In Chinese astrology, the New Year begins on the second new moon after the winter solstice.
Chinese astrology does not offer specific predictions about your future. Instead, it describes the energetic qualities of a particular year. When you understand this, you can structure your goals and activities to align with that energy so you are “swimming with the tide” rather than against it. For example, in a year focused on reflection and consolidation, it may feel easier to slow down, reassess, and refine your plans rather than push ahead with excessive action.
Save major action for a year when the energy is more forward-moving and purposeful (like the year ahead!). When we move in accordance with the flow of energy (Qi), we are in harmony with nature, and life tends to feel more fluid, with less effort or struggle.
There are twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac, each with its own characteristics and bringing its own energy to its year. There are also five elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water), and each animal year is influenced by one of these elements. The elements shape how the animal expresses itself. With twelve animals and 5 elements, the complete cycle lasts 60 years.
2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse. The last Fire Horse year was in 1966 – the year before I was born!
Energetic Characteristics of a Horse Year
2025 was the Year of the Snake. The energy of a Snake Year is one of recalibration – taking stock of where you are, shedding old habits and de-cluttering (like a snake shedding its skin). The energy also supports the development of intuition and wisdom. If you have been flowing with the energy of the Snake Year, you will be well prepared for the dynamic year ahead.
The Chinese New Year of the Horse begins on 17th February 2026. This year is characterised by much more propulsion and momentum than the Snake Year. Think of the qualities of the Horse: speedy, enthusiastic, vibrant, flowing, while also capable of great endurance and strength. This is a year for action and adventure! The Horse also represents freedom – moving forward, unimpeded, with speed, spirit, confidence and purpose.
However, a galloping horse can also be wild, scattered and rebellious – in danger of running out of steam if left unchecked. Compare this with a calm, trained horse: strong, steady, intentionally moving forward at a measured pace with clear direction. Learning how to harness the “wild horse” energy will be essential in making the most of this year.
Energetic Characteristics of a Fire Year
When you think of Fire, warmth and heat likely come to mind. A Fire year expresses action, movement, intensity and passion. Fire is more Yang in nature, moving outward and upward. This high energy can feel powerful and motivating, but it also carries the risk of restlessness or scattered focus. If it moves too fast for too long, burnout becomes a real possibility.
Combining Horse with Fire
As you can see, the energy of the Horse and the Fire element amplify one another. We are entering a strong Yang year – warming, moving and activating. This is not a year for consolidation or prolonged preparation. It is a year for purposeful forward movement, personal growth, and starting (and completing) projects with confidence and endurance, unhindered by too many obstacles. This year brings enthusiasm and passion, underpinned by the gentle, steady, powerful energy of the Horse.
That said, we must avoid moving so rapidly that we lose direction and run out of steam, resulting in a long recovery period. The key theme of a Fire Horse Year is intentional movement with stamina, avoiding burnout while allowing some space for rest and recovery.
Health and the Fire Horse Year
To optimise and maintain our health, we need to balance the fast-paced Fire Horse energy with calming and cooling practices.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Horse is associated with the Heart system (and its paired organ system, the Small Intestine). These govern emotional stability, calmness of mind, mental clarity, circulation, sleep quality and memory. The Fire element is also linked to the Heart system in TCM.
Excess Fire Horse energy may lead to a scattered mind, irritability, impatience, poor sleep, anxiety or heart palpitations. The Heart system can become agitated, leading to a sense of unanchoredness or ungroundedness. We may become unsure and nervous about how to move forward confidently.
When we utilise practices that guide and ground Fire Horse energy (Qi), it can move powerfully and productively, supporting meaningful change without causing burnout. The goal is to harness this dynamic, wild Fire Horse energy and channel it sustainably, rather than letting it impulsively gallop off without direction.
Practices To Optimise Our Health in 2026
In general, focus on healthcare practices which balance Heart Fire and calm the mind. Think cooling, calming and grounding. The aim is to make the most of this dynamic year while staying emotionally centred.
