The Year of the Tiger - 2010

By Maoshing Ni, L.Ac., D.O.M., Ph.D.

Welcome to the Chinese Year of the Tiger, which begins on February 14, 2010! Every year for almost twenty years, I’ve written forecasts based on the ancient Taoist system of Five Elements Phase Energetics that predict global trends that affect us personally. By attuning yourself to these forecasts, you can side-step or minimize negative tendencies, whether in health, relationships or finance, and make the most of positive trends.

In Chinese astrology, the Tiger is a dynamic and powerful sign. Its nature is unpredictable, courageous and volatile. Therefore, the Year of the Tiger is usually associated with big change and social turmoil, making 2010 likely to be a volatile year globally and personally. Those who gain an understanding of it through this article and their own spiritual awareness should have the flexibility to adapt to changes and keep a steady hand on the keel through rough waters.

In the Chinese calendar, 2010 is represented by the elements of metal and wood. The elemental interaction is symbolized by an ax cutting down a tree. What this means is the potential for more conflicts on the world’s political stage. It is a more combustible year resulting in increased military engagements. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that a troop surge in Afghanistan will take place, and threats from North Korea and Iran might continue to escalate. It is critical for world leaders to exercise calmness when dealing with confrontations and to seek peace and harmony as the ultimate objective in any interaction.

Dogged by worldwide recession, countries will continue to wrestle each other over protectionist policies enacted in response to weakened domestic economies. However, with optimism from the Tiger, economies around the world should stabilize and improve in 2010. The conflicting dynamics of the metal and wood elements shall spark more volatile times ahead for both the economy and the stock market. Industries favorable for an upturn include precious metals, finance, entertainment, energy, defense industry, high tech, engineering, machinery, cars and airlines. Sectors like banking, insurance and mining will see more stability and investments. Challenging industries that may lag include wood products, paper, newspaper and magazines, fashion, textile, furniture, property development and forestry, as well as ocean shipping, transportation and communications.

Environmentally, 2010 may be challenged by extremes of hot weather and droughts, flooding, man-made damages and natural disasters. Possible environmental disasters include nuclear accidents, earthquake and volcanic eruptions. Evidence of global warming will become more obvious as leaders of nations and industries work to hammer out agreements that will limit greenhouse gas emissions.

On the health front, metal represents the lungs, colon, skin and the immune system. Therefore, you may be predisposed to develop conditions like sinus allergies, infections, asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, constipation, rashes, compromised immunity or autoimmune inflammatory conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and eczema. The Wood element corresponds to the liver, gall bladder and nervous system, which may lead to increased stress, tension, depression, Anxiety, gallstones, hepatitis and cirrhosis. I would advise you to work on prevention of immune, respiratory, digestive and nervous system conditions. Exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet, effectively manage your stress and use herbal and nutritional supplements.

Consistent and regular exercise strengthens your respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Learning and practicing mind-body exercises like tai chi or chi gong will induce deep breathing that helps make your lungs stronger and will reduce stress and tension by lowering your stress hormones. Incorporating functional foods that possess healing properties into your diet helps you to avoid illness. This is the foundation of Chinese medicine. Increasing your intake of the following foods will be beneficial: dill, oregano, cilantro, rosemary, sage, peppermint, turmeric, basil, coriander, fennel, anise, cardamom, ginger, collard greens, Swiss chard, kale, mustard greens, parsley, dandelion greens, daikon radish, turnip, beets, artichoke, pear--especially Asian pear--persimmon, papaya, pineapple, cherry, grape, blueberry, almond, pine nuts and flax seeds while avoiding dairy, alcohol, caffeine, sugar, wheat, deep fried and fatty foods, processed and refined foods, excessive red meat, tomato, eggplant, peppers and potatoes.

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 as if you were using metal such as an ax or chisel to sculpt a beautiful and useful object out of raw wood, you can ride the tiger triumphantly toward your goals. Cultivate patience, kindness and peace so that your interactions with others can promote harmony and love. Take walks and spend time in nature to refresh your lungs. Undertake cleansing and detoxification programs at the start and throughout the year to support your liver and other body functions. Eat well, get plenty of sleep and cultivate health in the five areas of your life—body, mind, spirit, finance and relationships—so that you will manifest balance, wellness and fulfillment in 2010.