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.
This is a replay of a Qigong podcast interview “Create More Energy In Your Life” conducted by my Chinese medicine practitioner colleague, Lucy Townsley, who started her own podcast on women’s health in January 2022. She has interviewed a number of fascinating, knowledgable experts about many health matters affecting women and I was fortunate enough to be invited to speak on her podcast.
In this Qigong video interview I emphasise my passion and belief in equipping my clients and Qigong students with tools which they can use to manage their health for themselves. These “Qigong tools” encourage you to take responsibility for your own health, giving you confidence and empowering you so that you no longer feel helpless when it comes to your state of health.
Main Points
In the podcast I explain to you how to:
Annihilate Anxiety
Extinguish Exhaustion
Minimise Mind Chatter
Help Boost Immunity
Qi Gong is a different type of exercise where you don’t force your body to move. You use your breath and mind to lead the body’s movement. This can be helpful if you suffer from pain.
Breathing is a huge part of Qigong. When you breathe in deeply and feel the belly expand out. The diaphragm will then move in different directions, sideways, forwards, backward, up, and down. The benefits of breathing are huge… Breathing brings energy to your body called Qi in Chinese Medicine. Breathing in and out of the nose helps calm the mind and helps with anxiety.
Do you have a place in your body that is painful? If so, I explain how breathing into the area can help ease your pain.
In this podcast, it’s made very clear that anyone can learn how to turn their health around. You can be in control of your life. Once you start on this journey it helps ease any worry of future health concerns.
The most important takeaway for you from my Qigong video interview is to understand that change can happen by allowing rather than forcing things unnaturally. Many Qigong students put in too much effort rather than simply enjoying and observing their practice. 😊
What Can I Do Next?
If you are interested in learning some simple Qigong you can join my live classes on Zoom on the firstThursday of each month at 4 pm Irish time. You can follow the live classes free of charge.
To sign up and attend the live online sessions please click here. Classes are accessible are suitable if you’re a beginner or have more Qigong experience. Once you sign up I’ll send details to your email with links to the Zoom classes. Check your junk/spam folders for notifications as they could end up there. Please share this information with family and friends as everyone is more than welcome.
To get my free part video series of 3 Qigong lessons which will be delivered to you by email please go to my homepage. In these lessons, you’ll learn more about abdominal breathing and Qi movement. In addition, you’ll learn how to rid waste Qi from your body to feel more relaxed and energised.
You can also click the red “subscribe” button to join my YouTube channel. That way, you won’t miss any future Qigong lessons from me.
For more information about Lucy Townsley and to access the free resources on her website please click here.
This video shows you a Qigong exercise and a Qigong meditation to help improve bladder health and manage urinary incontinence. It was taught by myself, Dr. Janice Tucker, the founder of the Space To Relax Programme of Qigong video lessons.
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 every Thursday at 4 pm Irish time. Click here to join us (lesson replays sent out by email in case you can’t make it).
Qigong For Bladder Health and Urinary Incontinence – Introduction
Overactive bladder (OAB) is thought to affect millions of people worldwide. It is defined as a sudden urge, frequency ( more than 8 times in 24 hours) or leakage of urine. It can affect both men (commonly post-prostate issues) and women (commonly post-menopause).
OAB tends to occur more in older adults but can be also caused by the following factors:
Stress and anxiety (fright or flight response);
Medications, e.g. diuretics, antidepressants, sleeping tablets;
Post birth
Post surgery, e.g. prostate surgery;
Constipation (increases pressure on the bladder);
Exercise or actions which increase pressure in the lower abdominal area, e.g. coughing, sneezing, laughing.
The video lesson on this page is divided into two parts showing you:
A Qigong exercise called “Grasping the Feet With Both Hands” (one of the 8 Pieces of Brocade movements) which helps create the conditions for free flow of Qi through the Bladder channel, strengthens the kidneys and benefits the waist and hamstrings.