Acupuncture, Chinese herbs, Qigong and Tai Chi. These elements of Traditional Chinese Medicine can help calm the mind and protect the Heart system from excess heat.
Minimise stress, reduce caffeine, and prioritise good sleep to balance Heart Fire.
Eat cooling foods such as cucumber, spinach, courgette, mint, mung beans, barley, pears and watermelon to balance Fire and restore equilibrium. Stay well hydrated. Limit spicy or greasy foods, which may increase internal Heat. (Note: those who tend to feel constitutionally cold may not need excessively cooling foods.)
Physical Exercise. The strong, forward-moving energy of this year may tempt you to overdo it. Regular movement helps channel energy, but it is important to recognise when rest is needed.
Grounding practices such as walking barefoot, stretching and Qigong can provide a stable foundation and prevent exhaustion.
Spend time in nature. Journaling, breathwork and meditation can regulate the nervous system and balance Heart Fire.
Develop awareness around rest and recovery. Balance strong Yang activity with Yin restoration (cooling, moistening, nourishing, replenishing). Avoid becoming overly busy without clear direction. Make intentional plans so that Fire Horse energy moves forward productively.
De-clutter your environment to allow strong Yang Qi to flow freely and without obstruction.
Recommended Qigong Exercises For 2026
Below is a selection of Qigong practices that can help balance strong Yang energy with calming Yin qualities. Choose one for 5-10 minutes, or combine two or three to create your own routine.
Abdominal Breathing – to calm the mind and nourish Yin, helping to anchor Yang energy.
By understanding the energetic qualities of the Fire Horse Year, we place ourselves in the best possible position to harness its potential. Focus on steady, enduring rhythm, clear direction and balanced Yin and Yang. With intentional movement and thoughtful self-care, we can move through 2026 with strength, clarity and vitality.
In the video on this page you can learn 3 acupressure points for trigeminal neuralgia and facial pain caused by Bell’s Palsy, TMJ, tooth issues and jaw clenching. Also you’ll see a link for a Qigong face massage to help improve the circulation of Qi, blood and fluid throughout the face, head and neck area.
3 Acupressure Points For Trigeminal Neuralgia – Introduction
Trigeminal neuralgia manifests as pain in the trigeminal nerve which provides signaling to many parts of the head and face. The pain can be sudden and feel like an electric shock. It is usually caused by a blood vessel putting pressure on the trigeminal nerve at the base of the brain, although can be due to other causes.
Triggers
Trigeminal neuralgia can be triggered by any stimulation of the face such as:
shaving;
touching your face;
brushing your teeth;
a breeze on your face;
smiling;
washing your face;
applying make-up.
Treatment Options
Treatment offered by conventional medicine may include medications, surgery or injections. From a Chinese medical point of view pain is due to a lack of circulation of flow of blood, Qi and/or fluid through the area so we can use acupressure points on the affected channels of Qi flow (meridians) to help improve this. Also, a general QIgong face massage can be very helpful in managing the symptoms arising from not only trigeminal neuralgia but also:
Bell’s palsy;
jaw clenching or teeth grinding;
temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues;
facial paralysis post-stroke;
tooth issues.
Chinese Medicine Methods to Help Relieve Pain
3 Acupressure Points For Trigeminal Neuralgia
We can press or massage specific, beneficial acupuncture points to help manage the symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia using acupressure with the fingers. You can stimulate the 3 acupressure points for trigeminal neuralgia listed below for a couple of minutes a few times per day. Click the name of the point highlighted in blue to find more detail on the exact location of these points.
LARGE INTESTINE 4 – HEGU (contraindicated in pregnancy)
NOTE: These acupressure points are general points to use that may help you but are not a substitute for a thorough Traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis from a qualified practitioner as everyone is different in terms of individual treatment approach. Also, be sure to consult with your healthcare professional if you have not already done so.
Qigong Face Massage
A general self-massage for your face, head and neck can be very helpful in relieving pain because it helps promote the free flow of blood, Qi and fluid through the areas served by the trigeminal nerve. Once circulation becomes more open and free-flowing then the pain may subside. I taught a previous live Qigong class showing you the facial massage and you can follow along by clicking here.
