tigers could be in the spotlight or rub shoulders with the rich and famous. Romance brings much happiness and single Tigers could be bouncing for joy; this is a new start year that brings much excitement and peace of mind at the same time. Happiness will be found in love.

RABBIT
Personality: Lucky, artistic, talented, gracious, can be detached.
Most compatible with: Sheep or Rat.
Famous Rabbits: Ingrid Bergman, Whitney Houston, John Cleese.
2010 forecast: Rabbits should be very diplomatic and careful with relationships as 2010 will be full of the sudden and unexpected. Personal goals will be important, but be certain you are not overstepping yourself. Money seems to flow in and out of your pocket due to heavy expenditure, but unexpected windfalls will help maintain the balance. Romance and personal relationships are favoured, travel will bring much happiness and some Rabbits may decide to start a new career. Heath may need attention.

DRAGON
Personality: Noble, self-assured, intellectual, fiery, can be dogmatic.
Most compatible with: Monkeys and Snakes.
Famous Dragons: Oscar Wilde, Mae West, Shirley Temple, John Lennon.
2010 forecast: Good fortune is attracted to you when you least expect it. During this year Dragons will consider themselves lucky as many past troubles will be resolved. This is a year of profound experiences, which should be extremely positive and creative for your overall growth. You are no longer satisfied with living on the surface level and are concerned with your life becoming more meaningful and emotionally rewarding. Long distance travel is favoured and health improves.

SNAKE
Personality: Deep thinker, wise, mystic, can be hedonistic.
Most compatible with: Monkey, Ox or Rooster.
Famous Snakes: Pablo Picasso, Audrey Hepburn, Greta Garbo, John F. Kennedy.
2010 forecast: You will feel optimistic, enthusiastic and full of confidence, with a sharp, competitive and aggressive factor motivating you. Some unexpected and positive financial changes will be seen during the second half of the year. A new person, or persons, will come into your life that will have a tremendous influence on your mind and emotions. In many ways you could be a new person after this year.

HORSE
Personality: Cheerful, popular, quick-witted, can be impulsive.
Most compatible with: Tiger and Dog.
Famous Horses: Barbra Streisand, Rembrandt, Sean Connery, Rita Hayworth.
2010 forecast: This will be a satisfying and happy year with lots of entertainment, social activities, travel and romantic opportunities. Added responsibilities can be expected on the work scene with promotions or major career changes in the offing. With a strong desire for travel in 2010 you may decide to arrange a long distance journey. Financial gains are on the horizon. Personal relationships encounter a few emotional issues and you should avoid intense encounters.

SHEEP
Personality: Righteous, sincere, loving, worrier.
Most compatible with: Dragon, Snake and Tiger.
Famous Sheep: Muhammad Ali, Brooke Shields, Robert De Niro, Barbara Walters.
2010 forecast: This is a year of mixed blessings and you may feel a little ‘’shorn’’ as the year progresses due to an extremely busy work load. Family difficulties can be solved with ease and the year indicates calm and happiness. Financial extravagance and personal overspending should be watched. A great year to travel. There could be many exciting changes in your life, clearing the way for you to follow your proper life course.

MONKEY
Personality: Mischievous, inquisitive, adventurous, deceitful.
Most compatible with: Snake, Rat and Rabbit.
Famous Monkeys: Bette Davis, Elizabeth Taylor, Leonardo da Vinci, Julius Caesar.
2010 forecast: Monkeys can expect wonderful changes for 2010. Your emotional and material security will be solid. Career, business, home, family and material matters should not be a major issue; you have a highly intuitive mind, and may have flashes of inspiration that can help you to solve any problems before they occur. This is a good year for organising your personal financial affairs and you may receive a windfall. Some stress is indicated due to health, and exercise is recommended. Monkeys will discover who their true friends are this year, especially when assistance is needed.

