As we welcome the Lunar New Year on January 29th, 2025, we step into the transformative energy of the Yin Wood Snake. Gōng xǐ fā cái / Gong hei fat choy – may this year bring you health, happiness, and prosperity in abundance.

The Yin Wood Snake year offers a harmonious blend of creativity, intuition, and transformation. To explore the energies of this year and how they influence our well-being it is important to look at the different aspects of the year.

  1. Yin Energy: Harmony and Gentle Balance
    Unlike the dynamic Yang energy of 2024, the Yin energy of 2025 brings a more calming and receptive quality. It encourages us to take things slowly, relax, and allow growth to unfold naturally. The Yin aspect softens the drive of Wood and eases the intensity of Snake’s Fire, helping to avoid burnout and encouraging a balanced approach to transformation
  2. Wood Energy: Growth and Change
    Wood energy represents growth, vitality, and the drive for change. While last year’s Yang Wood Dragon encouraged bold, dynamic action, the Yin Wood Snake offers a gentler continuation, emphasizing reflection, intuition, and balanced growth. This year invites us to explore new opportunities and nurture personal and spiritual transformation with greater harmony.
  3. Snake Energy: Fire and Awakening
    The Snake, associated with the element of Fire, brings warmth, transformation, and a spark of mysticism. It is a symbol of awakening consciousness and deep inner exploration. Just as the Snake sheds it’s skin, this year encourages us to shed old patterns, embrace renewal, and ignite our creativity and intuition. Fire energy is playful and pleasure-driven, inviting us to find joy in life’s adventures.

Health and Well-being

From a Chinese Medicine perspective, this year highlights the importance of maintaining balance and nurturing the following organ systems:

  1. Liver (Wood Element): Growth and Envisioning

The Liver is the organ of growth, vision, and flow. It governs the smooth movement of Qi throughout the body and supports decision-making. The Liver is also deeply connected to envisioning a bright future, both physically and metaphorically, in terms of life direction. When the Liver is balanced, we feel inspired, clear-headed, and emotionally steady. However, when it’s out of harmony, we may experience frustration, indecision, or stagnation—which can manifest as physical pain or emotional tension. Anger is the emotion associated with the Liver, and unchecked anger or irritability can further disrupt its flow, creating a cycle of imbalance

To support Liver health:

  • Move regularly: Physical activity helps the Liver maintain the free flow of Qi. Practices like Qigong or simply walking in nature promote circulation and ease tension. Movement can also support emotional balance by releasing pent-up stress.
  • Eat for your Liver: Leafy greens, sour foods like lemons, and fermented options such as sauerkraut or kombucha are delicious choices. Limit caffeine and alcohol intake, as they can overburden the Liver and disrupt its natural flow.
  • Care for your eyes: The Liver is strongly connected to vision, which extends beyond physical sight. Take time to visualize your dreams and open yourself to new possibilities for growth. To soothe irritated eyes, take regular breaks from screens and enjoy a calming chrysanthemum and goji berry tea.
  • Support emotional well-being: The Liver is sensitive to emotions, especially anger, frustration, and stress. Cultivating practices like mindfulness, journaling, or connecting with loved ones can help process emotions and prevent them from becoming stuck.
By caring for the Liver and embracing its Wood energy, you can cultivate vitality, clarity, and a strong sense of direction throughout the year.
  1. Heart & Small Intestine (Fire Element): Joy and Clarity

The Snake’s Fire energy this year highlights the Heart and Small Intestine, emphasizing emotional harmony and discernment. The Small Intestine helps us “separate the pure from the impure” on physical, emotional, and spiritual levels. Fire’s transformative nature invites you to shed old beliefs and behaviors. To nourish these organs:

  • Cultivate joy: Spend time doing what makes you happy and connect with loved ones to foster emotional warmth.
  • Practice discernment: Reflect on what serves your well-being and let go of what no longer benefits you.
  • Trust your intuition: The Snake’s mystical energy enhances your ability to connect with your inner wisdom.
  • Eat mindfully: Focus on nourishing, cooked foods that support digestion. Lightly cooked meals align well with the theme for this year. Bitter is the flavor that supports the Heart, so incorporating bitter greens like radicchio or rocket can be particularly beneficial. If there is too much fire in the body, include cooling foods such as cucumber, watermelon, or mint. Be careful, however, of consuming too much cold, raw food or icy foods as these will damage your digestive fire. Conversely, if there isn’t enough warmth, opt for more warming foods like ginger, cinnamon, or hearty soups to restore balance.
  1. Avoid Overexertion: Balance Yin and Yang

With the expansive energies of Wood and Fire this year, it’s easy to overdo things and risk adrenal fatigue. The Yin aspect reminds us to rest, relax, and restore. Like the Snake basking in the sun, take time to pause and recharge. The gentle Yin quality encourages receptivity, balance, and flow. Remember to balance work with activities that bring joy and relaxation.

Embrace Renewal and Balance

As we navigate the transformative energy of the Yin Wood Snake, remember the importance of balance. Embrace change and growth with the expansive energy of Wood, but temper it with Yin’s receptivity and Fire’s joy. Reflect on what nourishes your body, mind, and spirit, and prioritize practices that promote harmony within and around you.

If you need guidance or support on this journey, consider making an appointment with Tania or your local Chinese medicine practitioner. We can provide personalized care to help you balance your Liver, Heart, and Small Intestine energies, supporting you in navigating the year with vitality and resilience.

May the Year of the Yin Wood Snake bring you transformation, creativity, and joy, as well as a renewed sense of harmony and well-being.

Your feedback and questions are always welcome so please leave a comment below.

For further information on Chinese Medicine contact Tania Grasseschi (Acupuncture, Chinese Herbs, Qigong and Wholefood counselling). Tania is an AHPRA registered practitioner of Chinese Medicine located in Katoomba, NSW and lectured at the Endeavour College of Natural Health Sydney campus for 6 years.

The information provided on this site is for educational purposes only, and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment. Remember that you are responsible for your own health and safety at all times.