Additional Video Resources & Further Tips
This educational video on Qigong for nerve pain may also be of help to you:
You’ll find many other live Qigong lesson replays on my blog page. Take a look at some of them to find methods that you can easily combine with this one. You can use the search box on the blog page to find any topics you are interested in.
Click the image above to follow along with the Qigong class!
What Can I Do Next?
If you’d like to take your practice to the next level with my structured, step-by-step Space To Relax Qigong programme of 50 video lessons accompanied by audio and PDF files with support from me every step of the way then click here.
To get my free part video series of 3 Qigong lessons which will be delivered to you by email over the course of one week please click here. In these lessons, you’ll learn more about abdominal breathing, Qi movement and how to rid waste Qi. This will help you to feel more relaxed and energised.
If you are new to Qigong you’ll probably find my Ultimate Guide ToHealth and WellbeingWithQigong very helpful. It explains the origins and benefits of Qigong along with 10 beginner Qigong exercises to get you started.
You can click the red “subscribe” button to join my YouTube channel. That way you won’t miss any future Qigong lessons from me.
This Qigong routine is a replay of a previous class showing you a 40-minute Qigong morning practice. This is the perfect way to help relieve stiff muscles and joints in the morning, energise the body and wake up the mind. It was part of a live Qigong class I taught on Zoom.
If you’d like to contribute as a thank you for the class click here. 50% of donations will go to the ICU staff in my local hospital in Co. Kerry. The other 50% goes towards the upkeep of this website.
I have been teaching Qigong for two decades and am a practitioner of acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. My passion is helping people just like you to develop skills, knowledge and tools to rebalance and maintain your health.
40-Minute Qigong Morning Practice – Introduction
If you have time and would like a longer Qigong morning practice than those I’ve previously shared with you then this could be perfect. Sometimes we only have time to practice for a few minutes in the mornings, in which case try the 10-Minute Morning Qigong Routine. However, it really is worth it now and then to spend a bit more time in nature and enjoy some quiet and peaceful early morning Qi! 🙂
40-Minute Qigong Morning Practice – Method
The list below is a reminder of the movements to refer to once you have watched the video. Once you are familiar with them this list will save you time and allow you to take your practice out into nature to enjoy!
You’ll find many other live lesson replays on my blog page. Take a look at some of them to find methods that you can easily combine with this one. You can use the search box on the blog page to find any topics you are interested in.
Click the image above to follow along with the Qigong class!
What Can I Do Next?
If you’d like to take your practice to the next level with my structured, step-by-step Space To Relax Qigong programme of 50 video lessons accompanied by audio and PDF files with support from me every step of the way then click here.
To get my free part video series of 3 Qigong lessons which will be delivered to you by email over the course of one week please click here. In these lessons, you’ll learn more about abdominal breathing, Qi movement and how to rid waste Qi. This will help you to feel more relaxed and energised.
If you are new to Qigong you’ll probably find my Ultimate Guide ToHealth and WellbeingWithQigong very helpful. It explains the origins and benefits of Qigong along with 10 beginner Qigong exercises to get you started.
You can click the red “subscribe” button to join my YouTube channel. That way you won’t miss any future Qigong lessons from me.
This Qigong routine is a replay of a previous class showing you a 30-minute Qigong morning practice. This is the perfect way to help relieve stiff muscles and joints in the morning, energise the body and wake up the mind. It was part of a live Qigong class I taught on Zoom.
If you’d like to contribute as a thank you for the class click here. 50% of donations will go to the ICU staff in my local hospital in Co. Kerry. The other 50% goes towards the upkeep of this website.
I have been teaching Qigong for two decades and am a practitioner of acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. My passion is helping people just like you to develop skills, knowledge and tools to rebalance and maintain your health.