ROOSTER
Personality: Determined, attractive, interesting, opinionated.
Most compatible with: Snake, Ox and Tiger.
Famous Roosters: Sir Elton John, Goldie Hawn, Prince Philip.
2010 forecast: Your social life will flourish this year. Your attitude will be more open and agreeable, bringing new people into your life and also strengthening old friendships. You will have something to “crow” about as you conquer hardship and reach new heights. Influential people and friends will be unusually co-operative and you should ask for favours. You will be inclined to want to improve the way you look. Money attracts in 2010.

DOG
Personality: Charismatic, intelligent, loyal, can be jealous.
Most compatible with: Horse, Rabbit and Tiger.
Famous Dogs: Elvis Presley, Brigitte Bardot, Sophia Loren, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Michael Jackson.
2010 forecast: This will be a very happy and peaceful year for the Dog, with no serious disputes or problems and peace will be sought. Your sensitivities will be stronger than usual, and you could be concerned with improving your social position. Avoid making hasty decisions, especially with money, friendship and love. Your overall success and your creative capacity will increase. If you wish to be the “hot dog” around your environment this year, take the lead. Children’s development plays an important part in your year. “

http://alive-sydney.whereilive.com.au/lifestyle/story/year-of-the-tiger/

Free Chinese Medicine Resources

“Hey all,

I wanted to share a couple wonderful FREE resources.

Live Online Streaming Seminars (webinars)
a new site, http://healthstream.tv offers 1 hr live webinars from great speakers every week! All are welcome, it is so easy. Next week alone is an amazing line up:
Monday
Heather Bruce: starting life with a strong foundation (babies from the jing up)
Tuesday
Eric Brand: how to know the quality of the herbs you are prescribing
Neil Gumenick: 5 elements, wood and earth
Thursday
Yaron seidman: classical treatment of infertility

Online Courses & Learning
Pro D Seminars is giving away an online course ‘the biology of reproduction’, as well as a prerecorded online seminar ‘BBT and herbal Treatment’. Click here: http://www.prodseminars.net/catalog/pants-optional-tcm-tv-live-fertility-webinar-conference”

Spence Pentland

Gina gives inspirational & honest advice to new Shiatsu Practitioners

http://www.embodygrace.com/home/2010/1/27/letters-to-a-young-therapist.html

Trading skills as payment

I recently saw a local advert for a group where individuals were able to swap their skills. This got me thinking about the things that I could do with a hand achieving and wondering if this could be a way to do them. I have swapped skills with my hairdresser in the past, getting a great haircut for a Shiatsu treatment. We both benefited and were happy with the outcome.

Google searching brought me to an interesting article in the Guardian written by a Yoga teacher who downsized and started skills swapping:

“Strapped for cash for home improvements? Think skill-swapping instead and give the builders yoga lessons, writes Leonie Taylor

After getting on the downshifting bandwagon to a life of kids, yoga teacher-training and quality time by the sea, shedding high-salary media careers en route, my partner Matt and I have taken a more cash-lateral approach to subsidising our lifestyles.

With the onset of our more frugal existence, plenty of indulgences that just had to go: sushi dinners, the Ocado delivery and my Imelda Marcos shoe habit. But when my yoga lessons became an expendable expenditure, it was sanity more than vanity that was under threat; something had to be figured out.

I’d noticed that my yoga teacher, Jim Tarran, took down students’ emails at the end of classes with the intention of sending information on yoga retreats, but he never got round to it. I suggested that I could pay for my classes in kind by using my editorial skills to set up and write a blog and monthly e-newsletter. Jim was open to the suggestion, as he had already done a similar trade with a local photographer, bartering publicity shots for classes.

“It feels natural to swap yoga for other skills: yoga is not really something that lends itself to commoditisation,” says Jim.

The crucial question is, how do you value a skill, and how do you arrive at a deal where both parties feel satisfied?

