Last month (January 25, 2020) began the year of the Rat.  It will be a time of plenty, bringing abundance and good fortune to all. Those born in Rat years are clever, humorous, creative, curious, witty, optimistic, yet frugal. Rat individuals are very observant, quick to take action and popular in social circles. They are very instinctive and can adapt easily to different environments and survive against the odds. Rats are nocturnal animals so they often enjoy working at night and staying up until the wee hours, for that is Rat’s creative time. 

2020 will be a powerful year and all decisions made during this year will influence the next 12 years, since Rat is the first in the 12-year cycle of Chinese zodiac signs. Therefore, it is important to get clear about your goals, passions and aspirations. This can be an excellent time to start a business, buy property and accumulate wealth. All ventures begun in Rat years will prosper if well prepared. 

 
February 16, 2018 begins the Chinese New Year. This year will be the Year of the Earth Dog.  Chinese astrology is based on a 12-year cycle, where each year is represented by a different animal- so some people are born in the Year of the Dog, some born in the Year of the Rabbit and so on.  There are 12 animals in a cycle and the cycle repeats every 12 years.
 
It is believed that each animal has particular characteristics that will influence your life, relationships, business, and personality. To find which animal corresponds to your birth year, go here:
https://www.yourchineseastrology.com/zodiac/
 
People born during the Year of Dog are considered sincere, loyal, honest, compassionate and dedicated to justice. Dogs can have strong opinions, are eager to help others and love children.

The five elements (earth, fire, water, metal and wood) also influence Chinese astrology. 2018 is the Year of the Earth Dog, so Earth energy is about getting grounded, creating security, and finding your balance as you move forward. This is a good year to go within for contemplation, so meditation can help. Earth energy moves slow, so if you feel you aren’t making a lot of progress remember that the foundation you lay this year will benefit you in years to come.

Do I tip my acupuncturist?

This can be a gray area since some acupuncturists work in spa-like settings where it is expected that you tip for most everything. I do have patients who will ask me if they are supposed to tip and I tell them the same thing, “No.”

I do not expect my patients to tip me. If you pay for your treatment with a credit or debit card, you will see an option to leave a tip when you sign during the transaction. This is built into the Point of Sale software that allows me to accept credit card payments and I’m not able to change it. I always tell patients to please ignore it. Tips are not necessary.  I find it kind when patients try to tip me, but I tell them to keep their money and go buy a cup of coffee or something special for themselves instead.

As one patient put it so nicely, “I do not tip my doctor or medical professional so I don’t tip for acupuncture.” Well stated. 

What I'm loving this winter…
 
This tube of hemp oil made by Equinox Botanicals.  It’s called Hemp Aid. I picked it up last month because I was curious and I’ve been hearing a lot of good things about hemp oil, but what I love the most about this is that it comes in a stick. Excellent! No greasy mess.
 
My fingertips have a tendency to crack and split due to all this cold weather and hand-washing during cold and flu season. I hate it! I rub this hemp oil stick over my fingertips a few times a day (and especially at bedtime) and voila! healed, smooth fingertips.  I also use it on cuts, scratches (I have two kittens) and rough patches of skin or eczema. I am so impressed with the fast results. I’ll definitely buy more and I love that it’s made in SE Ohio.  

So check out Equinox Botanicals and purchase the Hemp Aid here.