30-Minute Qigong Morning Practice – Introduction
Getting your day off to a good start can often determine how the rest of your day will go. Having a morning routine of Qigong is a great way to enliven the body and mind after sleeping. When we are sleeping circulation of Qi and blood slows. Sometimes in the morning it can take a while for the circulation to increase so we may feel sluggish, stiff in the muscles and joints and mentally “foggy”.
The Qigong routine in the video on this page shows you a simple morning routine to follow along with. It’s 30 minutes long but if you don’t have that much time in the morning to practice, simply select your favourite movements from this routine and spend a few minutes practicing those. Any Qigong practice is better than none at all! 🙂
You’ll find many other live lesson replays on my blog page. Take a look at some of them to find methods that you can easily combine with this one. You can use the search box on the blog page to find any topics you are interested in.
Click the image above to follow along with the Qigong class!
What Can I Do Next?
If you’d like to take your practice to the next level with my structured, step-by-step Space To Relax Qigong programme of 50 video lessons accompanied by audio and PDF files with support from me every step of the way then click here.
To get my free part video series of 3 Qigong lessons which will be delivered to you by email over the course of one week please click here. In these lessons, you’ll learn more about abdominal breathing, Qi movement and how to rid waste Qi. This will help you to feel more relaxed and energised.
If you are new to Qigong you’ll probably find my Ultimate Guide ToHealth and WellbeingWithQigong very helpful. It explains the origins and benefits of Qigong along with 10 beginner Qigong exercises to get you started.
You can click the red “subscribe” button to join my YouTube channel. That way you won’t miss any future Qigong lessons from me.
This video shows you a Qigong healing sound for kidney health and a short “inner smile” meditation to warm and energise the kidney and lower back area. This is a useful routine for winter, the season associated with our Kidney system in Chinese medicine, and the time of year to pay the most attention to protecting our Kidney system from cold.
If you’d like to contribute as a thank you for the class click here. 50% of donations will go to the ICU staff in my local hospital in Co. Kerry. The other 50% goes towards the upkeep of this website.
I have been teaching Qigong for two decades and am a practitioner of acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. My passion is helping people just like you to develop skills, knowledge and tools to rebalance and maintain your health.
Qigong Healing Sound For Kidney – Introduction
In Traditional Chinese Medicine the season associated with the Kidney system is Winter. This is the time when our Kidney system needs a little more attention, bolstering and protection because Kidney is easily damaged by cold.
Our Kidney system is responsible for:
Birth, growth, reproduction and sexuality;
Hair growth;
Fluid balance;
Opening and closing of the “Yin orifices” (urethra and anus);
Lower back, knees and teeth.
When our Kidney system is under pressure or deficient we may observe signs such as:
Premature birth, slow growth in children, loss of libido, fertility issues;
Premature baldness or thinning hair;
Water retention, especially from the waist down;
Incontinence;
Pain, aches, weakness or stiffness in the lower back and/or knees;
Problems with teeth.
In addition to Kidney being susceptible to cold, this system is also easily damaged by the emotions of fear and shock. Its associated taste is salty so a Kidney deficient person may crave salty foods.
The Qigong routine in the video on this page shows you a simple Qigong healing sound for Kidney which helps to rid or “discharge” any sick or waste Qi from the organ system. The second part of the routine is a lovely meditation for the Kidney for you to follow along with.
Use the movements, breath and mind along with the healing sound for Kidney which is “Chui” (pronounced “Chway”). Repeat six times to each side then rest your arms by your sides and observe your body and breathing. Repeat as many times as you wish. Because this is a discharging method then it is best to practice outside or near an open window (but not in a draught) so that the sick Qi dissipates into the atmosphere and does not remain in your living space.
Follow along with my voice for the simple Qigong meditation for Kidney.
Consolidate your practice with a few abdominal breaths.
Additional Video Resources & Further Tips
In addition to this routine of Qigong for muscle and joint stiffness, you may find the routines listed below helpful.
You’ll find many other live lesson replays on my blog page. Take a look at some of them to find methods that you can easily combine with this one. You can use the search box on the blog page to find any topics you are interested in.
Click the image above to follow along with the Qigong class!