Jim reasons: “Skill-swaps demonstrate people’s appreciation of the value of another person’s unique knowledge where circumstance may restrict a strictly fiscal exchange. I also feel like it is empowering; both parties respect the other’s strengths.” So it’s the reciprocal value of your skills rather than how much you would charge per hour, say, that should be considered.

I’ve since initiated further skill swaps: when my french doors sprung a leak as big as my bank account’s, Steve, my builder, came to the rescue, delighted to swap his practical house-maintenance abilities for yoga lessons. Another contractor has agreed to fix our dodgy wiring in trade for some help designing his website. And Matt has offered friends technical support in their computer crises in exchange for childcare.

This lateral approach to trading in knowledge rather than cash is part of a larger trend. Janey, 28, swapped homeopathic treatments for cupboard building with a local joiner. Natasha, 30, gives her neighbour French lessons in exchange for house cleaning. And in the Somerset village of Chew Magna, as part of environmental community project Go Zero, a village-wide skill swap came from a conversation between someone needing trees pruning talking to someone who wanted his shirts ironed.

Professionally, skill swapping is a legitimate and increasingly popular means of investing time rather than cash to gain new skills. In Brighton, professionals from the local new media community regularly train peers in their subject of expertise. These events allow community members to share skills, keep training costs down and do a little networking.

Online, too, there has been a surge in skill-trading sites aimed at individuals and businesses, such as the recently launched swapaskill.com. TeamUpHere.com is a skill-trading forum with categories as diverse as driving tuition, accounting and geneology, while at tribes.tribe.net/skillswap you can post suggestions for a skill swap in your area – typical proposals include martial arts for dentistry and knitting for crocheting.

Carolyn Kagan, professor of community social psychology at Manchester Metropolitan University, says that skill swapping can become more of an ethical stance.

“For many, skill swapping is underpinned by explicit value systems and beliefs that [support] a different way of relating with each other, outside the money economy. It contributes to a different kind of society, based on quality of interactions between people.”

So swapping trades is about bringing people together, strengthening bonds and placing value on each individual in a community. Everyone has something to offer.”

I think that I need to investigate this more. I’d be interested to hear your experiences and up for swap offers..

TCM TV: Fertility Webinar Conference on 7th Feb 2010

Get an overview before then here:

Sabine Wilms to give a Webinar on Fertility and Embryology in Early Chinese Medicine

Americanization of Mental Illness

An interesting article in the New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/10/magazine/10psyche-t.html?em

Thanks to Josh for sharing this.

Simon Givertz puts Shiatsu across in a fresh way

“Shiatsu IS difficult to define and so perhaps rather than define it for someone else we should invite them to find out what it is:

Shiatsu uses stretching, rocking, acupressure and holding but that is not what it is. All of these statements describe a tool or a method that may be used. So what is it?

Shiatsu is an opportunity; it is time for yourself but shared with a fellow human being; it is a place of peace; calm and quiet, but energising and refreshing. It is an education.

Shiatsu is truly beyond words. It is different for each individual and for each practitioner. The quality of touch and the range of movement used depends on what the body/mind is tacitly asking for. On an emotional plane it is the unconditional touch which allows the body to release stuck energy and come to harmonious flow again.”

What a great way of expressing Shiatsu and an approach that I will be trying out myself.

Kerry Douglas blogs: Plastic in the kitchen causing problems?

“Cancer in the kitchen again? Nicholas D. Kristof in his New York Times column of December 5, 2009, reminds women to be wary of plastics in the kitchen as hot plastics may be causing breast cancer. Of course, no absolute direct link is known, however, this simply begs common sense.

Imagine all that the human body consumes – many known and unknown ingredients. The human body processes each element keeping the nutrients which are needed and then eliminating what is not needed. Unlike a car, the human body is an amazing sophisticated machine, which runs on almost anything.

However, knowing that a heated plastic coated pan emits toxic fumes and kills pet birds – it is good basic common sense that plastic containers HEATED in any way may breakdown and leach into food.