A Qigong meditation and breathing exercise to help relieve anxiety and stress and calm the nervous system.
Qigong For Bladder Health and Urinary Incontinence – Method
Grasping The Feet With Both Hands
Practice this method by choosing the range of movement which best suits you. Repeat 9 times. NOTE: TAKE CARE WITH FORWARD BENDING IF YOU HAVE ANY ISSUES WITH BLOOD PRESSURE, OSTEOPOROSIS OR LOWER BACK PAIN. Relax and perform a few abdominal breaths.
Qigong Meditation & Breathing
Practice 3 abdominal breaths to settle into your practice. Continue breathing in this way and each time you exhale, let go of physical tension and “melt down” into the floor. Bring your mind to your kidneys, bladder and pelvic floor, keeping it in this area as you continue breathing. Count to 3 as you breathe in and 3 as your breathe out. Repeat 3 times. Count to 4 as you breathe in and 4 as your breathe out. Repeat 3 times. Count to 5 as you breathe in and 5 as your breathe out. Repeat 3 times. Count to 6 as you breathe in and 6 as your breathe out. Repeat 3 times. Consolidate your practice with a few abdominal breaths.
Practice this Qigong meditation twice per day for 2 weeks and observe the frequency of your urge to urinate (it may decrease, even in this short time).
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.
This video shows you a Qigong meditation for deep sleep which helps to calm your mind and relax your body from a lying (supine) posture. It was taught by myself, Dr. Janice Tucker, the founder of the Space To Relax Programme of Qigong video lessons.
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 every Thursday at 4 pm Irish time. Click here to join us (lesson replays sent out by email in case you can’t make it).
Qigong Meditation For Deep Sleep – Introduction
I think you’ll agree that many of us have experienced problems with sleep at one time or another. Sleep problems are all too common and, if left to continue, can develop into long-term interruption of your sleep pattern.
Sleep is connected with so many “re” words like relaxation, repair, rejuvenation, revitalisation, recharging, rehabilitation and restoration so you can imagine the consequences of these functions not taking happening when we enjoy our rest time.
One thing is for sure, if we do not sleep well then we do not wake the next day feeling refreshed and this can have a significant knock-on effect on day-to-day life. We may feel:
physically exhausted;
irritable and short tempered;
unable to concentrate and focus our minds clearly;
stressed and anxious because we are too exhausted to cope with everything we want to do during the day.
The good news is that Qigong and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offer a practical tool that you can use in the management of sleep issues. In TCM terms, we can only enjoy deep and peaceful sleep when we have a calm mind which means a mind without distraction, anxiety or excessive “chatter” when we settle down at night.
The video lesson on this page is divided into two parts showing you:
A comfortable lying down (supine) position which allows for open and free flow of Qi, blood and fluid throughout the body with the result that your body and mind quickly come into a state of relaxation without tension.
A Qigong meditation for deep sleep. Use your breath and mind to focus on total relaxation of your physical body and mind, bringing the mind into the all so important calm state which will allow restful and good quality sleep to happen.
Qigong Meditation For Deep Sleep – Method
Lying Down (Supine) Qigong Posture
Sit on the floor with your knees bent, feet flat on the floor. Lower yourself down slowly to the lie on floor using your arms to support you. Tuck your chin in towards your throat and feel the elongation in the back of your neck, resting your head on a blanket or small pillow. Move your shoulder blades down the back of your body. Feel a natural curve in the lower back. Your knees can be bent or straight. Be sure you are not feeling tightness in your lower back. Rest your hands a few inches away from the sides of your body. Feel length from the base of your spine all the way up to the top of the back of your head. Relax and perform a few abdominal breaths.
Qigong Meditation For Deep Sleep
Firstly, breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth, making the exhalation longer than the inhalation. The aim is to rid sick or turbid Qi from your body. Repeat for 6 breaths. Practice 6 abdominal breaths to settle into your practice. Follow along with my voice as I talk you through the Qigong meditation for deep sleep called “Relax, Expand and Nourish the Heart”. Consolidate your practice with a few abdominal breaths.
