Stepping Into the Year of the Yang Fire Horse
As we enter the Lunar New Year, we move through a powerful energetic transition from the Year of the Yin Wood Snake into the Year of the Yang Fire Horse. February 4th is the official transition to the new year, and February 17th is the celebration.
Take a moment to reflect on this past snake year: Were you able to ease into the idea of slowing down? Was it transformational? Did you shed what no longer fits? Did you feel a reset? Or, was the year pretty neutral?
The Wood Snake year encouraged patience, reflection, and deep inner work. Snake energy moves quietly and intentionally, helping us shed old layers, heal, and lay strong foundations beneath the surface. For many, this past year felt introspective and focused on planning, recovery, and internal growth.
Now the energy shifts.
The Year of the Yang Fire Horse brings warmth, movement, visibility, and momentum. In Chinese medicine, Fire governs joy, connection, circulation, and vitality, and it’s the element associated with the Heart. Yang Fire is expansive and expressive, and when paired with Horse energy, it encourages forward motion, purpose-driven action, and a renewed desire to connect and be seen.
You may notice this year feeling faster or more emotionally charged, with stronger impulses to act, share, and move forward. While this can be inspiring and energizing, it also asks us to be mindful of how we care for the Heart.
Chinese Medicine teacher CT Holman likens the Fire Horse to having “summer solstice energy all year long”. This summertime energy is playful and upward, with “surprise energy”- have fun but remain mindful that what goes up must come down!
Nurturing + Protecting the Heart This Year
In Chinese medicine, the Heart does more than circulate blood- it houses the Shen, or spirit. The Shen governs our emotional balance, mental clarity, sleep, and capacity for joy.
In a strong Fire year, the Shen can become overstimulated. This may show up as anxiety, restless sleep, racing thoughts, emotional sensitivity, or feeling “wired but tired.” The goal this year isn’t to dim the Fire, but to tend it wisely, allowing warmth and inspiration without overwhelm.
Simple ways to support the Heart and Fire element include:
Prioritizing rest and protecting your sleep
Creating space for joy, laughter, and meaningful connection
Staying hydrated and well nourished (yin foods like seaweeds, greens and clear broth soups; eat lighter, smaller meals)
Avoiding constant over-scheduling
Lie down flat to strengthen the water element (balances fire energy)
Bouncing or shaking Qi Gong
Supporting circulation and emotional regulation through acupuncture
Acupuncture is especially helpful during energetic transitions, gently calming the nervous system, regulating Heart energy (Qi), and helping the body adapt to increased Yang activity.
Lunar New Year at Balance Acupuncture
To celebrate the Lunar New Year, we’re sharing goat charms in lucky red envelopes with our patients throughout February! Receive one at your next visit.
The Goat holds the best relationship, energetically, with the horse. They’re besties! The goat symbolizes gentle strength, compassion, harmony, and emotional support. It’s considered a symbol of protection and steady luck, perfect for welcoming a year of momentum while keeping the Heart supported.
A February Invitation
February is a powerful time to support your Heart and nervous system as we enter this new lunar cycle. Seasonal acupuncture helps regulate Fire energy, calm the Shen, improve circulation, and create steadiness during times of change.
Book a February session to support emotional balance, sleep, vitality, and overall well-being! And, don’t forget to pick up your complimentary goat charm while you’re here!
From all of us at Balance Acupuncture, we wish you a joyful and heart-centered Lunar New Year! May this year bring warmth without overwhelm, movement with balance, and a well-nourished Heart as you step into what’s next.