Often reading the words “dishwasher safe” and “microwave safe” the warning suggestion is actually for the safety and integrity of the food container. Perhaps a new way of way of thinking is – what is the health impact of the person eating from this container after heated. Instead of creating environmental and health hazards for you and your family (and your pets) – find alternatives to plastics in your home. Use small amounts of butter or olive oil instead of any non-stick or Teflon coated pan. Use glassware for saving left overs or using in the microwave.

By Keri Douglas, writer/photographer, Washington, D.C.”

Gabriel Irons puts forward a great response:
(December 30, 2009 at 3:18 am)

“There was a fairly large outcry years ago from ’scientific reports’ which suggested that the new product, Pyrex, may be leaching toxins into the food it holds.

My point? The key words “no absolute direct link is known” means that this is all conjecture. Nothing has been proven, and a lot of this media-fueled scaremongering is made possible by causation declared by correlation. Sure, plastic may be causing breast cancer – so might microwaves and so might Heinz ketchup and so might high fructose corn syrup and so might a thousand things in kitchens.

I cook primarily in stainless steel and glass but this is because they are the elements used in high-end cookware, not out of an irrational and unproven fear. Shoddy products with cheap materials and low durability – now THAT is a reason not to use plastic.”

Read More at:

Now where can I get some reasonably priced decent quality glass?

Masunaga Videos

Shiatsu for Boosting Fertility: Because of its effectiveness, safety and relative low cost

The following is taken from an article by Integrative Healthcare Studies written by Nicole Cutler, L.Ac.:

“Infertility affects millions of couples around the world. Although there are a wide range of physiological reasons for infertility, medical treatment to foster conception can have many side effects and is typically very expensive. Because of its effectiveness, safety and relative low cost, Shiatsu is a favorable option for a growing number of men and women hoping to expand their family.

What Is Infertility?
Affecting 10 to 15 percent of American couples, most experts define infertility as not being able to get pregnant after at least one year of unprotected, sexual intercourse. Women who are able to get pregnant but then have repeat miscarriages are also considered infertile. Infertility may be due to a single cause in a man or woman, or a combination of factors that prevents a pregnancy from occurring or continuing.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) considers infertility to be a reflection of an energetic blockage or imbalance. With the goal of unblocking and rebalancing the affected individual’s energy flow, TCM treatments have demonstrated effectiveness in improving male and female reproductive function.

In the traditional literature of TCM, fertility is closely related to the health of the following channels: Kidney, Liver, Spleen, Governing Vessel and Conception Vessel.
More specifically, the following TCM patterns are known to interfere with conception:

· A deficiency in the Kidney and Liver energetic organs disrupts the endocrine system, resulting in a hormonal imbalance that can prevent ovulation or implantation.

· Stagnant energy and/or blood in any of the five channels (but especially in the Governing and Conception Vessels) can easily prohibit ovulation, egg travel, fertilization or implantation.

· Besides hampering sperm and egg production, damp heat in the Liver or Conception Vessel channels causes inflammation that can irritate the delicate tissues needed for reproduction – thus impeding their function.

According to experts, stimulating key points encourages the energy within these channels to flow in a smooth, healthy fashion – thus improving chances for conception.

Based on TCM theory, Shiatsu is an ideal, non-invasive application to improve circulation in the Kidney, Liver, Spleen, Governing Vessel and Conception Vessel channels. After Shiatsu practitioners evaluate their clients and conclude which TCM pattern is most likely responsible for infertility.

When a couple’s attempts to procreate have been unsuccessful, they are likely to explore their options within allopathic and alternative medical practices. Massage therapists with an understanding of reproductive health, TCM pattern differentiation and Shiatsu can help balance their clients’ energetic channels to overcome their fertility challenges”

You can see the full article at:

http://www.integrative-healthcare.org/mt/archives/2009/11/