2010 Forecast: Year of the Tiger http://health.yahoo.com/experts/drmao/23890/2010-forecast-year-of-the...  [image: Ask Dr. Mao] <http://www.askdrmao.com/ By Dr. Maoshing Ni <http://health.yahoo.com/experts/drmao/bio/maoshing-ni/- Posted on Tue, Feb 09, 2010, 2:05 pm PST    <http://health.yahoo.com/experts/drmao/bio/maoshing-ni/ Dr. Mao's Secrets of Longevity <http://health.yahoo.com/experts/drmao/ by Dr. Maoshing Ni <http://health.yahoo.com/experts/drmao/bio/maoshing-ni/a Yahoo! Health Expert for Cholesterol  Did you find this helpful? Rate this blog entry:    Thumbs up Thumbs down <http://health.yahoo.com/experts/drmao/23890/2010-forecast-year-of-the... <http://health.yahoo.com/experts/drmao/23890/2010-forecast-year-of-the...   *thumbs up* *thumbs down*   79% of users found this article helpful. Welcome to the year of the Tiger! For nearly 20 years I've given yearly forecasts _base_d on the ancient Tao system of the Five Elements energetic phases, which predicts the global trends that affect each of us on a personal level. How do you benefit from this forecast? By taking note of the predictions for health, relationships, and finances, you will be able to minimize the negative tendencies and make the most of the positives! *Year of the Tiger: Big Changes Ahead *In Chinese astrology the tiger is one of the most dynamic and powerful signs. Its nature is unpredictable, courageous, and explosive. Therefore, the year of the Tiger is usually associated with big changes and social disorder; 2010 is likely to be a turbulent year—on both a global and a personal level. However, those who gain an understanding of it through this article and their own spiritual awareness can cultivate the flexibility to adapt to changes and keep a steady hand on the keel through these rough waters. When you meet the challenges head on and get proactive about your health, you will be all the stronger for it by year's end. *Prediction for your health* In the Chinese calendar 2010 is represented by the elements _meta_l and wood. The elemental interaction is symbolized by an ax (_meta_l) cutting down a tree (wood). *The _meta_l element* corresponds to the lungs, colon, skin and the immune system. This means that this year, you may be much more prone to developing sinus allergies, infections, asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, colitis, irritable bowl syndrome, diarrhea, constipation, rashes, compromised immunity or autoimmune inflammatory conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and eczema. *The wood element* correlates to the liver, gall bladder, and the nervous system, which means this year may be marked with increased stress and tension, depression, anxiety, gallstones, hepatitis, and cirrhosis. Now that you know the future possibilities for this year, you can make some changes to sidestep potential issues affecting your immune, respiratory, digestive, and nervous system conditions. *1. Eat right for 2010* The foundation of Chinese medicine is that you can avoid illness by eating foods that possess healing properties.    - For this year, I would suggest increasing your intake of the following    foods: daikon radishes, turnips, beets, Asian pears, persimmons, papayas,    pineapples, cherries, grapes, blueberries, almonds, pine nuts, and flax    seeds.    - Keep your liver healthy by eating lots of green leafy vegetables,    especially collard greens, Swiss chard, kale, dandelion greens, and mustard    greens. Also: barley grass, seaweed—anything high in chlorophyll. Artichokes    are a powerful liver protector, due to their silymarin content.    - Also, eat herbs and spices that cleanse and perk up your immune system:    dill, oregano, cilantro, rosemary, sage, peppermint, turmeric, basil,    coriander, fennel, anise, cardamom, ginger, and parsley.    - Avoid: dairy, alcohol, caffeine, sugar, wheat, deep fried and fatty    foods, processed and refined foods, excessive red meat, tomatoes, eggplants,    peppers, and potatoes. *2. Exercise tips for Year of the Tiger* Overall, consistent and regular exercise will help you to strengthen your respiratory and cardiovascular systems.    - I especially recommend learning and practicing mind-body exercises like    tai chi or qigong, an all-in-one workout. These gentle, but powerful    exercises engage deep breathing to strengthen your lungs with the added    benefit of lowering your stress hormones—effectively reducing stress and    tension. To learn tai chi and qigong, you can work with a teacher or use    instructional DVDs.    - Take walks and get out in nature to refresh your lungs.    - Practice stretching, yoga, or tai chi: being physically flexible can    promote the same trait in your personality. *3. Protect with herbal and nutritional supplements* Being proactive with your health also includes using herbal and nutritional supplements appropriately to support your health. Herbs and nutrients have been a part of my family's diet and used effectively for prevention for many years.    - For this year, I plan on taking herbal formulas that contain Chinese    herbs supportive to the health of my organ functions, such as astragalus,    magnolia, chrysanthemum, Chinese peony, and others. I will take perpetual    shield to boost my immune system, internal cleanse that will assist my liver    in detoxification, and exquisite skin to keep my colon clean, thereby    keeping my skin clear.    - Round out your nutritional program by maintaining a regular intake of    fish oil, probiotics, and digestive enzymes. You may even try my family's    own whole food liquid multi-vitamin supplement, which will nourish and    strengthen your organ systems. *4. Cleanse your body *Undertake cleansing and detoxification programs at the start and throughout the year to support your liver and peak body functions. You can find a whole detoxification regime in one of my earlier Yahoo blogs, the 5-Step Detox to Revitalize You<http://health.yahoo.com/experts/drmao/17381/5-step-detox-to-revitaliz... . *5. Develop patience *Finally, cultivate patience, kindness, and peace so that your interactions with others can promote harmony and love. Some ways to do this are to make daily lists of all the things in your life that you are grateful for, volunteer your help to others in need, and practice stress-release techniques that bring you peace. In summary, the Year of the Tiger will bring about more change, even turmoil in the world and in your life. However by using this as an opportunity to shape your life, like sculpting a beautiful and useful _object_ out of raw wood or molding from _meta_l you can ride the tiger triumphantly towards your goals so that you can manifest balance, wellness and fulfillment in 2010. May you live long, live strong, and live happy! -Dr. Mao This blog is meant to educate, but it should not be used as a substitute for personal medical advice. The reader should consult his or her physician or clinician for specific information concerning specific medical conditions. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all information presented is accurate, as research and development in the medical field is ongoing, it is possible that new findings may supersede some data presented. - - - - - - - - - - Transform your health and bring quality to your years with Dr. Mao's natural health products<http://www.taostar.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=SFNT&Store_Code=askdrmaofrom the Tao of Wellness. Discover a high-quality water filtration system<http://www.aquasana.com/?discountcode=3822that will provide you with pure, healthy water. Order Dr. Mao's new book Second Spring<http://www.amazon.com/dp/1416599355?tag=asdrma-20&camp=14573&creative...: Hundreds of Natural Secrets for Women to Revitalize and Regenerate at Any Age. Learn hundreds of ways for living a long and happy life with Dr. Mao's book Secrets of Longevity<http://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Longevity-Hundreds-Ways-Live/dp/B000W8U . 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