Entering the Year of the Fire Horse for Chinese New Year 2026…
The Chinese zodiac rotates through a 12-year cycle of animals, alongside the traditional five elements of fire, earth, metal, and water.
This February, we’ll be shifting from the 2025 energy of the Wood Snake, and moving into the Fire Horse energy of the new year.
Seventh in the Chinese zodiac cycle, the horse represents energy, independence, and perseverance. Those born in the Year of the Horse can be known for their strong desire for freedom and a free-spirited nature.
What does Chinese New Year 2026 mean for our health & wellbeing?
As we enter the Year of the Fire Horse (starting February 17th 2026), we’d like to share how this energetic New Year may influence your health. Read on to find out how you can stay balanced using the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
In TCM, the Horse represents strong Yang energy, movement, and circulation. The Fire element is associated with the Heart and Small Intestine, governing circulation, emotional balance, sleep, and the Shen (spirit/mind).
This is a year that encourages forward motion and transformation — but lasting vitality comes from balance, not excess. Below are seasonal TCM tips to help you stay aligned throughout the year.
Spring: Support Liver Qi & Gentle Movement
Spring is the season of growth and renewal, governed by the Wood element and the Liver, which regulates the smooth flow of Qi throughout the body. During a Fire Horse year, spring movement should be intentional rather than forceful.
Focus on easing tension and encouraging smooth Qi flow.
Helpful tips:
• Gentle stretching, walking, and mindful movement
Dietry Support:
• Light, warming foods
• Leafy greens, sprouts, asparagus
• Reduce greasy or heavy foods, Sour flavours (lemon, pickled vegetables, fermented vegetables) to support Liver function
Acupressure: Liver 3 (Tai Chong) — On the top of the foot, in the soft depression between the first and second toes, about 1–2 finger-widths back from the webbing Smoothes Liver Qi, relieves stress, supports emotional balance and stagnation
Summer: Nourish the Heart & Calm the Shen
Summer corresponds to the Fire element and is the most important season to manage during a Fire Horse year. Excess heat can affect sleep, emotions, and cardiovascular health if not regulated.
Summer and Fire energy peak together this year, making emotional balance and hydration especially important.
Helpful tips:
• Adequate rest and reduced overstimulation
• Protect Yin fluids
• Calm the mind
• Maintain emotional balance
Dietary Support:
• Cooling and hydrating foods
• Watermelon, cucumber, berries, mung beans
• Light meals and adequate hydration
• Limit caffeine, alcohol, charred and spicy foods
Acupressure: Heart 7 (Shen Men) — On the inner wrist crease, in line with the little finger, just beside the tendon. Calms the Shen (mind/spirit), supports sleep, eases anxiety
Autumn: Ground the Energy & Support the Lungs
Autumn relates to the Metal element and the Lungs, which govern breath, immunity, and letting go. This season helps transition Fire energy inward.
Autumn helps us slow down and strengthen immunity.
Helpful tips:
Strengthen immunity
• Regulate breath and posture
• Release physical and emotional tension
Dietary Support:
• Warm, moistening foods
• Pears, white root vegetables, rice, soups and stews
• Avoid excessive raw or cold foods
Acupressure:
Lung 9 (Tai Yuan) – On the wrist crease, on the thumb side, in the hollow where you feel the radial pulse.
Strengthens Lung Qi, supports immunity and breathing
Winter: Restore Kidney Energy & Deep Rest
Winter is governed by the Water element and the Kidneys, the foundation of vitality in TCM. This season is essential for restoring what Fire consumes.
Helpful tips:
• Earlier nights, Deep rest and restoration
• Strengthen Jing (essence)
• Protect the lower back and kidneys from cold
• Prepare for renewal
Dietary Support:
• Warming, nourishing foods
• Bone broths, black beans, sesame seeds, root vegetables
• Slow-cooked meals
• Minimize cold exposure and late nights
Acupressure: Kidney 3 (Tai Xi) — In the hollow between the inner ankle bone and the Achilles tendon. Nourishes Kidney Yin & Yang, anchors excess Fire, restores vitality
A Final Note on Chinese New Year 2026
The Fire Horse year invites us to move forward with clarity and purpose — while remembering that true health comes from honoring both activity and rest.
If you’d like support staying balanced this year, Tuina therapy and TCM-informed care can help regulate Qi, calm the nervous system, and support seasonal transitions.
Wishing you a year of aligned movement, emotional harmony, and resilient health.
Happy Chinese New Year from Mariana and Errol at Touch Tuina Medical Therapy and the Touch Tuina Family
Make this Chinese New Year 2026 work for you with the best intentions and clear manifestations of abundance of health, new projects, calmness, and bountiful energy!