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.
This video shows you some Qigong exercises to do when standing in a queue, to help relieve physical tension, negate any frustration as a result of waiting and do something productive in this time. It was taught by myself, Dr. Janice Tucker, the founder of the Space To Relax Programme of Qigong video lessons.
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 every Thursday at 4 pm Irish time. Click here to join us (lesson replays sent out by email in case you can’t make it).
Qigong Exercises To Do When Standing In A Queue – Introduction
When often view standing in a queue and having to wait our turn as a waste of time.
When we stand for long periods in an unbalanced posture this can result in back, hip or knee pain and general tiredness. Emotionally we may become frustrated and impatient with waiting.
The solution to making the best use of this time, alleviating any physical discomfort and emotional irritation is to practice some simple and subtle Qigong. You can use these movements and breathing methods when you are in a queue at the supermarket, post office, in the airport, or anywhere where you have to stand around waiting for any period of time.
The Qigong lesson on this page is divided into 3 sections:
Movements. Movement helps to unblock stagnant Qi (energy), release tension/pain and stiffness from the physical body.
Breathing. Breathing exercises help to increase available oxygen in your body so that you feel less tired and more energetic.
Mind. Use your mind to bring excited, scattered Qi from the head (which can cause frustration, irritation and anxiety) to the lower abdomen (Dan Tian), leading to a more focused, calm and peaceful mind.
Qigong Exercises To Do When Standing In A Queue – Method
Movement. Grow tall from feet to head, finger flicks, sacral pivot, shift weight from side to side, ankle circles.
Breath. Smooth and slow abdominal breathing, exhale from lower abdomen down the legs and through the soles of the feet.
Mind. Scan your body from head to toe, identifying any areas of tension. Moving from head to toe, as you exhale soften and dissolve these areas of tension by relaxing and expanding the area in all directions in your mind’s eye.
Consolidate your practice with a few abdominal breaths.
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.
This video shows you some Qigong for driving without tension or pain (or on a long haul flight/train journey) and includes how to adjust your sitting position and posture along with some simple fatigue relieving movements. It was taught by myself, Dr. Janice Tucker, the founder of the Space To Relax Programme of Qigong video lessons.
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 every Thursday at 4 pm Irish time. Click here to join us (lesson replays sent out by email in case you can’t make it).
Qigong For Driving Without Tension Or Pain – Introduction
When we are driving long distances (or taking a long haul flight or train journey) then our neck and shoulders can often accumulate tension, stiffness or pain. Also, when we sit for long periods of time we may feel heaviness in the legs, stiffness in the back or even sciatic pain which can take some time to recover from after our journey.
Qigong can help you to minimise the negative physical effects of long journeys.
By the end of the class shown in the video on this page you’ll know how to:
Set up your car seat so that’s it’s the most comfortable for you;
Adopt the ideal sitting posture in order to encourage free Qi flow and relieve discomfort while driving (or flying);
Perform some simple Qigong movements and stretches if you are stationary in your car or on a long flight/train/bus journey.
The results of the Qigong sitting position and exercises you may observe include:
Lesspain, tension and stiffness in your neck, shoulders, back, hips and legs;
Less tiredness and exhaustion at the end of your journey.
Qigong For Driving Without Tension Or Pain – Method
Set up your car seat – use a cushion on the seat and a towel or lumbar support for your back. Check the position of your head against the headrest, keeping your head in contact with the headrest at all times.
Qigong sitting posture– Ensure your lower back is pushed well back against the seat, the whole of your back in contact with the seat, your head is in contact with the headrest, your chin tucked back towards the throat and the shoulders pulled back. Note: make sure you monitor this position frequently – a reminder note on your dashboard will help you with this!
Qigong exercises to help relieve tension and stiffness from head to toe.
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.