What Can I Do Next?
If you’d like to take your practice to the next level with my structured, step-by-step Space To Relax Qigong programme of 50 video lessons accompanied by audio and PDF files with support from me every step of the way then click here.
To get my free part video series of 3 Qigong lessons which will be delivered to you by email over the course of one week please click here. In these lessons, you’ll learn more about abdominal breathing, Qi movement and how to rid waste Qi. This will help you to feel more relaxed and energised.
If you are new to Qigong you’ll probably find my Ultimate Guide ToHealth and WellbeingWithQigong very helpful which explains the origins and benefits of Qigong along with 10 beginner Qigong exercises to get you started.
You can click the red “subscribe” button to join my YouTube channel. That way you won’t miss any future Qigong lessons from me.
This video shows you some Qigong for muscle and joint stiffness. It will help you to create the conditions for free-flowing circulation of blood and Qi throughout your joints and muscles from head to toe, so that you feel less pain, stiffness or discomfort. This is a fantastic routine to practice on awakening in the morning as this is often the time when we feel the most stiffness and lack of flexibility in our physical bodies.
These classes are free and everyone is welcome, however, if you’d like to contribute as a thank you for the class click here. 50% of donations will go to the ICU staff in my local hospital in Co. Kerry. The other 50% goes towards the upkeep of this website.
I have been teaching Qigong for two decades and am a practitioner of acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. My passion is helping people just like you to develop skills, knowledge and tools to rebalance and maintain your health.
You can join my live classes on Zoom on the first Thursday of each month at 4 pm Irish time by clicking here (lesson replays are sent out by email in case you can’t make it).
Qigong For Muscle and Joint Stiffness – Introduction
In a healthy person Qi circulates freely like water flowing in a river. In an unhealthy person it is as if the “river” becomes congested with debris, forming a dam which blocks free flow from one place to the other. When there is blockage or stagnation of Qi, like the dam in the river, it is often most pronounced as it negotiates the nooks and crannies of the joints. This is why we often feel stiffness in our joints rather than in other parts of the body. However the muscles can also feel stiff and achy if they are not well nourished with a free flowing supply of blood, Qi and fluid.
Nearly all moving Qigong methods can help create the conditions for open and free-flowing circulation throughout the muscles and joints. Below is only one example, which will help relieve muscle and joint stiffness from head to toe.
First thing in the morning is often the time when our bodies feel the least flexible so this is an excellent time to perform this simple routine of simple Qigong for muscle and joint stiffness.
Follow along with the Qigong movements I demonstrate in the video below. Be sure to pay equal attention to the breath and focus of the mind as well as the movement.
Consolidate your practice with a few abdominal breaths.
Additional Video Resources & Further Tips
In addition to this routine of Qigong for muscle and joint stiffness, you may find the routines listed below helpful.
You’ll find many other live lesson replays on my blog page. Take a look at some of them to find methods that you can easily combine with this one. You can use the search box on the blog page to find any topics you are interested in.
Click the image above to follow along with the Qigong class!
What Can I Do Next?
To sign up and attend the live online sessions please click here. Classes are free of charge and suitable if you’re a beginner or have more Qigong experience. After you sign up I’ll send details to your email with links to the Zoom classes. Check your junk/spam folders for notifications and then share this information with your family and friends as everyone is more than welcome.
If you’d like to take your practice to the next level with my structured, step-by-step Space To Relax Qigong programme of 50 video lessons accompanied by audio and PDF files with support from me every step of the way then click here.
To get my free part video series of 3 Qigong lessons which will be delivered to you by email over the course of one week please click here. In these lessons, you’ll learn more about abdominal breathing, Qi movement and how to rid waste Qi. This will help you to feel more relaxed and energised.
If you are new to Qigong you’ll probably find my Ultimate Guide ToHealth and WellbeingWithQigong very helpful which explains the origins and benefits of Qigong along with 10 beginner Qigong exercises to get you started.
You can click the red “subscribe” button to join my YouTube channel. That way you won’t miss any future Qigong lessons from me.
